2003 Skoda Fabia vRS review from UK and Ireland

Wouldn't start due to sticking relay the day after I took delivery. Took almost a month before the fault was solved.

Windscreen wipers failed twice. Easily fixed by replacing fuse.

First of all the dealer was excellent when the car got dropped off there on the back of a wagon.

Now that I have got the car back I'm very happy with it. It took a bit of time to learn to trust the car again, but now 2 months on there has been no other faults.

Both the economy and the performance is improving with every turn of the key. If economy is your game it is easily able to return 55mpg+ on a good A road! Trouble is the heavy foot that does not that figure down occasionally, giving an average return of about 49mpg. The performance is such that I can't see the front tyres doing too many miles. Overtaking is reassuringly easy, 3rd and 4th gear offering mind boggling acceleration for a diesel, let alone a Skoda.

As I'm only 21 I did get a bit of stick of the less knowledgeable of the lads and all the ladies. Those that do know less are starting to warm to the car, especially when most cars get in the way and the car will pull strongly past them! Eats st170s alive, even kept up with and by doing so embarrassed a Mini Cooper S which did shock both me and it's driver. Although it's obvious in the twisties my vrs would struggle to keep up with the Mini, but did keep up with the Golf GT TDI round them very easily, think he was a bit p***ed off!!!

The front seats are very comfortable with plenty of leg room and ample lateral support. There is a surprising amount of room in the back considering that it is a very small car.

For such a small car it drives like a much bigger one, definitely puts a smile on your face, especially in the 3rd, 4th and the fuel pump!!! Oh and the insurance is good as well.