Perhaps the best way to compare Skoda Fabia 1.4 diesel Classic with the Swift
is to look at it as a European car. A good place to get an opinion for
a European car is the Top Gear website, which helped me in my decision.
I arrived at this car after test driving, Fusion, SX4, Aveo,
Indigo, Verna and Swift. And was specifically looking for a diesel car.
Somehow line extension cars like the Aveo, Indigo and petrol like the
SX4 did not appeal. The Fusion just looks dull. Verna diesel blew the
budget.
The Fabia looks almost yummy to eat from the outside
(see ad on YouTube) and is delightfully detailed on the inside. It
feels like driving in a big car. I felt the rattle of the diesel engine
was not an issue inside the cabin, though you can feel the vibrations
along the foot board.
After owning an Indica and test driving
a Swift, I finally felt good looking back at the car I just stepped out
of. After driving a Swift, you step out of the car and feel pretty
ordinary!
I enjoyed driving the Fabia more as it felt more solid
on the road and around bends as compared to the Swift and personally
felt the drive quality was much better. A plus on the Skoda for me (for my height) was
the steering wheel flexibility which is not adjustable in the Swift.
When
I say the Fabia does everything you want it to, I really mean it. What
the car tends to lack in power in comparison and a high torque, makes up for in the
responsiveness while moving from 0-60 km/h.
I've now driven it
1500 kms and it is giving me 17 km/liter of diesel with the a/c within
the city. I don't know about value for money, as I was willing to pay
the extra money over the Swift for this car.
Design, Drive Quality, Interiors, On-Board Panel, ResponsivenessExpensive Parts, The Rattle Noise, No Rear Parking Sensor - Remote Central Lock