2004 Skoda Fabia vRS review from UK and Ireland

Nothing.

I read numerous reviews before purchasing my Skoda Fabia vRS; some people claimed it wasn’t quick enough or didn’t handle good enough etc. etc. I bought the car because I am driving about 2,000 miles a month and needed a diesel car. I looked at a Seat Ibiza, but I didn’t care for it in the 5 door, which is really what I needed.

I have only had the car just over 2 weeks, but in that time it has amazed me; the fuel economy hasn’t dropped below 48mpg, the car is comfortable, quiet and refined inside, and you can really see the VW influence in this vehicle. I can cruise up the motorway at 90mph and not have to raise my voice to have a conversation with my passengers.

Performance wise it has been outstanding. OK, it’s not the quickest car from the lights, but who really cares about that; I can have it in 6th gear on the motorway and accelerate relentlessly from 70 up to 120, and it still wants to go. Overtaking is storming; get it in 3rd gear at 30 and you don’t need to change up until you hit 70, which comes up incredibly quick.

I have owned various performance cars before like a Peugeot 205 GTi, BMW 330i and an Astra GTE 16v, and where the Skoda doesn’t feel as quick, it is; but the greatest thing about the Skoda is it is effortless to drive; you can drive it hard all day long, but when you just want to relax on the way home, it will sit back and behave itself quite nicely.

All in all, if you are thinking about getting a Skoda vRS but you are unsure, I would say to you buy one, it is a fantastic Q car, and who really cares about the badge snobbery, let some other muppet pay over the odds for a “VW” or “Audi” badge; the savings you make can take you away for a nice holiday or two, then let's see their faces.