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Skoda Fabia Ambition Plus 1.2 MPI Image

MouthShut Score

66%
3.08 

Leg Room:

Dealer Satisfaction:

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Rs. 5,43,000 (Ex-Showroom)

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Skoda Fabia Ambition Plus 1.2 MPI Reviews

Vizag India
New Skoda Fabia- Bigger Better Stronger
Jan 14, 2011 08:47 AM 16445 Views

The New Skoda Fabia is a much evolved luxury hatchback than most cars in its segment, it may be marginally pricier, but it does justify what it comes with- airbags, better interiors, fit and finish is excellent, ride quality is fantastic like the bigger cars of Skoda, I can say it is as good as that of the Laura.


The space is definitely the biggest in the class, and there is lots of luggage space in the back for a family getaway for the month.


With the new engines both the 1.2 petrol and the 1.2 diesel that are from the VW polo- it now is more efficient and the earlier problems of economy and issues have been addressed with the New Fabia.


Personally I feel The new Fabia will give Punto, Vista, & the new Swift a run for their money!


silvassa India
Goodwill
Jan 02, 2011 07:23 PM 13115 Views

Skoda will windup from India soon if services are not improved and customers are cheated by dealers. I have proof of it. In India customer satisfaction is must which Skoda is failed in giving. The customer care is doing nothing to the complaints.


I m sure Skoda sales will go down and a day will come that Skoda will have to wind up if the present situation goes on. Skoda company should give personal attention to improve thae services and dealers attitude should improve. All India service Center should be opened .Look for dissatisfied customers. Nothing more to write bout the Bad service .


Pune India
Good car in hands of cons
Dec 03, 2010 02:01 PM 15066 Views

This is my first review. I want to tell you that we are first time buyers and don’t have much experience in car buying and all what I am writing is purely based on my personal experience and perception. Please don’t feel offended in case you don’t like any of my opinions.


It all started with thinking of having a vehicle to commute to my work location. Average distance traveled will be 20-25 km. I recently shifted to Pune and was confident that in this place it will be difficult for me to drive 2 wheeler. :)


I decided budget between 4 to 5 L. Started looking for a hatch as it seems sufficient for family of 4. (parents and near future wifey). Wanted to go for Sedan, but can’t find any sedan in that price range except Indigo CS which my office mate asked me to avoid for lack of enough power.  I am not at all a feature freak but I certainly need a spacious, safe, good looking and reliable car. I gone through following vehicles:


i20 Era, Magna:


Pros: looks, Hyundai A. S. S. and lots of features


Cons: I20 comes with a era version (price 5.2L) but kothari dealer from Pune says that they don't sell it without giving much explanation. I persuaded them on this but no use. The next version magna comes around 5.6 and hence I dropped the idea for it. Because I believe then that I can get a Manza or Etios in the same price range which is in a different segment.


Ritz LXI:


Pros: Looks, Maruti A. S. S


Cons: again looks


My gonna be wifey didn’t like its looks and actually hated it. So dropped idea finally.


Swift LXI: Swift is too common.


Indica Vista aura+:


Pros: huge rear leg Space, price, feature rich


Cons: boot space is a bit less compared to punto, polo or fabia, taxi image


Polo trendline:


Pros: Looks, most comfortable seats.


Cons: I can’t bear 6 months waiting period.


Punto active:


pros: build quality, looks and FIAT brand


Cons: Cramped rear leg space and huge turning radius.


Fabia classic:


pros: build quality, space, driver air bag for safety, looks are similar to Swift, from certain reviews looks reliable,


Cons: No power windows in classic version.


Figo:


pros: good leg space, low price, feature rich, good boot space


cons: low height, my wifey hates the look and I thought build quality is not that good.


So overall I thought Fabia is fit to my requirement. The other candidate in second was Indica Vista.


I booked Skoda Fabia classic model (red color) on 3rd November from Asset Auto, Bhandarkar road, Pune, Maharashtra. I was very happy after the booking as sales people(Mr. Garewal) promised me to deliver the car before  my marriage as I had planned.


The delivery date told to me was  30th  November 2010. But after 22nd November when I contacted for the casual inquiry, I was told that the car which I had asked for cannot be delivered on the decided date (they didn’t even bothered to update me about it )and they were insisting me to go for Ambiente version (A different version than I asked for). I visited dealer’s office on 24th November to meet sales manager (Mr. Jewel) and repeated to him that I want the specified car model only and nothing else!


The sales manager told me that he will contact me on the next day. But I didn’t hear anything from those guys.


On 29th November those guys contacted me and again were forcing to take the different model of the car as they cannot provide me the version I had asked for.


Anyway now I have made up my mind and want to cancel the booking. I just want to tell Skoda that I had decided to go for this car as I had trusted your brand “Skoda”. But your con dealers are not doing any good and only making bad impression about Skoda. I feel a bit good when I think about canceling the booking as I don’t have to deal with these people anymore who don’t keep their promises. Many of my friends had warned me not to go for your car due to the kind of service you provide, now I am convinced they were right!


It really seems now a dealers review but can’t help. :)


I therefore want now to go for Vista auta version now. I am getting immediate delivery and quite happy about it. The problem with Vista was taxi image and lesser boot space, but I think I can go with it J


Thanks for reading my review.


YOUR RATING ON

Skoda Fabia Ambition Plus 1.2 MPI
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Still to get one and thinking why ??
Nov 30, 2010 01:26 PM 11263 Views

Booked a Skoda Fabia at their Andheri (W) dealer (AUTOBAHN) Silver color. We were assured delivery within 15 days....  & had completed all the required formalities and payment.  40 days ON still no sign of the car and the dealer clueless... they want us to take the showroom car or a red color which they will make available asap...


Why should I compromise on my requirement when they don't on their prices?


IS it how they plan to function here......?


HOW DO THEY WANT TO RUN A COMPANY WITH SUCH POOR inter network in such a competitive Market or is that they have taken success for granted.....????


replies from Emails to customer care says ... concerned dept will look into the matter please bear with us till then/// .... really? why shud I ? I hv waited for 25 more days already..?


Al tough we had zeroed down on the car because of its performance, looks, & SKODA brand but were not knowing that getting one will be a gruesome task from their dealers. The fellas their just keep on telling we will call u when we get it.. ...  we have to chase them to get the information why can't they give it before hand.... IF the car is really overbooked then they should stop taking bookings and inform the customers accordingly. .. but still the booking is on and the full page advertisements for booking in leading newspapers are on.. which means they are taking us for GRANTED...


their are reviews on MS about bad services more than the Car itself.. which makes one believe that SKODA needs to take CUSTOMERS seriously or else their days will be numbered here.....


Alas.... at the end....


Just wanna cancel my booking and move on with other option....


................. Very bad..


Deepak.


MS id: dear1


Don't ever buy a SKODA
Nov 19, 2010 02:50 PM 14986 Views

I am a person who just loves his Skoda; I know my friends and others who own from a Fabia to a Superb; and each and every one of us have the same crib; the service centers are completely shitty; they only want to slice you off. The minimum they charge you is 6K.


My last service has been the worst ever experience, thanks to Vinayak Skoda in Bangalore. This is how it began.


This happened on 12.Nov.2010. I stay in Pune, but had to be in Bangalore to meet my family. I went there with about 2000 kms to spare for the next service. While there, the dashboard started indicating "INSP" and of course, not wanting any issues on the way back, I called up TAFE Access first (after all I bought our Fabia there). The first mistake of the day:


Kiran - me (on phone)


Hi, I got your number from Just Dial. Is this Skoda service and am I speaking to Louis?


Louis (not sure what he was mad at)


Who the hell gave you this number? Don't you know I am on leave?


Me (thinking to myself, what arrogance)


(thinking again) Oh yea, I forgot that they showed y'day on BBC that you would be on leave!


Me


I am sorry, but can you give me the right number please?


Louis


Why dont you call up Just Dial and take the other number?


What rudeness? Not sure what he eats daily? (food or shit)


Not planning to give up so easily, I called up Vinayak Skoda (from whom I had got my first servicing done)


The lady on the other side of the phone was pleasently mild and understanding, and when I requested her that I would at-least want the oil check and other things done, she was ok with it. She called me in a few minutes and confirmed "come along and drop your car"


I, of course, was delighted about this, and drove all the way from Kengeri Satellite town to KR Puram (manoevering took me about 2.5 hours, even with the NICE road being there)


Upon reaching, the sweet talking receptionist asked me to wait for "5 minutes" and finally, after about 1.5 hours or so, this extremely busy person Nandu comes over to my rescue. you see, these guys literally think they are saving your life. So, what's so different about Nandu? Well, there was! He too was a sweet-talking person! Damn TAFE, I thought to myself; these guys really are cool! But its already 1:00 PM... and the next day morning at 6:00 is when I plan to leave back to Pune


Nandu took a note of all the issues and all the dents and bends on the car.. Then told me "Sir, have your lunch and come here by 6:00, I will give the car in a perfect condition". I went on, "Nandu, what can I do in K.R. Puram? I dont even know if some decent restaurant is here". He was kind enough to guide me to Bhagini (eat all you can for a dollar kind of place). I went there, hogged on some Andhra stye chilli chicken along with rice and was back in an hour. I saw my car still lying in the Sun, till about 3:00 PM or so.


I was asked to wait in the "AC" customer lounge. I did that, watching TV, and dont know when I fell asleep, while sitting.. I suddenly got up and checked my Casio, it was 1/2 past 6 PM. I asked for Nandu, and got the answer that he was very busy and would see me soon. I waited.


There is one man clinged to the front of the bullet train and trying to stop the antagonist, that was the last scene of Speed; Keanu was waiting to get hold of Dennis Hopper and I am trying as much, to get hold of Nandu! The only difference, in the movie, both are getting paid, and here, I am paying and Nandu is getting!


At 7:45 PM, Nandu runs in saying how sorry he was about this delay, and that I need to wait for another 1/2 hour or so. Finally, at 8:45PM, Nandu comes over and says he personally took care of everything and got it done. He said "Sir see I finished the servicing within the same time and you wanted only top up". I didnt know at that time, I will be wishing I had only done the topup!


Of course they dint allow me to take a test drive claiming it was tooo late for them all, and the cashier was more straight-forward in showing out his agitation. "Its 8:45 sir, we too have a home and want to be with our family u c", for which I said "hey sorry, Nandu had finished his work at 5:30 itself, and it was I who asked him to wait as I wanted to see Speed till the end".


Now comes the climax of the day, the bill, Rs. 10, 731! And nothing more I need to pay on top of this, reassured Nandu


Having taken care of this business, I went back home, had a couple of beers and settled down!


We started at 7:00 in the morning to Pune. Hubli is 395 KMS from Bangalore, and on any usual day I need to fill about 1300 Rs. of Petrol to reach there. But not today! I ended up spending Rs. 4000 to reach Hubli!! My car was drinking fuel like a drunkard who's not seen a drop of liquor for a year!! Not knowing what to do (whether to return back to Bangalore and screw up those guys or to spend another 4K to reach Pune) I continued inside Hubli. On the Hubli-Dharwad road, to my good luck, I found Priti Skoda (authorized delaer and service station in Hubli). I went to them, they used some synchronizer or some thing, a sophisticated machine which when plugged to your car can tell you whats fine and what's not! Yet another amazing thing from Skoda. They confirmed everything was fine, and it was time to check the wheels. To the service engineer's and my surprise, he said the brakes were jammed!!! OMG!! I was running on jammed brakes for 390 KMS! They charged me about 400 bucks and closed this issue. I shouted at Nandu over phone and nothing else I could do from there.


So the morals of the story:


Skoda is a fantastic company and all their vehicles are swell... but if they dont do anything about their partners in India, believe me, they will wind up their business here, in a few more months. So we will be owning a car whose parts cost as much as a new Maruti!


The other thing, if you are planning to buy a Skoda, first check with other Skoda owners how the service is in your city and confirm (or check on Mouthshut). They can really leave your pockets with deep holes, and still not get a smile on your face!! Believe me, it seems they are trained to do that successfully.


And finally, I want to sell my Skoda Fabia, any buyers? Skoda, its time you give your ear to the customers, and not just your partners!


And as per Nandu, they have a service target of Rs. 30 Lakhs per quarter, so what else do you think they would do to you?


https://thealchemy.in


Kolkata India
Skoda Fabia petrol is a pathetic GUZZLER.
Oct 30, 2010 04:45 PM 11917 Views

Dear all, I am shocked at the poor performance of the petrol version of the Fabia petrol which I bought in Oct '08. I was promised the moon and more by the dealers in Kolkata, m/s Jia motors but  have been made to suffer ever since I bought it. Skoda has taken the Indian market for a ride with its Fabia petrol. VERY VERY SAD this is. The mileage I am getting is 7 - 8 kmpl (at its best). It is indeed shameful and pathetic for a mere 3 cylinder, 1.2 ltr engine car to give such a poor mileage. A minimum of 10 - 11 kmpl (if not more) is standard expectation from such a small hatchback. Even a 2.4 ltr Honda Accord gives clearly around 8 kmpl in city conditions. SKODA has taken me for a ride on its super ancient guzzler. I feel cheated and helpless.


Sanjay Dutta, Kolkata.


Gurgaon India
Skoda Fabia 2010 Launched
Oct 15, 2010 07:58 AM 16655 Views

With the experience of Tata Aria visit still fresh in my mind, I was in a dilemma when I was asked to visit the showroom to have a first hand experience of the new Fabia. The reason was simple-with the kind of regard I had for the old Fabia, I didn’t want to see a stripped down version and change the image I had in my mind of the first true luxury hatch in India. But, I was left with no choice and had to go to check her out.


One first look at the car and I slightly felt comfortable. The car, though cheap by around 70k compared to the previous avatar, did not look as bad as I had expected. Instead, the fresh new face, with the wider peeled headlamps and bold new grille and the monstrous looking fog lamps, gave it a character, like some of its higher priced siblings. The flow lines from the sides of the bonnet gel with the upper grille so well, and looked inviting. The lower grille had also received fair amount of makeup, and with the low air dam at front, the car gave an impression of a toned up version of the old Fabia.


The car length has also been increased by 8 mm and comes quite close to the line of control between a compact and an entry mid car. The height has also, gone up by 8mm, and the ground clearance by 12mm, which is…huge. Skoda seems to have learnt from the previous experiences with the old Fabia, which never spared a decent speed breaker on its path. The new alloys give it a much bolder stance. But, what came as a shock to me was the fact that Skoda has done away with the elegant sunroof atop the old car. Also the rear wiper as also nowhere to be seen, thanks to the cost lowering exercises. But overall, the car appeared sleek and better poised than the old Fabia. Truly Fab, is it?


Read the full review at


https://automate4u.wordpress.com/2010/10/13/15/


Superhatch - the right term
Aug 16, 2010 01:27 PM 15117 Views

Its been 7 months that I own a Fabia Ambient Petrol and I have done 8000 km in the city of Bangalore.


Advantages:


Strong German build quality. On highway with 5 adults 140 km/hr also the vehicle is absolutely stable.


Mileage of 13 / litre with 50% AC in Bangalore City driving conditions.


The seating arrangement is very comfortable with perfect cushioning for the back and thighs. I am 6 ft tall. Very good leg room and head room for a hatch.(Compared to Swift or I20).


Has ABS and ASR, seat height adjustment, window panes operate with key, rear wiper – all come in very handy and are essential at times(features are uncommon to other hatchs).


Exteriors are very elegant and almost a saloon except for the hatch. Interior plastic qualities are neat.


Servicing once in 15000 km is very convenient.


Disadvantages:


Initial pickup not very great, lacks punch. Probably a 1.4 or 1.6 litre engine would have been better considering the weight of the vehicle. But again mileage would have been an issue.


Service at Bangalore is bad as service centre is at KR Puram, out of city and though initially they promised for a pickup service, it was not provided. Response is not great.


No spare part or accessory can be fitted outside Skoda. Need to buy everything in the showroom. Even seat covers cannot be fitted outside the Skoda showroom.


Spares and accessories are expensive as compared to Maruthi and Hyundai – Rightly so.


Bad resale value.


Should have had more color options.


Chennai India
SUB STANDARD SKODA FABIA-
Aug 12, 2010 08:26 PM 11662 Views

Dear Sir,


This is in reference to the Skoda Fabia Classic 1.2 MPI(C.RED) car bearing


Engine Number:CEV002338 and Chassis Number:TMBAHG5J88A506415 purchased by me


from M/S:GURUDEV MOTORS PVT. LTD.-CHENNAI on 30/09/2008.


I am extremely sorry to inform you that my belief in the quality of a Skoda


car has been completely shattered.


The car has done around 30000 kms so far.


At the 20000km service I had complained about engine not being smooth.


To my utter shock I was informed that the engine head needs to be replaced.On


my enquiring how such a major defect could occur with the car hardly having


run 20000km especially a car which I strongly believed to have been


manufactured by a company of great repute.


I did not get a proper reply The head was replaced under warranty and I was


without a car for nearly a week..


By the time the car completed its 30000km I had asked for a checkup of brakes


which was poor from the date I had purchased.


Again I was in for a shock as I was told that the brake drum needs replacing


and I had to bear the cost.The reason given that it happens sometimes.


I bore the expenses as I could do little having bought a car trusting the


brand name.


Within a week I was in for another shock.The car carrying my child to school


broke down with the engine over heating.


I contacted the helpline and after nearly 2 hours I was asked to bring the


car to the workshop.


This time the fan motor had burnt down.This was replaced under warranty.


However I was told that the timing belt also needs to be replaced, this at my


cost.


I wish to highlight here that even a small car that I am having performed


better and is more reliable.


I feel that I have been cheated and a car of sub standard quality has been


sold to me.


Having spent around Rs.**600000/-(rupees six


lakhs**) for a car I am sure anybody would expect decent quality.


I now would like you to look into this matter and if Skoda Motors believes in


genuinely making amends, especially to a customer who strongly believed that


he was buying a world class product from a world class car manufacture I want


you to arrange for **replacement of the car


immediately.*


I am sure you will appreciate a **customer"s


genuine plight** and arrange for the replacement.


It would be painful if I am


forced to approach the consumer court


for this


Looking forward to your immediate and favourable reply and action.


Regards-V.Natesan-(your customer)


The Reply:


From: SERVICE GURUDEV GUINDY


To: venkataramannatesan@yahoo.com


Cc: managerunit3@gurudevmotors.com


Sent: Fri, August 6, 2010 12:36:55 PM


Subject: Reply for TN07BB6061


Dear Sir,


Greetings from Gurudev Motors! This is with


reference to your query raisedon the sub standard quality of your vehicle.


They are machines which is strongly built but even though there are sometimes


that components fail in general for which the same is covered under


warranty.


We would be pleased to inform you that instead of


repairingthe samecomponent that isreplaced under


warrantyas an entire assembly so that the factory settings are


retained.


Kindly be assured of the quality since the dealer


is well trained in advanceto handle all the situation pertaining to either


it is warranty or paid repairs for your vehicles.


We do hope that we have made your query


clarified in all aspects. For futher clarification feel free please contact to


the below metioned contact number.


Thanks & Regards


Anitha,


Gurudev Motors


Pvt. Ltd,


Guindy,


Chennai -600


032.From: natesan venkataraman


To: SERVICE GURUDEV GUINDY


Cc: customercare@skoda-auto.co.in


Sent: Sat, August 7, 2010 12:32:28 PM


Subject: Re: Reply for TN07BB6061


Thank you very much for your irresponsible and delayed


response.I am happy to note that the manufacturer prefers not to look


into this and expects me to be satisfied with the reply from the dealer


who I strongly feel has sold me a used car I thought any international car manufacturer of repute takes pride in giving warranty for his product not because it is nervous or unsure of the quality of it"s products but as a challenge


that nothing will go wrong with the product for the period


stipulated.I am shocked at this reply from a dealer of Skoda Auto who is


trying to justify the sub standard quality and failures of a Skoda Car


within 20000km and seems to be taking pride in what has happened..Any


way I have sold the car and will never in my dreams consider buying a


Skoda product. Even though I am sure Skoda will not be bothered, I will


strongly publicize to all my friends and relatives of this wonderful


service I have been given to ensure that they are not cheated as I have


been.


The decision to sell my car has been taken due to the fact that


Skoda Auto has behaved in the most irresponsible and in a manner not


befitting an international car manufacturer of repute.


I hope all of you at Skoda will be patting yourselves for having taken a customer who believed in the quality of Skoda cars for a ride literally.THANKS A LOT!!!!


With great regards-V.Natesan


Normal


0


false


Saga on selecting the right hatchback
Jun 29, 2010 05:26 PM 20811 Views

With exuberance in driving cars from past 33 years and having had an opportunity to own and drive Fiat 1100D, Premier Padmini, Ambassador Mark II, III&IV, Maruti 800, Maruti OMNI, Maruti Esteem, Maruti Zen, Tata Estate, Tata Sumo, Fiat Sieana and Toyota Innova, I am fairly experienced in identifying Horses from Donkeys. A phrase of inspiration from my late father was “Kabul mein Gadhe bhee Milte hain aur Ghode bhee” verbatim translation is that in Kabul you get donkeys as well as Horses. The analogy exists with market place where all sorts of items are availbale, one has to be sharp enough not to get trapped.


Ever increasing traffic situation in Delhi, coupled with parking woes, forced me to think on buying a Hatchback with following guide lines in mind with budget not being a constraint.


1.Should have a Good World Class Brand image.


2.Excellent Fit and Finish.


3.Superb ride Quality.


4.Unsweating Airconditioning to tide over scortching heat of North India.


5.Uncompromised Safety and Security.


6.Frugal Fuel Consumption.


7.Prefrably Petrol but no objection on Modern Diesels.


8.Occasional Highway Driving.


9.Optimum Boot Space


In light of above, had a prudent Test Drive of the following available Hatchbacks. Deliberately did not select SKODA FABIA owing to prevailing negative publicity by media on the car Stalling on roads and Highways and relatively unimpressive looks.


1.Volkswagen POLO-: Chilled the excitement with its more than small interiors. A bulk of 110Kg with a height of 6ft like mine Struggled to get in behind the wheel. The passenger seat adult was literally rubbing shoulders. Rear seats appeared to be for children. Rejected outright.


2.Hyundai i20-: Despite a negative feedback from one of its existing owners for ride Quality, ventured a test drive on their CRDi variant. Car was extremely peppy but on high speeds appeared to loose stability. Fit and finish was average but worst part was negotiation of road bumps and pot holes. Rejected.


3.Ford Figo-: Ebony interiors were not for me. Reminded me of my teens and the movies of John Travaolta in his convertibles with similar shade of red, galavanting with nymphs all around. Dash board and Speed o Meter was less than average. Fit and finish could have been better. Rejected.


4.Chevy Beat-: Contemprary interiors, more than peppy drive, good ride Quality but extremely miser on rear leg space and overall shoulder space. Rejected.


5.Fiat Punto-: Car looks were great, interiors were average and a little cramped up. But driving the so called 1.3 Quadrajet was a fiasco. The lady did not budge. Sales person inspired me on their 1.4 FIRE, good pickup but turning radius reminded me of my Fiat Siena. The sales person was non comittal on the FE of 1.4 FIRE. Could be Considered.


6.Honda Jazz-: Looks were appealing, Fit Finish, just what I was looking for, Cabin Space appeared to be just made for me. Driving was a struggle between II and III gear but all other goodies overshadowed this minus. Selected and decided to finalize on their Select Variant with Alloy Wheels and rear fabble tray it after return from a conference in Macau.


During the conference casually mentioned to a peer business friend, intention on buying Honda Jazz after seeing one zoom past. A very serious advice retorted from him to try the SKODA FABIA 1.4TDI. In the recent past he had bought the 1.2HTP and was more than satisfied. I took it as a casual advice and got busy with my business program.


After returning from a hectic conference week in Macau, was yearning to drive the new Honda Jazz, but at the back of the mind advice from the friend to try SKODA FABIA was floating. Anyway decided to give a casual try and then proceed to Honda Showroom which was near SKODA outlet.


Fahrenheit Automobiles, Moti Nagar had a good display of various trims of SKODA Fabia ranging from Classic, to Ambientte, to Elegance. Mind you it was love at First Sight on seeing the Brilliant Silver Elegance having chic interiors, dual tone black and beige dash board, roomy interiors, solid built. A thorough test drive on Shivaji Marg, sealed the decision on SKODA FABIA 1.4 TDI Elegance.


This was followed by negotiations and was able to strike a good deal with almost immediate delivery on 23/05/2010.


Have had an opportunity to drive around 900Km in last 10 days of ownership. One Highway trip to Haridwar and back on the same day. Average has clocked around 17Kmpl. Best part of Highway driving is the turbo kicking in when tapped, especially overtaking on two lane roads, with swiftness to avoid oncoming traffic. Owing to run in restrictions did not cross 90Km/h but Fabia appeared to be more deparate than me to go on higher speeds.


Nitrogen blow in all tyres is just fantastic. Shall switch to this great thing on all other cars. Noisy TDI PD engine has been slightly subdued by negotiating an Engine Noise Cover from Fahrenheit. A suggestion to SKODA to give this accessory as standard equipment. Another analysis, Fabia 1.4TDI PD is more noisy especially during idling owing to 3-Cylinder


Outdated engine sold at premium price
Apr 24, 2010 12:14 AM 11338 Views

The Fabia is offered in Europe with a variety of 7 modern, fuel-efficient engines, including 1.2 TSI and 1.9 TSI.


But in India, Skoda is suckering the public with outdated 3 cylinder 1.2 MPI and 1.4 PD TDI engines that have been junked everywhere else years ago. On top of it, we are asked to pay the premium price of Rs. 7-9 Lakhs for the claimed "Super Hatch"!


On test driving Skoda Fabia 1.2 MPI Ambiente in Kanpur, I came away with an engine that quickly stalls or runs out of steam at highway speeds. There was no pick-up with AC on and the car protested with a loud howl everytime I tried to accelerate past trucks and other slow traffic. It took a long time (even slower than an old "Premier Padmini") to reach 100 kmph with four people on board and with AC on.


But the Skoda dealers feel they are doing Indians a favour by selling their "gold plated" car. Ms Vishal Cars in Kanpur even lied miserably to claim that the 1.2 MPI Fabia I drove in March was Euro IV compliant, when Skoda's own website said it was only Euro III. Furthermore, there was a tendency to blind-side a potential customer like me with wrong claims about Fabia's features (like Parking sensors, projector headlamps) that I later found out were only available in the top "Elegance" variant. Good thing I did not fall for the car!!


Low mileage and performance
Mar 11, 2010 04:03 PM 13855 Views

I owned a Skoda Fabia 1.2 htp petrol fabia where initially it was good and just after a month from the date of purchase it started giving me  problems such as:


1) the where in it gave me a useless mileage of 7-8 kmpl in city -with 50% a.c on and 8.5 kmpl on highway and if I rip hard .say about a rpm of 3000-4500 then showing me the result of some where 6 kmpl. Seriously a sad tiny 3-cylinder engine where in its working hard to pull a heavy car.


It's something like a e.g{santro's 1100 cc engine being fitted into Hyundai verna}. The engine is really sluggish, slow and under-power and inefficient(petrol) and very noisy, you can say that the diesel swift is much silent when compare to the petrol 1.2 liter engine of skoda fabia,


Overall, the car was well built and beautiful independent spring suspension and I loved its high dash board quality and worst thing was the engine would vibrate like hell!


And the a/c compressor of my car had problem. Overall, I loved its ride quality and the driver seat had good comfort . Except for mileage and on the other hand the performance was also not that good with a great difficulty the car would touch 140 on my speedo meter and get out of breath


The performance on the other hand was real sad and if at all. If the performance was good, I would have compromised on mileage and if the mileage was good, I would have compromised on performance. Here in these skoka junk. Neither the performance was good nor the mileage.which forced me 2 sell my 2008 red fabia which I bought on May, which had clocked only 15000 kms.


Sold for only 4.5 lac because of it sad resale value's.


Love at first drive, Fabia
Mar 08, 2010 07:24 PM 11936 Views

I am not driving much and I love WagonR for last 5 years(almost). Now I am upgrading to Fabia.


Before confirming to Fabia, First I have seen Honda Jazz (ths is an excellent car, but expensive 8.5 laks on road, Bangalore). Then I went to Hyundai i20 this one also good but no family member likes it. With my knowledge this is budget car and all most all kind of facilities available in i20 as same range of cars together but ground clearance is not good as I had a test in Sadashiv Nagar. Then had a look at new Ford Figo but not successful. then heared about Polo but not yet a single show piece. so I thought i20 or Jazz. Due to budget issue I preferred i20. But before going to show room I went to Chevrolet Beat but not worked out. from there on the way I went to Skoda had a look at Fabia and then love in first drive. I may right or wrong after looking at above all cars Fabia is really good and as of now I did not face any issue with dealer (TAFE Access). I had a test drive (it was a simple drive for 5 mins) and then booked it by giving a small amount. Then looked around the world of internet comments and almost feared to have a Fabia, except Overdrive expert comments almost everybody is telling not Fabia. Then I took all issues and then went to TAFE Access after one week that is on 06-Mar-2010 around 4 to 5 pm.


I have discussed all issues like customer service, ground clearance, maintenance, cost of parts. Damodar (Manager or Higher at TAFE Access) said I can't prove service right now but he said take the car test it whatever you want. I asked him that I would like to test it on highway for 45 kms (one way, up to Chikballapur)  then I got a reply that why morning now itself you can take it and test it whatever the way you want and if you satisfy you can come back. I did not leave it and I took it and went to test it but not Chikballapur but where ever I tested Jazz and i20. Now I am happy with it and I am taking Fabia Ambiente for Ugadi. If there is any issue I will update same. One more thing there is 50K discount now. So it is not that much burden to me and lesserthan i20. I had a look at POLO too but I am with Fabia Ambiente.


Note: Please give any specific example if you are not satisfied and no simply BAD, SAD or WORST.


Skoda is giving 0 depreciation insurance which will make maintenance less cost.


Gandhinagar India
The Fabia experience: A review
Feb 08, 2010 09:18 AM 20524 Views

When I was on the look out for a new car, I was primarily focused on a machine that would give better space than the Matiz , that I was then driving, better brand durability and better drive as an add on. Bcoz I felt that the Matiz is already a very drivable vehicle and also economical. When I was doing my research, my choices were narrowing down to the i20, Dzire and Fabia.


The i20 wasn’t great on economy and more importantly it had that low-floor seating look that I dint fancy, add to that a bit of too-much styling and curves. The Dzire seemed to be an obvious choice and therefore I took a test drive of it. The ride was peppy but as bumpy as the Matiz , which means that no upgrade on the drivability factor for me, the cabin (esp in the rear) was cramped and worse, the diesel had a long waiting list. But the worst feature of Dzire that I just could not quite swallow is the monstrous rear. The back of the Dzire looks like it belongs to a middle-aged obese woman. Every time I get in and out of the car, it is important for me to feel good about it. Therefore, my choice was narrowed to the Skoda Fabia. The very thought initially horrified me due to the auto-makers reputation of catering to the elite and the luxury segment. Besides I have read adverse reports of Skoda’s service back-up. I was advised by all and sundry that the Fabia purchase would leave a huge dent in my pocket. Except that there was this one motor enthusiast who said that the machine does not deserve any comparisons and that it is to be judged by itself.


When I took a test drive of the Fabia TDI classic, I was floored by the slickness of the gear shift, the pick up was exhilarating and the way it negotiated turns and bumps left me speechless. The finish both inside and outside felt so precise, it was simple and beautiful and the vehicle had grace about it. When I left the showroom, my Matiz drove like a 3-4 Ton truck. I said to myself, that this is probably the last car that I’m going to purchase for a while and before I enter an age bracket when the finer things of life don’t matter anymore. I must pamper myself NOW. So I went ahead, put in the extra moolah, and bought the Fabia TDI classic.


It is more than 6 months now and I have logged about 11000 Km. I have done long distances from Chennai to Hyderabad and from Hyderabad to Ahmedabad.


I keep pinching myself even now as I find the comfort and drive just unbelievable. The braking is so assured and the vehicle inspires confidence even at speeds of 120-140kmph. Every little feature in the vehicle is very thoughtfully designed and it sinks into you only after you drive it around for 2-3 months. The power windows are very responsive and operate on a single touch all the way; you can even close them after alighting the vehicle with the key. The music system (especially the console) is so utterly functional and user friendly, it plays all formats of music. I have met Fabia owners who cribbed about the front-speakers-only feature, but for my type of guy who needs soothing clear music, it serves just fine. The one touch side-indicator-lever is extremely useful for lane-changing and a unique feature. The two-way adjustable steering and the seat incline work great.


For my long drives, I loaded three strolley-cases (one each for my wife, kid and self), one hot case, one water camper and one airbag in the boot; for me that was space just right in terms of adequateness. For all those who may wince about buying a hatchback would realize that it is just a mental thing once they get used to the Fabia space. When I checked the stats, the cabin space, in terms of length, was marginally better than the Dzire though the width was marginally less. The Fabia is easily maneuverable in parking areas too. The wind screen wash function, the solid doors, the cold chocolate box are all little pleasurable add-ons. The Fabia diesel gives me 15kpl (normal diesel) in the madcap, rush hour traffic, with full ac on and 22kpl on the highways while driving in the speed range of 70-120 kmph.


As regards the infamous skoda service, I broke my side-view mirror within the first month and had to go to skoda service. I found the service courteous and prompt to my surprise and when they did not have the spare due to color miss match, they re-directed me to the next service center where the same was painted for a match and fitted. I have done my first servicing at 9900 Km and the service, at MG road Secunderabad, was again responsive and prompt. The estimate they gave me before the service for consumables was accurate ( Rs 4000) and they even replaced the external side-view mirror adjustment device free-of-cost on warranty, for improper operation, when I dint even complain about it.


SKODA FABIA IS A PIECE OF SHI T
Jan 09, 2010 09:13 PM 14531 Views

SKODA FABIA IS A PIECE OF SHI T, I am very much disappointed, Tyre pressure is supposed to be 30 PSI and the Shock absorbers does not handle that kind of tyre pressure, with less tyre pressure very low gas mileage, some times small stones enter into front brake pads and makes abnormal noise, this is not designed to the indian roads, I wish I had gone for Maruthi Swift.


Excellent Build Quality! Poor on Performance!!
Dec 14, 2009 01:15 PM 14221 Views

As mentioned in my i20 review, I am test driving some of the hatches in the Indian market this week. The review object this time around is the Skoda Fabia Ambiente 1.2


Exterior Looks & build quality


I had a lot of expectations out of this car having seen some of those well-built premium Skodas on the Indian roads. The Skoda Fabia doesn't disappoint you at all when it comes to the looks, sturdiness and overall build and ride quality. From the front the car looks neat and carries that unimstakable Skoda grill and beautiful emblem. From front to rear the car looks neat and well propotioned unlike the Maruti Swift that suddenly wraps up toward the rear. The looks from the sides could have been better but I buy their idea that more squarish means more safety(Like Volvos). The rear is quite beautiful as well with a neat tail lamp and the beautiful emblem. Overall, from plastics to paint the car looks awesome!


Interiors


As you get into the car, the immediate thing you would notice is the heaviness of the doors. Man! It's quite some steel out there, I am sure this is no ordinary build. And you slam the door you will hear more metallic sound than a thud(improvement area: The door rubber beading). But once you're within the doors, you feel like you are in a heavy iron cage and safe!


The Skoda Fabia boasts exceptionally well built interiors as well - especially the dashboard area, four-spoke steering wheel and the door panels. The dash looks as good as any upper C-segment car or even better than a New Honda City. The steering feels firm and nice. All controls are well positioned including the ones on the floor(Aux port, 12V/cig lighter jack etc) between driver and co-passenger. The seat height adjustment is available for driver and co-passenger. The steering is rake/reach adjustable and the driver side airbag area looked neat(I didn't like this part of i20). Overall, I liked the feel as a driver except for the funny joystick type ORVM adjustment switch. It was really funny to handle it especially when adjusting the left mirror.


As for the seat fabric, it was better than that of the i20 but still not really top end. For the pricing, they should have done a better job here. Everything except this was really cool when it comes to the interiors.


When you get on to the backseat, the immediate thing you would notice is the huge legspace. I mean, it's probably even better than a Skoda Octavia's backseat legspace, I thought. As a rear passenger you will feel really safe driving as the heavy vehicle carries you smoothly. However, I felt that the shoulder room is not good enough for three big passengers and it's not as good as that of i20.


Driving experience


I must say that by now, I am all excited to test the car but that excitement stopped as soon as I jammed the accelerator. It didn't feel all that bad in the first gear but the second gear was pathetic and it reminded me of my Linea test drive. The vehicle, with four passengers, wasn't quite taking off with that kind of torque on the second gear. When I read the manual, I found that the torque is something like 110Nm and cars like this one really needs at least 125Nm torque(Similar to that of an Ikon or Accent)


The gear was butter smooth(shhh. much better than that of my Altis) and the floor pedals were exceptionally good. I wish they had some power built into this otherwise marvellous piece of machinery:(


The ride comfort both on front and rear was good. There was some tire noise that started picking at around 80Km but I thought that was okay. Overall, it was a good experience.


The best thing about the Fabia(other than the build and ride quality) especially as compared to the i20 was a cool sporty suspension along with a superb steering. There was absolutely no ground scraping(despite 146mm or low GC) with four adults in and the car handled very well. Also, there are no issues like bad A/C or horn as in the case of i20. The brakes were also very good and I did the similar sandy road test. The car managed to stop with ABS engaged and without any slipping whatsoever. The Fabia is all about safety(and less performance)!


Summary


I must say that I was hugely disappointed with the Fabia mainly because of the low torque engine and the gear ratios than the price itself. I mean, I would still pay~6, 00, 000 ex-Bangalore for this car if it was a little more powerful and torquey. The following are some of the good and improvement areas of the Fabia 1.2L Petrol.


Good


Exceptional build quality and features


Not ground scraping issue and great sporty suspension


Back leg space is better than even C-seg sedans


Good ABS/Brake assist


Cool Headlamps and tail lamps


Handling and cornering without fear


300L boot - the best in the class and a lot of additional storage/cubby holes


You can lower/raise all windows together with the key while locking. Helps after parking or while getting in or to leave a little half-inch open on all windows to help with ventillation. I haven't seen this feature on any small cars.


Dual side ORVMs - If the side mirrors are hit from rear, they fold back frontwards without breaking.


Bad


Oops! No remote locking on the fuel lid. More over, the fuel cap(after opening the outerlid) has to be opened with the ignition key. That's really bad!


Child lock - Even the child lock needs to be engaged with the ignitian key put in - No slide lock here! Again bad!


Gear ratios - especially the second gear is pathetic


Not really meant for five adults


classic design and little bit too squarish from sides


Low torque engine - Did not feel like a Skoda


Overall, I would give a rating of 3(in fact slightly below 3, say 2.75) out of 5 for Fabia. Wish they used their brain while designing this engine and with that corrected it would have got a 4. I am sure this one will drag on highways while maintaining good ride quality and stability.


A lot of people are always ask this question as to which hatch to go for. Unfortunately none of them on the Indian market today meet all your requirements despite high pricetags. The general guidance is that:




  • Go for a Fabia for Safety, build quality and brand name




  • Go for an i20, if you can put up with the ground scraping problem




  • Go for a Swift if you want the most responsive engine in the class and you care less about the space




  • Go for a Punto if you want value for your money but put up with bad after sales service(Yet to test drive and review this!)






or.


Start saving money now and await the Volkswagon Polo!


Bangalore India
Skoda Fabia a flawed car and Skoda attitude
Oct 12, 2009 07:28 PM 12528 Views

I am posting the below after taking info from a friend who is facing issues with Skoda.Skoda India is trying to cheat Indians selling outdated stuff in India.


The case is about the 1st Petrol Fabia, which had a ECU problem /pick up, there was water leakage into the car in the rains, AC blower motor was replaced, after they refused to accept he took the matter to OVERDRIVE and got a road test, a copy of the same is in the MAY 2008 issue.


They then pulled back more than 30 cars from the market after mine and stopped selling the 1.4 Petrol


He got a diesel in replacement which has a major braking / ABS problem, AC blower has been replaced 2 time needs a 3rd change now, rear shockers have leaked and no replacement for three months, the car is risky to drive and could be fatal, hence is parked non used in my parking.


There are atleast two more owners I know facing the same problem.Below is the thread my friend posted on an automobile forum


https://team-bhp.com/forum/test-drives-initial-ownership-reports/66685-skoda-fa
bia-fooling-machine.html


Please go throw the attached pdf which shows the email exchanges.


Rishsikesh India
Skoda Fabia
May 21, 2009 04:04 PM 13273 Views

I had bought a Skoda Fabia Elegance 1.4 MPI on 09th May 2008.


Just after 10 days on the road the Car had started giving trouble. Its Engine suddenly STOPS after a drive of 60-70 KMs on the middle of the road( which is a very very dangerous thing). Then it does not start immediately. It has to be pulled off the road and starts again only after 10-15 mins.


It was immediately taken to Dealer / Workshop in Dehradun( since I stay in Rishikesh). They could not make out anything even after consulting their Aurangabad and Delhi Offices.


The car was then taken to the workshop of Sai Automobiles, Delhi, twice. They simply cleaned the fuel filter and assured that there wont be any problem now.


Even after following up with Skoda Auto for the past one Year, still there is no solution to my problem. I have paid a huge amount of money to them, and they are taking us for a ride. Skoda Customer Care is the Worst Possible I have ever seen, they simply Mislead the Cuatomers. Horrible experience with Skoda


Rishsikesh India
Poor Product from Skoda Fabia 1.4 MPI
May 21, 2009 12:30 AM 11171 Views

I have been one of the unfortunate Customers who have been suffering at the hands of Skoda for the Pat One Year


I had purchased a Skoda Fabia Elegance 1.4 MPIaround one year back, and within 10 days of the Purchase, the Engine had started Stalling. I had immediately complained to the Skoda Customer Care, as the Engine has stalled more than 10 times on the highway, and poses a great threat of physical injuries to me and my family. Inspite of repeated complaints to Skoda for the past one Year, there has been NO Action from them. Their Customer Service to describe in one word is 'pathetic'.


The Skoda technical people have inspected the Vehicle more than 10 times in the past one Year and assured me that the problem is rectified, but the Engine has Stalled every single time after their inspection. This car has caused me more mental tension and risk of serious injury, instead of any driving pleasure, and that too with one of their premium models. Skoda Customer care is the most pathetic and third rate I have ever seen, they really take their Customers for a ride . I have never seen such poor service from any other Car Manufacturer. Buying a Skoda product is reaaly the worst mistake of my life


Skoda Fabia several irritants and unfriendly dlr
Dec 17, 2008 12:51 PM 14443 Views

I wanted to give a final update after driving this vehicle for 45, 000 KMs. At the end of 45, 000 KMs, I spent Rs 60, 000/- + on maintenance costs (one major break down, brake pads had to be replaced twice and brake discs once). The dealer had given me another estimate of Rs 15, 000/- to fix some issues in transmission system.


Including the final estimate, the total cost would have been Rs 75, 000/- for 45000 KM ride. This translates into Rs 1.7 per KM on maintenance costs alone. Based on what I could gather from the owners of Maruti cars, this is more than 4 times what they incur (about 0.4 Rs/KM of maintenance costs). My take on this high maintenance costs is:




  • The parts are too expensive as they need to be imported




OR




  • As the number of vehicles is not high, the dealers try to make as much money as possible on every servicing




I got sick of the car and exchanged it for a time tested field proven Maruti model. Unless you want to be different (just for the heck of it), avoid this car at any cost. This left such a bad taste, I decided never to try any other European car.


BTW, I was able to sell the car for 3.5Lacs (I bought it at 6L).


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