vRS 1.4 TSI DSG 5dr Auto Estate

VERY GOOD IN SOME AREAS, BUT RATHER DISAPPOINTING OVERALL

My previous vehicle was a Volvo V40 T4 auto (200bhp and loads of torque), which I bought new and had for 10 years. I bought the Fabia vRS estate as the nearest equivalent in terms of space, power and useability, with a big price advantage over a new Volvo V50.

It has a responsive but thirsty engine - the best I've had so far is 37.5mpg and it's frequently 33-35mpg, despite the fact that I have a light right foot. The quoted 45.6mpg doesn't tally with reality. In addition, I'm surprised how much oil it drinks - I check the level each week and usually need to top it up.

The DSG gearbox is mainly very smooth BUT its habit of losing power for a short period at roundabouts and junctions is very annoying. In my view it's potentially hazardous. The only effective way to get round this is to stop, wait for the software, and then set off again. Slowing down early without applying the brakes often works but if you need to apply the brakes the hesitation kicks in as you reapply the throttle.

The brakes are really excellent (important in a fast car), very progressive and not at all "grabby". The seats are firm and supportive and the driving position allows plenty of adjustment. Space is very good indeed for such a compact car.

The ride quality on anything other than really smooth tarmac is frankly poor - on the roads where I mainly drive the ride is harsh and uncomfortable. Far too much road noise enters the cabin, too. The culprits seem to be the standard 17" alloys and 205/40 ultra low profile tyres. On the plus side, the car does handle very well, with little roll.

As another owner commented, the headlights are poor on dipped beam. The only way to get the instruments panel properly illuminated so you can actually read the dials easily is to drive with sidelights on, and the sidelights are the LED type which seem to annoy oncoming drivers.

I've maybe been spoiled in the past by owners handbooks from Volvo and Honda which were a model of clarity and helpfulness. Skoda's handbook is poorly written (or maybe badly translated), poorly laid out and quite hard to use.

The warranty and roadside support package last for 3 years: I can't at present see any compelling reason to keep the vRS longer than that, which is a great pity. I must say the Volvo T4 was nicer to drive, just as quick, and less temperamental too - though routine servicing costs over the first 3 years look like favouring the vRS over the Volvo.

UPDATE August/September 2012: the vRS estate is well suited to touring, the ride is better at speed on good quality main roads, and the excellent seats and driving position mean you don't emerge tired or with aching muscles. On a trip from North Norfolk to Hampshire we got 44.5 mpg, far better than normal day to day consumption.

UPDATE March 2013: Typical mpg of 35 per gallon but now thoroughly fed up with the amount of noise (wind, road, tyre and mechanical) in the cabin and the harsh, crashy ride on most normal British roads. Also worried about engine & gearbox longer term reliability. Looking to change.

UPDATE: April 2013: car now sold, replaced by a Honda Jazz Hybrid.

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