Skoda’s cut-price Sport Comment
YOUNG drivers on a tight budget are being targeted by Skoda with its latest sheep in wolf’s clothing.
It is a Sport version of the Fabia with a smaller engine, a £1,000 price cut and cheaper insurance.
Costing £8,990 the newcomer uses a 1.2-litre engine developing 64bhp to replace the 75bhp unit of 1.4-litres.
Although announced now the new cheaper Fabia Sport will not take to the roads until September.
Economy will be about ten miles per gallon better at an average of 47mpg, which will represent an average annual fuel saving of £300.
The insurance rating falls one place into group 3, with a typical premium being about £160, which is a reduction of about £15 a year over the 1.4-litre model.
The down side is that there is naturally a reduction in performance, with the 0-60mph acceleration time increasing by almost four and a half seconds to just under 16 seconds.
The top speed is about 15mph lower at just under 100mph but despite this the Sport still looks the part with 15-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, chrome exhaust finishes and a six-CD changer.
It also comes with tinted glass, red seatbelts, electric front windows, air-conditioning and remote central locking.
Playing the name game can be Superb Comment
NAMING children, I firmly believe, should be covered by the child abuse laws.
Oh what a laugh we had cooing and ahhing over a freshly opened bottle of Lambrini at the Christening of young Honi Bea, with not a thought to the torment ahead in the school playground.
Look, I went to school with a John Thomas, obviously all the boys did, but this poor lad spent five years with a nickname vividly descriptive of his given colloquialism. For him education was a jail sentence, let’s call it penile servitude.
At this time I also knew a Les Behan and a Lee King but didn’t really get the joke. And clearly neither did many of my peers because they have grown up to saddle their offspring with such millstones as Mary Christmas, Annette Curtain, Doug Hole and Barry Cade.
And unless your name is Beckham don’t be tempted to name your child after the place of its conception. Brooklyn is fine but Fiesta Back Seat won’t quite cut it at Cubs.
Bringing us neatly to this week’s game of name that car.
By and large the motor industry in Europe has steered well away from the oriental style of naming models after the most obscure thing possible, The Mitsubishi Lettuce, Honda Mysterious Utility and Nissan Homy, which I have to admit I first thought was called the Nissan Horny.
But it has had its moments.
Skoda once had a Rapide which it certainly was not and now have risked using Superb. As things turn out this large four-door saloon is very, very good. Understandable because if it was, nobody would bother buying an Audi A6.
Clever ideas abound. The boot can open in two styles, one a hatch. Then there is an interesting ticket holder in the A pillar and an umbrella in the rear door. To this you can add all those three letter passive safety features, touch screen CD controls, dual climate zones, automatic lights and repeater functions on the leather steering wheel.
What you don’t have to add is a lot of money; £20,845 for the 140bhp SE.
But of course, you want to know why it’s not as perfect as a Sonny Day. With its two-litre turbo diesel engine and sweet six-speed DSG gearbox.
It’s not slow, 10.2 seconds to 60mph, it’s not thirsty at 42mpg and it’s not dirty at 177g/km of carbon. The thing is, while it’s quiet, if it was the Audi equivalent it would be silent.
On the road? Smooth beyond its price bracket. Despite its size the Superb is solid in the corners and quite capable of satisfying enthusiasm.
The question is, why would you want to in a car in the upper medium segment which is clearly equipped for more reserved progress. The interior is huge, sorry did that echo a bit? It is also well finished with a pebble dashing of familiar VW parts.
Frankly, you would have to be as daft as the American couple who named their child Adolf Hitler to dismiss the Superb purely on a name.
Skoda’s mover and shaker Comment
WHEN the Skoda Fabia was launched exactly four years ago it didn’t just stir the supermini scene, it shook it senseless.
Here was a once universally ridiculed manufacturer producing a car of outstanding merit, a genuine world beater that simply lapped up the industry honours.
It was a model that could nail the opposition on price yet provide build, quality, a rewarding driving experience and space.
Nor did it take long for the space race to leap forward, with a product that’s arguably even better than the original.
The Fabia Estate joined the fray 12 months later and made a quick impact.
Like the hatchback, it’s built on the Volkswagen group small car platform, and on a wheelbase that’s longer than that of your average supermini.
So as well as creating a spacious interior it also allowed the designers to create a nicely proportioned small estate.
Skoda would have us believe it is a fun lifestyle vehicle. Certainly it’s practical.
Take space for instance. There’s almost twice the amount you get in the hatchback or saloon and of course the rear seats split and fold too.
Three can sit comfortably in the back, aided by front seats backs that are cut away to allow better knee and legroom. Even the centre passenger isn’t compromised.
Not only is the boot huge, but there’s also a flap to hide contents.
The Fabia’s interior is down to personal taste. If you have kids then avoid the pale two-tone upholstery.
But the VW influence is clear in the solid but featureless slush moulded dash area and facia.
There are three Fabia spec levels – Elegance means you’ve got the top trim and goodies, with Classic being the base offering and Comfort sitting in the middle.
And of the four engine choices in the Estate – two 1.4-litre petrol of 75 and 100bhp and a pair of diesels – the more powerful1.9-litre TDi is the one to go for.
It is a magnificent unit, a high tech turbocharged direct injection diesel developing 100bhp and featuring VW’s advanced Pumpe-Duse system that allows extremely high pressures to be generated ensuring more complete combustion.
Fuel economy, naturally, is a strongpoint with an average in excess of 56 miles per gallon.
As a driver’s car the estate scores well, with direct, nicely weighted steering and agile ride and handling. It’s comfortable, easy to drive and performs particularly well on the motorway.
Even the cheapest model includes driver’s airbag, power steering and sound system. Comfort trim adds twin airbags, anti lock brakes, electric front windows, air-con, trip computer and central locking.
Expect to pay around £5,300 from a dealer for a 1.4-litre Classic 5-door Fabia Estate on a 2001 Y-reg plate, £6,100 for a 1.9 SDi Comfort on the same plate or £9,200 for an 02/02 1.9 TDi in top grade Elegance trim, also from a dealer.
FORECOURT FACTS
Model: Skoda Fabia Estate.
Driving: A combination of precise handling, sure suspension and tip-top traction.
Performance: More than adequate – TDi will shift from 0-62 in 11.5 secs and on to116mph top speed.
Economy: Diesels good for 50mpg, petrol models just below 40.
Safety: Driver’s airbag (twin on Comfort and Elegance), ABS on all models since May 2002.
Recommended Buy: Fabia Estate 1.9 TDi.
Alternatives: Citroen Xsara, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Polo.
This Skoda’s a diesel demon Comment
SOME days are better than others – especially when it comes to getting where you need to be on our so-crowded roads.
I still love driving as much as ever, but five days of snarl-ups seemed to be a recipe for the warmer parts of the underworld not long ago, when I had to do a 180 mile round trip every day for a week.
Now I know that some of you in the Great North may have to do such mileages every day, but I don’t, and after getting well and truly caught on the first day, I was not looking forward to the rest of it.
But the second day brought me a new test car, and with it some ideas on how to avoid the purgatory.
Who would have believed it – a diesel GTi that is really worth the words! The Skoda Fabia VRS is just that, with huge power, great performance and immense economy into the bargain.
The latest diesels are absolutely fabulous and anyone who tells you different is talking out of their hat.
The VW group – including Audi, Seat and Skoda – all use much the same diesel engines and one of the latest on offer is a 130bhp 1.9 PDi.
Who would have thought that so much power could be squeezed from such a small diesel, but VW’s engineers have done that and more, and other makers are catching them up fast..
Skoda took a look at this powerful oil burner, and realised that in a smaller body than it was being used for by VW, they would have a hugely economical hot hatch.
And so the Fabia vRS was born. It’s the range topping model in the five door Fabia range, giving a 0 to 60 sprint in under nine seconds, a top speed of no less than 126mph, a combined economy figure of around 50mpg and low, low emissions of just 151g/km.
These are a serious set of figures, and believe me, it’s an absolute joy to drive, with huge low and mid-range punch from very low revs, and a reasonably slick changing six-speed gearbox to make the best of every acceleration opportunity.
Overtaking in the RS is superb, because there’s so much response from the turbocharged engine. And flat, very swift cornering is helped by lowered suspension – even though it’s already good in the standard cars.
Outside, it has a deeper front bumper and airdam and a matching spoiler on the top of the hatch. Big 16 inch wheels are standard, shod with wide low profile rubber, and all round disc brakes help to hold all the horses in check when needs be.
Inside, rally-type sports seats are finished with black fabric centre panels and light grey sides. And there’s a proper three spoke leather covered steering wheel, plus polished stainless steel pedals with non-slip pads.
Equipment includes twin front airbags, height and reach adjustment for the steering column and height adjustable driver’s seat, remote locking, electric front windows, anti-lock brakes and an eight speaker stereo system.
The Fabia has been at or near the top of the supermini class ever since it came out, and the VRS only enhances and broadens its appeal.
FAST FACTS
Skoda Fabia vRS
Price: £11,990
Mechanical: 130bhp, 1,896cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels vis 6-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 126mph
0-62mph: 9.6 secs
Combined mpg: 55.4
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: 151g/km
BiK rating: 19%.
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage; 3yrs paint; 10yrs anti-rust
CAR STARS.
How does it compare with the rest?
****** = Best * = Worst.
Comfort *****
Performance ******
Thirst ******
Handling ******
Safety ***
Equipment ****
Value ***
Fun Factor ******
Overall Rating: *****
Value added – family hatchbacks Comment
ANYONE looking for some serious value for money from a used family car need look no further than the Skoda Octavia.
Of course there will always be those who ignore the facts and assume that there’s still a stigma attached to the badge.
But since Volkswagen bought the Czech company several years ago the products have continued to improve to the degree that in 2005 the Octavia became the first Skoda to pass the one million production mark.
While the original models, which were produced between 1998 and 2004 are spacious and pleasant to drive, it’s the latest generation cars that have the greatest appeal.
Bigger than their predecessors and with a face similar to the Skoda Superb range, these are extremely practical offerings.
Interior space sees excellent head, shoulder and legroom all round, while there’s a long, deep boot which when the folding rear seats are down offers an estate-like 1,350 litres of space.
Even in base level Classic trim the Octavia provides a pleasant environment featuring supportive seats and well laid-out dash to go with a robust fit and finish all round.
A six-engine line-up ranges from a frugal but underpowered 75bhp 1.4-litre petrol unit to the recommended 140bhp 2.0 TDI PD direct injection diesel and fiery vRS model.
Overall the Octavia is a car that performs well with positive dynamics and good feedback from the steering.
Every model comes with four airbags, anti-lock brakes, central locking, tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, electric front windows, single shot CD player and indicator lights in the door mirrors.
Expect to pay an independent dealer around £6,300 for an Octavia 1.4 Classic on a 2004-54 plate or £9,750 for a 2.0 TDI PD in Ambiente trim.
VOTE conservative has long been the route taken by buyers of family cars and repmobiles.
Some may even say success in the medium-size sector has traditionally been determined by a car’s dullness.
So whether you appreciate the rather bulbous lines of the Nissan Primera or find them a bit overblown, credit is due to Nissan for coming up with a radical design – one that has this year been taken a step further with Primera/Almera replacement the Qashqai.
The Primera’s seating is comfortable with unobstructed views thanks to a high hip point. Seats have deep squabs and high backrests for extra support.
Leg and headroom is excellent for four people, though a centre rear passenger has to make do with a perch, with legs either side of the transmission tunnel.
Hatchback and estate are the only body styles available following the demise of saloon models in 2004.
Primera engines comprise 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol, plus a 2.2-litre Di diesel which was replaced by the far better dCi turbodiesel in early 2003.
A common rail unit, the dCi is mated to a close ratio six-speed manual transmission and returns respectable economy and plenty of punch with a potential range of 750 miles.
Either way, the Primera is a smooth, enjoyable car to drive – nicely balanced and rock solid. Sound proofing too is top notch.
Every model has a rear-view camera, most have satellite navigation and come plugged for hands-free mobile phone, while also boasting air-con, six airbags, ABS, electric windows, remote central locking with anti-hijack feature and a CD/radio with six speakers.
Expect to pay an independent dealer around £7,750 for a Primera 1.8i SE hatchback on a 2004-04 plate or £8,500 for a 2.2 dCi model in top grade T-SPEC trim.
THE VERDICT
MODEL: Skoda Octavia.
DRIVING: Good seat adjustment and fine dynamics ensure a positive, enjoyable driving experience.
PERFORMANCE: Spirited (2.0 TDI and vRS) or sedate (1.4 petrol).
ECONOMY: Engines are economical – 1.9 TDI PD will return average 57mpg – and parts/servicing quite cheap.
SAFETY: Four airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control.
WHAT’S HOT: Build quality, storage space, practicality, value for money.
WHAT’S NOT: Rubbery gearshift, image.
RECOMMENDED BUY: Octavia 1.9 TDI PD Classic hatchback.
STAR RATING (out of five): * * * * *
MODEL: Nissan Primera.
DRIVING: Provided you like the Primera’s shape, it’s a first class car and a delight to drive.
PERFORMANCE: Strong all round, though the dCi unit is infinitely superior to the Di diesel.
ECONOMY: Pretty good all round with economical engines and reasonable running costs.
SAFETY: Six airbags, anti-lock brakes.
WHAT’S HOT: Clean, simple design; strong engines; rear view camera for easy park and reverse.
WHAT’S NOT: High-rise tailgate, centrally-mounted dashboard dials.
RECOMMENDED BUY: Primera 2.2 dCi.
STAR RATING (out of five): * * * *
Fabia – have your cake and eat it Comment
RIGHTLY, since it stopped making cars in a small Slovakian blacksmith’s and moved to a spanking new factory, Skoda has been determined to shed it’s music hall joke image. And succeeded.
Ironic then, that the latest car to roll out of Vlada Boleslav should spawn a tight one-liner: Saw a crash with one of those new Skodas this week … jam and cream everywhere.
Generally speaking the rule is that I don’t credit adverts on the grounds that I have yet to see one credit me. But the Fabia video really can’t pass without at least one comment.
Why?
Peugeot won awards for setting fields of sugarcane alight, Fiat suggested that the Punto was a positive aid to sexual relations – even while Mount Etna is raining down hot pumice and belching sulphur – and if you buy a Citroen C4 you apparently get a free Transformer thrown in. Cool, dad, let’s have one.
Skoda? How to bake a blooming big cake.
Somewhere, and I kid you not, under the murdered forest of press releases on my desk is one that actually gives the recipe for Skoda cake. I’m pretty sure this is the only time I have been delivered a technical specification in pounds and ounces.
This strikes me as rather ungrateful. Across the land motoring hacks have done their best, lecturing the unreconstructed on the new Skoda build quality, the German feel and value-for-money accommodation. Excitement, even, if you drive the Octavia vRS. And in return we get Delia Does Doughnuts.
What is the message: this car has spongy brakes? Perhaps it is the ultimate survival car, something to eat if stranded miles from civilisation. Or maybe Skoda just wants you to feel welcome at any birthday party, any time, any place. Like red Martini.
So then, after driving one or two lemons, the odd shed and some cars that handled like pigs, my first drive in a cake. I commend to you the Skoda Gateaux. Sorry, Fabia 1.4 TDi.
This really is quite tasty.
Liveried with the same royal icing as the car on the telly, the test car has a look of both the Mini and moreso the Suzuki Swift about it. The difference being a vast space gain in the Skoda.
It is, and I cannot make the point strongly enough, a high-value, sensible family car. Therefore it is without any sense of unfairness that I point out the 1.4 has all the straight line performance of syrup. You do not buy this car to start an adrenalin shortage. Arguably you buy it because it does 60mph.
That and family focused accommodation. The Fabia comes in three trim levels – this was a category three car which features air conditioning and alloys, electric heated mirrors, centre arm rest, cruise control and parking sensors in addition to an extensive basic spec including a comprehensive safety package and electric toys. That’s a lot of kit for £12,300
All very nice but not, I would argue, where the real story lies.
You might consider this car if you are in the market for a huge, 30-litre boot, lots of storage and bottle holders and a thoughtfully laid out cabin that has such things as a higher than usual location for the radio to minimise distraction while driving.
This is all pointing in the direction of baby seats and supermarkets. Therefore a 0-60mph figure in excess of 12 seconds is hardly likely to register while masses of leg room and easy four-door access will. Oh, and if you can’t feel the quality I would get yourself checked for a pulse.
Frankly at the price you can have your cake and eat it.
And whatever the Skoda advertising message is meant to be it seems to work. The Fabia was pointed at wherever I went. But then when I stopped and looked my candles had gone out.
SUPERB SKODA Comment
Skoda is billing its Superb model as one of the best cars for towing boats and is displaying the car at this week’s National Boat, Caravan and Outdoor Show at the NEC, Birmingham.
It follows the achievement of the new Superb Elegance 2.0 140 bhp PD TDI being awarded the Caravan Club Towcar of the Year 2009 title.
The Superb GreenLine model has average economy of 55mpg and a CO2 rating of 136g/km.
VANTASTICTHE Volkswagen Racing Cup is to feature the world’s only racing van in the shape of the Caddy TDI.
The Caddy van will be driven by Peter Wyhinny, who had three podium finishes with the turbodiesel van last year. He says: “We are aiming to be a real thorn in the sides of the cars and may even be looking for our first win.”
The first rounds of the Volkswagen Racing Cup take place at the Oulton Park circuit in Cheshire from April 11-13 and then at circuits across the UK until September.
AMERICAN ICONA new Airstream Bambi travel trailer is being launched at this week’s National Boat, Caravan and Outdoor Show and marks the European debut of the brand.
Such is the uniqueness of the tube-shaped Bambi with its appearance of stainless steel that a 1963 model was recently on display at MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Airstream director Stuart Hicks, says: ‘The new two-berth Bambi has been redesigned to meet the needs of European Airstreamers.”
BIPPER BONUSA parts delivery company claims it has reduced its fuel bills by 40% after switching to a fleet of 30 Peugeot Bipper vans.
Kevin Cooper Motor Factors has 17 UK depots and says that with the vehicles averaging up to 55mpg compared to 35mpg for its previous Ford fleet, the company has reduced costs singnificantly.
Company accountant Pat Newport says: “The Bipper vans look compact on the outside but the largest component we carry is an exhaust system for a full-size panel van and that can fit in because the front passenger seat folds flat to the floor and enables us to slide long loads up as far as the dashboard.’
HAMMERED DOWNBRITISH Car Auctions says it sold more cars and vans in January than in any previous January in its history, with more than 90% of the vehicles sold. The average price rose for the third month running, following reductions throughout most of 2008. BCA’s average used car values rose by £300 in January compared to December.
The sales records were achieved at BCA auctions in Blackbushe, Glasgow, Nottingham, Bridgwater, Brighouse, Newcastle, Preston, Paddock Wood and Peterborough.
THE APPRENTICETHE second annual Apprenticeship Week will take place from Monday, February 23 to Friday, February 27.
The Institute of the Motor Industry is encouraging employers to look at the apprenticeship as a means of investing in long term skills development.
Throughout Apprenticeship Week events and awareness-raising activities will take place nationwide.
POWER BOOSTVOLVO has improved its diesel range with the introduction of two new five-cylinder 2.4-litre turbodiesels, the 2.4D and D5. The new engines achieve a significant reduction in CO2 emissions whilst also offering a power boost.
Both engines will be in the Volvo S80 saloon, XC60 crossover and the V70 and XC70 estates from late spring 2009.
Cruise control – sleek saloons Comment
WHEN Skoda, a company for so long the brunt of comic cheap shots, chose in 2002 to name its flagship model the Superb, it was always going to prove either a masterstroke or fresh ammunition for the sceptics.
But the Volkswagen-owned Czech manufacturer can confidently point to the history books, which reveal that back in the 1930s, when Skoda was its country’s leading company, the Superb was a car of distinction.
It continues to be just that, topping a Skoda model range that includes family car the Octavia, the popular Fabia supermini and practical recent offering the Roomster.
The Superb comes with a choice of six engines plus a trio of trim grades and is of such classy and tough build that it would be easy to mistake it for more upmarket rivals – albeit from the same company – like the VW Passat and Audi A6.
It has better interior space than many cars in the luxury class, yet is priced more in line with a Ford Mondeo or Vauxhall Vectra, a benefit transferred to the used market because it makes a terrific second-hand buy.
The Superb also comes lavishly equipped at base level in a segment in which drivers normally need to splash out on options to spec their cars up. Apart from little touches like an umbrella holder in the left rear door and several storage areas, there’s also something called CatVision which gently illuminates the interior when the exterior lights are switched on, allowing the driver to pick out contours and shapes inside the car.
The Superb’s engine ranges offer plenty of options for drivers depending on whether they want something smooth, frugal or sporty. Among the most desirable is the 1.8T with its turbocharged 1,781cc 20-valve unit that produces 150bhp.
Strong performance with plenty of acceleration is guaranteed while control of the car is light and accurate. A pair of 1.9-litre TDI units producing 100 or 130bhp are both spirited and economical while the most powerful oil-burner in the line-up – the 2.5 V6 – offers some serious kick.
Expect to pay a franchised dealer around £8,795 for a 1.9 TDI PD Classic (130) model on a 2003/03 plate or £6,250 for the same model year’s 1.8 T Classic.
IF you’re looking for a car really built to last, one of impeccable quality, you need not look much further than the Volkswagen Passat.
Latest versions hit the showrooms during 2005 and feature a pair of excellent turbodiesels – the 105bhp 1.9 TDI and 140bhp 2.0 TDI – among its line-up which also includes economical FSI petrol units ranging from a 115bhp 1.6-litre up to fiery 3.2 V6.
Prices for these models remains high however and there’s plenty of value to be had from the previous generation, which ran from the turn of the decade until 2004.
There are eight engines to choose from here, but the smooth and refined diesels – especially the 1.9-litre TDI 130bhp – stand out.
Inside, the sturdy yet elegant switchgear and soft touch plastics enhance the cabin along with a dash that looks dramatic at night with its striking blue and red dials.
Space is ample for five adults and the overall feel is one of luxury, very comfortable motoring.
Another strength of the Passat range is that you can climb out of the car after a motorway trip without a hint of weariness or back strain.
The styling is subtle, but handsome and it bears definite comparison with much more expensive executive cars, though people looking for a sporty drive should look elsewhere.
But that’s not the point of the Passat, a car which spoils its occupants with first class materials, lots of room and good levels of standard equipment, safety features and refinement.
All versions feature twin front and side airbags, ABS, remote central locking with alarm, air-con, all round electric windows, on-board computer and sound system. Moving up to SE trim adds 15-inch alloys, CD player, lumbar adjustment on the front seats and velour upholstery.
Expect to pay a franchised dealer around £6,300 for an entry grade 2003-03 Passat 1.8T saloon or £9,250 for the same model year’s 1.9-litre TDI 130 SE. Latest generation cars like a 2005-05 Passat 2.0 Sport FSI with 10,000 miles on the clock would cost closer to £14,000.
THE VERDICT
MODEL: Skoda Superb.
DRIVING: Comfortable, light and accurate to drive with smooth power delivery.
PERFORMANCE: Strong all round.
ECONOMY: Go for the 1.9-litre turbodiesel if you’re after outstanding big-car economy.
SAFETY: All models have front, side and curtain airbags plus anti-lock brakes.
WHAT’S HOT: Understated elegance, smooth ride, plenty of interior space.
WHAT’S NOT: There are still folk who won’t entertain that little green badge.
RECOMMENDED BUY: Superb 1.9 TDI PD Classic
STAR RATING (out of five): * * * * *
MODEL: Volkswagen Passat.
DRIVING: Very positive and comfortable with a lovely feel from the steering.
PERFORMANCE: Loads of punch all round – with possible exception of entry level TDI.
ECONOMY: Average from petrol units, but 1.9 TDIs should return 48mpg minimum.
SAFETY: All models have front and side airbags plus ABS.
WHAT’S HOT: Build quality, classy interior, smooth drive.
WHAT’S NOT: Germanic blandness.
RECOMMENDED BUY: Passat 1.9-litre TDI 130 SE
STAR RATING (out of five): * * * *
Fabia – have your cake and eat it Comment
RIGHTLY, since it stopped making cars in a small Slovakian blacksmith’s and moved to a spanking new factory, Skoda has been determined to shed it’s music hall joke image. And succeeded.
Ironic then, that the latest car to roll out of Vlada Boleslav should spawn a tight one-liner: Saw a crash with one of those new Skodas this week … jam and cream everywhere.
Generally speaking the rule is that I don’t credit adverts on the grounds that I have yet to see one credit me. But the Fabia video really can’t pass without at least one comment.
Why?
Peugeot won awards for setting fields of sugarcane alight, Fiat suggested that the Punto was a positive aid to sexual relations – even while Mount Etna is raining down hot pumice and belching sulphur – and if you buy a Citroen C4 you apparently get a free Transformer thrown in. Cool, dad, let’s have one.
Skoda? How to bake a blooming big cake.
Somewhere, and I kid you not, under the murdered forest of press releases on my desk is one that actually gives the recipe for Skoda cake. I’m pretty sure this is the only time I have been delivered a technical specification in pounds and ounces.
This strikes me as rather ungrateful. Across the land motoring hacks have done their best, lecturing the unreconstructed on the new Skoda build quality, the German feel and value-for-money accommodation. Excitement, even, if you drive the Octavia vRS. And in return we get Delia Does Doughnuts.
What is the message: this car has spongy brakes? Perhaps it is the ultimate survival car, something to eat if stranded miles from civilisation. Or maybe Skoda just wants you to feel welcome at any birthday party, any time, any place. Like red Martini.
So then, after driving one or two lemons, the odd shed and some cars that handled like pigs, my first drive in a cake. I commend to you the Skoda Gateaux. Sorry, Fabia 1.4 TDi.
This really is quite tasty.
Liveried with the same royal icing as the car on the telly, the test car has a look of both the Mini and moreso the Suzuki Swift about it. The difference being a vast space gain in the Skoda.
It is, and I cannot make the point strongly enough, a high-value, sensible family car. Therefore it is without any sense of unfairness that I point out the 1.4 has all the straight line performance of syrup. You do not buy this car to start an adrenalin shortage. Arguably you buy it because it does 60mph.
That and family focused accommodation. The Fabia comes in three trim levels – this was a category three car which features air conditioning and alloys, electric heated mirrors, centre arm rest, cruise control and parking sensors in addition to an extensive basic spec including a comprehensive safety package and electric toys. That’s a lot of kit for£12,300
All very nice but not, I would argue, where the real story lies.
You might consider this car if you are in the market for a huge, 30-litre boot, lots of storage and bottle holders and a thoughtfully laid out cabin that has such things as a higher than usual location for the radio to minimise distraction while driving.
This is all pointing in the direction of baby seats and supermarkets. Therefore a 0-60mph figure in excess of 12 seconds is hardly likely to register while masses of leg room and easy four-door access will. Oh, and if you can’t feel the quality I would get yourself checked for a pulse.
Frankly at the price you can have your cake and eat it.
And whatever the Skoda advertising message is meant to be it seems to work. The Fabia was pointed at wherever I went. But then when I stopped and looked my candles had gone out.