Skoda Fabia vRS (2010 – 2013) Review
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Skoda Fabia vRS (2010 – 2013) At A Glance
Great performance from buzzy 1.4 TSI engine. Very precise in corners. Firm but forgiving ride. Nicely weighted steering. Impressively economical.
Not available with a manual gearbox. Interior nothing special. Dropped from range late 2013 due to severe oil consumption problems. Many engines have had to be replaced. Brilliant technology that didn't work.
It was a long time coming - the standard Skoda Fabia was launched in 2007 - but after quite a wait, in 2010 the eagerly anticipated Skoda Fabia vRS was finally launched. The big news is that unlike the old Fabia vRS, this version doesn't use a diesel engine, something which made its predecessor unique. Instead it's powered by a 1.4-litre petrol engine. This may sound far too small for what's supposed to be a 'hot hatch' but thanks to both a turbocharger and supercharger, it offers an impressive 180PS and 250Nm torque.
This is the same engine that's used in the SEAT Ibiza Cupra and it gives the Fabia vRS a rapid 0-62mph time of 7.3 seconds. It's a very impressive unit that's happy to be revved and delivers plenty of pace from low down, so doesn't always need to be worked hard to tap into the power. Unusually, it doesn't come with a manual gearbox though - instead it has a seven-speed DQ200 DSG twin-clutch transmission as standard that comes complete with steering wheel-mounted paddleshifts.
Available as both a five-door hatchback and - for the first time - as an estate, the Skoda Fabia vRS certainly looks the part from the outside with understated but sporty styling, plus there's plenty of scope for personalisation with different coloured roofs, door mirrors and alloy wheels. It's quite disappointing that the interior is so drab, it doesn't have many of the sporting touches you'd expect in a hot hatch like this.
It's a very civilised car though, with a smooth ride on all but the roughest road surfaces while at motorway speeds it's quiet and refined. Other hot hatches may be more driver-focussed, but the vRS is still keen and agile in corners, helped by good feel through the steering and well controlled body roll. But perhaps the biggest selling point for the Fabia vRS is the high level of standard equipment you get along with impressive average fuel economy of more than 45mpg.
Reviews for Skoda Fabia vRS (2010 – 2013)'s top 3 rivals
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Skoda Fabia vRS (2010 – 2013) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.4 TSI 180 to 1.4 TSI 180 Estate
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 30–46 mpg
There's just one engine in the Skoda Fabia vRS and it's no longer a TDI. Instead the vRS now uses a 1.4 TSI engine - a unit that's used in various Skoda, Volkswagen, SEAT and Audi models. It may sound very small, but it boasts more than enough power with 180PS on tap thanks to a turbocharger and supercharger.
Both work together to provide seamless power delivery across the rev range and it's incredibly responsive when you ask it to accelerate, helped by an impressive torque figure of 250Nm from just 2000rpm. That's more than other alternatives with larger engines such as the Renault Clio Renaultsport and as a result 0-62mph takes 7.3 seconds (in both the hatch and estate). On paper that's not as fast as other hot hatches of this size, but the Fabia vRS feels just as quick in everyday driving thank to its ability to pull so strongly in-gear.
The other big advantage to the TSI engine is fuel efficiency. Average economy is 45.6mpg - pretty remarkable considering the performance offered. This is further helped by the seven-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox which can either be driven in fully automatic mode or by using the paddleshifts on the steering wheel to change gear.
Because it uses two clutches the changes are incredibly fast and there's no loss of performance between shifts. It's very smooth too so there's no awkward jerks when changing gear, but while it's an incredibly clever gearbox, it does rob the driver of a sense of involvement which is important in a hot hatch like this. It's simply not as enjoyable as a normal manual gearbox. That said, this suits the more relaxed and grown-up nature of the Fabia vRS compared to hardcore performance alternatives like the Vauxhall Corsa VXR.
On the road the Fabia vRS corners very neatly, thanks to well weighted steering and good body control. There's also an electronic system called XDS which is designed to improve cornering. It uses the ABS to mimic a limited slip differential - so in other words slows down the inside wheel in a bend which makes it more manouevrable and sharper when turning in.
It's certainly an impressive system and in quick corners you'll notice you don't have to work the steering wheel as much, especially useful in tight bends. It means the vRS feels very nimble yet composed and when pushing on, the this gives you plenty of confidence in the Fabia's ability. Despite this, the ride quality is impressive - it's fairly firm as you'd expect, but at the same time not uncomfortable or too stiff. The brakes are very responsive too while all cars come with ESP stability control as standard.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 TSI 180 | 46 mpg | 7.3 s | 148 g/km |
| 1.4 TSI 180 Estate | 46 mpg | 7.3 s | 148 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Skoda Fabia vRS (2010 – 2013)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
82%
Real MPG
30–46 mpg
MPGs submitted
100
Skoda Fabia vRS (2010 – 2013) interior
- Boot space is 315–1485 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4029–4276 mm |
| Width | 1886 mm |
| Height | 1492–1494 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2464 mm |
The interior of the Fabia vRS is a little drab considering this is supposed to be a sporty hatchback. While the outside is understated in terms of looks, the cabin is pretty dull with very few hints that this is the performance version of the Fabia. The black plastics do little to help it stand out and the bulk of it looks just like any other Fabia in the range.
There are a few details such as the vRS badging on the three-spoke steering wheel and chrome trim on the gear lever, but it lacks any of the sporting touches - such as red stitching, metal detailing or bespoke dials - you usually get on top of the range hot hatches. It's well built and comfortable, but doesn't have that special ambience you'd want in a sporty car.
The sports seats are pretty good but again they're very sombre with an ordinary fabric pattern and small vRS badging. They could do with more support too, especially around the thighs and feel too flat to be genuine 'sports' seats. That said, the quality of the interior is excellent. Some of the plastics feel a little on the hard side, but there are soft touch materials on the dash top and everything feels robust and durable, albeit not particularly stylish.
It comes very well equipped as standard which makes the vRS look good value compared to other hot hatches. All cars have 17-inch alloy wheels (available in chrome, dark chrome, black or white), electrically adjustable door mirrors (which are also heated), a trip computer, air conditioning and ESP stability control.
Like the standard Fabia, the vRS is also very practical. The cabin is spacious and there's good room for rear passengers too, helped by the fact that the Fabia is a five-door hatchback - there's no three-door version. It has the same usefully large boot as the standard Fabia with 300 litres of space. Interestingly, the vRS is also available as an estate which is unique for a sporty car of this size. This is the model to go for if you want performance and practicality. It has a cavernous boot and with the seats folded down and can swallow 1460 litres of luggage - that's more than a BMW 3 Series Touring.
Standard equipment from launch (July 2010):
The Fabia vRS comes well equipped with a seven-speed DSG gearbox, 17-inch alloy wheels, XDS electronic differential, three-spoke multifunction leather sports steering wheel, electric front windows, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, ESP, height adjustable driver's and passenger seats, Isofix mounts on outer rear seats, manual air conditioning, front fog lights, a trip computer, a CD stereo, rear spoiler, remote central locking, sports seats and stainless steel pedals.
Skoda Fabia vRS (2010 – 2013) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4029–4276 mm |
| Width | 1886 mm |
| Height | 1492–1494 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2464 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1238–1243 kg |
| Boot Space | 315–1485 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 10000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Space-saving spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £17,555–£18,405 |
| Insurance Groups | 27 |
| Road Tax Bands | F |
| Official MPG | 45.6 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
| Estate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| vRS 1.4 TSI DSG 5dr Auto | £18,405 | 45.6 mpg | 7.3 s |
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| vRS 1.4 TSI 180 DSG 5dr Auto | £17,555 | 45.6 mpg | 7.3 s |
Model History
March 2010
Skoda launched the new Fabia vRS
For the first time ever, Skoda is using a double-supercharged, four-cylinder petrol engine providing 180PS and 250Nm torque, from an engine of just 1.4 litres.
A sophisticated compressor-and-turbo combination increases the engine power smoothly, and the maximum speed of 140 mph (141 mph in the estate version) and 0-62mph acceleration in just 7.3 seconds in both versions mean a sporty driving experience. With fuel consumption of 44.1 mpg, the Fabia vRS offers high power and maximum fuel efficiency.
Both versions boast an newly designed front bumper and integrated fog lamps with integrated LED lights that can be fitted with cornering lights as an option. There are also 17-inch lightweight alloy Gigaro wheels with 205/40 R17 tyres developed specially for the vRS, red brake callipers, tinted windows, a new rear bumper with a diffuser and dual exhaust. Depending on the colour of the body, the roof, roof spoiler and wheels for the Fabia vRS hatchback will be available in a choice of black, white or silver.
The vehicle's sports-tuned chassis - with ESP, ABS and ASR - is designed for powerful dynamic and safe driving performance. To enhance the driving experience, the new XDS electronic differential improves the car's cornering ability. It brakes the inside front wheel electronically to increase the torque on the outside front wheel. Accelerating through corners, the resulting torque gives the vRS impressive agility. A tyre pressure monitor (TMP) and uphill start assistant are standard.
Both the Fabia vRS hatch and estate are fitted with height-adjustable sports seats with vRS logos on the backrests. A height and reach-adjustable, three-spoke leather-wrapped sports steering wheel has paddles for manual control of the seven-speed DSG gearbox. The purity of the interior design is underlined by an Onyx-shaded dashboard and stainless steel pedals with an anti-slip surface.
What to watch out for
There seems to be a problem of tinkling noises from 1.4 TSI engines. Google <1.4 TSI engine failure>, but the posts date back to 2008. One failure was at 80,000km. Others ahve heard tinklings at as little as 3,000 miles. Some owners who have had their cars chipped by Revo to 226PS are having problems, but that isn't really surprising, is it? As far as I can gather it's a timing chain / timing chain tensioner problem. The chains stretch, probably because they are not being properly lubricated, and that's probably because owners are not changing the engine oil and filters frequently enough.
28-11-2011:Numbers of piston failures of superchargerd/turbocharged 1.4TSIs seem to be increasing. Thought to be due to a fuelling problewm that washies lube oil off one of the bores.
28-11-2011:Another report of severe oil consumption, this time of a 15 month old Fabia vRS with the CAVE engine. Using 1 litre in 800 miles. Oil breather modification did not cure it. Consumption increased to 600 miles per litre. Exchange engine offered, but not the revised 1.4 TSI 180PS CTHE unit that apparently solves the problem.
08-08-2012:Report of 13k mile 2011 VRS doing 35mpg and drinking oil. Diagnosed as needing new piston rings.
11-01-2013:Warranty on DSG 7 speed dry clutch DQ200 gearbox extended to 5 years or 150,000 kilometres in Russia and China.
23-02-2013:Complaint of very poor headlights.
22-04-2013:Further report of new Fabia VRS bought in February 2013 using 2 litres of oil in 1,500 miles. So obviously problem not solved by revised 1.4 TSI 180PS engine.
16-05-2013:Yet another report of high oil consumption of Twincharger engine in "sensibly driven" 19,800 mile 2011 VRS. Owner has used 20 litres. Skoda says this is within design limits.
10-06-2013:Yet further report of high oil consumption of 2011 Fabia vRS Twincharger, bought February 2013. Breather modification carried out but high oil consumption continued.
15-09-2013:And yet another report of extremely heavy oil consumption on a Fabia VRS bought in February 2013.
03-10-2013:Being dropped from the range as a result of engine oil consumption problems.
15-10-2013:One more report of excessive ol consumption from 12k mile 2011 Fabia VRS. Engine coil, alternator, ECU plus a list of parts suggested by VAG all replaced. Still has misfire. Car being taken tlo VAG Milton Keynes for further analysis.
11-12-2013:10,000 mile Skoda Fabia VRS reported as using 1 litre of oil every 670 miles.
12-01-2014:Skoda actually bought back a 13k mile 11 reg Favia vRS for £11,000 which was more than retail and more than fair (the car had been off the road for 6 months).
16-04-2014:Another case of high oil consumption leading to replacement of engine of 8,500 mile 2012/62 Skoda Fabia vRS (was using a litre every 450 miles). Only the engine itself was replaced. Turbocharger, supercharger, spark plugs, airfilter from original engine all re-fitted. Whe this is done, owners need to inform the DVLA and get their V5Cs changed to show the new engine number. Fabia vRS owners tend to be very keen and love their cars so this catastrophe has upset them deeply.
20-08-2014:DSG of 50,000 mile 2010 Skoda Fabia vRS failed completely and was replaced FOC, but reader had to pay 30% of the labour charge.
24-02-2016:Two engine failures reported of 2011/61 Skoda Fabia vRS fitted with CAVE 328597 engine. Car bought used in August 2012 at 1,500 miles from Skoda dealer in Scotland. Always used oil. First engine failure at 10,000 miles in December 2012. EPC light came on, accompanied by a loss of power in the car, juddering motion, and misfiring. Engine replaced under warranty by Skoda dealer in Cheshire, then serviced by same dealer at 16-8-2013 and 10-10-2014. Next service on 28-8-2015 at independent. One month later EPC light came on again. Independent found damaged cylinder and melted spark plug. Skoda Customer services advised that they did not class having a service at a 3rd party as holding a full service history, but would consider "goodwill". Car taken to Chechire Skoda dealer who blamed spark plug for engine failure, therefore no goodwill. Eventually offered 10% goodwill from dealer and 20% from Skoda. Car taken to another Skoda dealer, problem analysed and goodwill offer raised to 50%.
12-01-2017:Further report of engine problems with a 2013 Skoda Fabia vRS 1.4 Twincharger at 40,000 miles. Owner had been careful to keep it topped up with the recommended lub oil (about 500 – 700ml per 1,000 miles on average), only used Shell V-Power and had a full service history with a Skoda main dealer. On a 25 mile regular commute, the engine went into limp mode. Turned out it had lost compression due to a piece breaking off one of the valves. The dealer suggested that this could have been caused by some carbon becoming detached. Owner shown cylinder head and it looked more like a diesel car than a petrol, despite being driven 50 miles a day on fast A roads and the high quality fuel we use. Slight damage to valve seating. To re-set the valves, replace the damaged valve and re-assemble the engine, owner was asked to pay over £1,340 – with Skoda already paying 45%.
