My Fabia VRS will be 3 years old in April. Every time I go in to my local dealer they seem to have a different answer to when (if ever) a new VRS will be released. Are Skoda keeping the dealers in the dark? or are they just trying to get me to buy something else they have in stock? Occasional dates such as 'late 2008 or early 2009' are on the web but does anyone know anything further?
Matt
Edited by Pugugly on 25/02/2009 at 17:16
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Matty, sorry I can't answer your question but would offer my tuppence as an ex-vrS driver.
The Fabia vrS was a great car, some might say unique. For the size, cost and relative anonymity, it fair packs a punch. Added great credibility to the Skoda brand and brought a lot of converts through places like Briskoda etc.
Personally I think Skoda will struggle to replicate the appeal of the vrS in the Fabia 2. Nothing to do with the shape etc, just the "novelty" has gone, there was a certain "wolf in sheep's clothing" with the current vrS but everyone got to know it.
The original Fabia was brought out, which was then followed by the vrS that took everyone aback. Now the expectation is already there, and was before the Fabia 2 was released, I think the Fabia 2 vrS will be very critically compared to the original, whereas the original was partly successful due to the fact it was new and had no comparison (unless you think of Ibiza 130 etc)
When I got my vrS it was got on practicality (5 doors), economy (diesel) and sheer enjoyment to drive. There weren't any other cars at the time which offered that for the price and size. But now I think there are a lot more "hot" diesel small cars.
All IMHO of course and yes, I still miss my vrS, but not its beige seats!!
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They can be a nightmare cant they! Thanks BobbyG Some great points and I can echo all the positives that you said. At the time it was almost as if skoda had built a car specifically to my needs! maybe I should stop looking and just be content with what I have!!
Would love to try the twin clutch DSG gearbox that is in the new golfs, my little brother has a Citroen C2 VTR with the paddle shift and it looks like a lot of fun (although the novelty may wear off pretty quickly?). Maybe if they put it in a new VRS? Would it take away more than it adds to an already great car though?
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I read somewhere that VAG aren't giving the new smaller capacity TSI engines to Skoda. The 1.4 unit tuned up or remapped would have been a natural for the Fabia.
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I think if they do make a new vRS it should be a Diesel again, preferably the 2 litre 168 BHP. It was the engine that made the last version and a new one needs to be outstanding in a similar way. Any of the 1.4 TSI's simply won't do and the 140 unit won't lift it above other warm hatches sufficiently. But I can't see it happening for various reasons. Why change the one you have?
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The more I look at other options the less I want to change it. Its been great for 3 years and is still in pretty neat condition (only has 20K on it). Guess its just the thrill of buying a new car that sounds appealing, especially with some of the deals on offer at the minute.
Salesmen knew nothing about a new VRS when I inquired but a workshop guy told me its getting the Turbo/supercharged 1.4 lump. If it does I dont think I'll be joining the queue. The torque and amazing economy is what makes it for me.
Got a feeling that the VRS is going to (hopefully!) be with me for a long time yet. A feeling I'm not at all disappointed with. Its always nice to look though......
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Matty, it is always nice to look.
But its even nicer that once you have looked, you realise how much you love the car you already have and that nothing comes close to it!
Keep it and enjoy it. When my vrS was hitting the 3 years I had done 40k I think and brakes were needing done, couple of tyres required and if memoery serves me right I may nave needed a wishbone or anti-roll bar or something similar replaced.
Remember timing belt needs done at 4 years, I think?
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I think there is some sort of service that includes some expensive work on the turbo (but it may be a memory that I have tried to repress!)
Will parts like the timing belt be changed by age or by miles done?
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Matty do a search or contact the dealer to get full confirmation as VAG changed the spec.
I am pretty sure it is 80k miles or 4 years but check with dealer.
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I love my VRS and as it feels so beautifully put together and has been so reliable, I am going to run it into the ground. There is nothing out there that fits my needs any better so why should I change it. Never heard of a turbo service but timing belt is 60K or 4 years. Go to an indy as dealers charge the earth.
I was told by the dealer that there will be a new VRS out next year but it will probably be a petrol and would be very different from the current car to drive, especially if you, like me, enjoy that high torque effortlessness. If i were to get rid of mine the Alfa MITO at 120 BHP and 236 lb ft torque at 1500rpm. If you want 5 doors and a good price the same gutsy little 1.6 in a Bravo for 11.5 on fiatsupasaver sounds good.
I like Briskoda too. it is a friendly site and I have met some nice people at meets. However ta lot of the folks don't run Skodas any more!
Edited by mattbod on 28/02/2009 at 22:05
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Thanks for everyones contributions to this thread! especially BobbyG.
The mito looks really nice, I saw one up close at the London motorshow. I would be a little bit cautious about the build quality as the show model had started to show the wear and tear (although to be fair I'd imagine that show cars go through an awful lot over the week).
I quite like the look of the Volvo C30, but dont think it has an equivilent engine to the VRS in terms of performance or feel.
Briskoda is excellent too, it saved me at least one trip to the dealer when the fuel flap release cable needed adjusting.
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