2004 Skoda Fabia vRS review from UK and Ireland

After a totally reliable 40,000 miles and following an uneventful trip home to London from Coventry I was pulling away from a set of traffic light on Whetstone High street when the engine seemed to explode. Having had the car towed to my Skoda dealer in Hertfordshire 29 days ago it still sits awaiting approval for a complete engine rplacement from Skoda. I had nothing, but praise for Skoda customer care until I had a problem and now a month on my car is no nearer to repair than the day it failed, would I recommend or by another Skoda?, probably not. You would be forgiven for thinking the car had been driven hard, but this couldn't be further from the truth. I travel great distances through work each year (typically over 50,000p/a) which adds up to very low maintenance costs as most travel is on the motorway. At the time of going wrong the car had just had it's first replacement set of front tyres (the backs are still like new) and no other parts.

The car is powerful and fun to drive.

Inside is comfortable and spacious with a solid quality feel.

The excessive travel and 'gasy' noise from the brake pedal before braking begins is annoying.

Ride is good, but handling a little soft when going round corners quickly.