A premium hatch with a sedan like feel. - 5000 kms review.

I was looking for a car in exchange to my First generation Honda City done only 34k in seven years. I looked at the few options available.

 

I tried my hands on Ford Fiesta, though it’s a nice cute car I found it little cramped on the back seat and personally was a bit skeptical to go for Ford.

 

Than I also took a TD for Hyundai Verna. I found to be a great engine but the refinement which I was getting even on my old Honda City was missing in Verna.

 

Honda City was the one which I really like in all departments but the new city was on the cards in 3-4 months so I had to burry that from my mind.

 

Also tried the SX4. It really seemed a good car, mileage was less but the interiors were not up to the standards. Also the refinement levels were seriously lacking.

 

Than one fine day I was driving past Skoda showroom and I happen to take a TD for Fabia. One the first note I was really pissed off with its heavy sound though the interior quality really blowed me away. 

 

Finally I settled myself buying the Fabia diesel classic model in Red colour.

 

About the car-  I was told that the first batch of Fabias are entirely imported. Even the battery comes from the Czech plant. The service intervals I’m told are 10,000 kms

 

The music system: The in-dash CD-cum-radio player pretty good. Sadly there are only 4 front-mounted speakers: 2 in the doors, and 2 that bounce off the windscreen.

 

The ground clearance: I take it as accurate the 146mm. That said, we managed to clear all speed breakers without scraping the underpinnings, courtesy the wonderful suspension and that was with a payload of 4 adults.

 

It is impressive that all versions of the Fabia are supplied with dual airbags.

 

The power windows can be shut or opened from the outside (with the engine off), using the keys. Just twist the key in the door lock, hold it a few seconds, and all windows are operated.

 

Ownership Experience - The Fabia delivers adequate performance. Responses to the throttle are also not lightning-quick below 2000rpm, in city traffic, the Fabia’s large cylinders have enough pulling power. Once past 2000rpm, the Fabia is no slouch..

The slick, light gearbox is another matter entirely. It is completely brilliant and even addictive to use. Very positive and light, it slots in without fuss or much effort.

 

Milaege – In the last 6 months of usage of 5000 kms, the car dank a lot initially with the figures of only 11.5 km/l which gradually settled to 18 km/l without AC in winters. The highway figures suggested 21 km/l with 50% AC on.

 

Verdict - The tactile and desirable Fabia delivers all of Skoda’s core values intact, in some way justifying the premium price. Provided you are not hellbent on having a boot, more for more is what the Fabia promises to deliver, and it does. It really is a Fabia feel special.

Good Fuel Economy, Great styling and comfort.Heavy engine sound.