2007 Skoda Fabia 3 review from UK and Ireland

Only had it a couple of weeks, but the heated seat switches were swapped. Driver's switch worked passenger seat and vice versa - not exactly a major problem - but is an electrical glitch that Fabias have a reputation for.

We bought the Fabia3 because we were impressed by our previous Fabia Elegance 1.4 16-valve. The extra touches on the Fabia3 like heated seats, reversing sensors, climatronic air con, front fogs are worth it, although the front armrest is just a nuisance and I need to remove it.

The 1.6 engine develops 105 bhp, and is reckoned to cover 0 to 60 in 10.1 seconds. I imagine it will as it pulls with a satisfying surge, especially around 4000 rpm.

The ride is firm, but comfortable and the car handles well around corners although still is not as responsive and satisfyingly flat around the bends as my 10-year-old 306.

One nuisance is wind noise from the driver's window / door. Others have reported this and it is a pain - it should have been removed at the design stage.

The car is slightly taller than the previous Fabia which means the aerial caught on my garage up and over door - so I've had to source and fit a shorter aerial - £6. Which I did no problems, but was disappointed that the dealer couldn't source one when asked, as normally they're good.

My sister said it looks like a London taxi, and maybe it does a little, but now I quite like it.

The brakes are discs all round, but are nowhere near as sharp as on our previous Fabia. On that I only had to hover over the pedal and the car would screech to a halt in no space at all. They really were excellent. These are just ordinary - I may get them checked after they've settled down.

Overall we're satisfied with the Fabia3 1.6 16-valve petrol. It'll do.