Skoda Fabia vRS
08 February 2005, 09:17 PM
#31
Top car and in a spirited run along some country roads (private of course) a friends jabba chipped one kept up with us on the twistys #
You really have to try one to find out how fast they are
Wifes octavia has averaged 55 MPG over 19K miles and up to 65 on a long run
Quality excellent
You really have to try one to find out how fast they are
Wifes octavia has averaged 55 MPG over 19K miles and up to 65 on a long run
Quality excellent
09 February 2005, 10:30 AM
#32
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Originally Posted by scott8629
Can you fit a young family in a Fabia?
Originally Posted by logiclee
But Revo sell the "One Click". A little device that you plug in and can upload the Standard Map or the Revo Map.
09 February 2005, 10:40 AM
#33
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Misinformation regarding REVO. You don't upload anything.
As I understand it, the REVO map is resident all the time, it is distributed throughout the free memory blocks in the ECU. SPS merely switches between the resident map and the REVO remap.
Any dealer looking for it could find it.
While I think the Skabia is a good car bear this in mind, the seats do get filthy very easily even when scotchguarded. Despite being screwed together well compared to a VW or Audi the plastics feel and look cheap as does the rest of the interior. For the price I'd buy a 3 yr old MKIV PD150 over a 1 yr old Skabia. MKIV is faster and in 150 form handles better.
As I understand it, the REVO map is resident all the time, it is distributed throughout the free memory blocks in the ECU. SPS merely switches between the resident map and the REVO remap.
Any dealer looking for it could find it.
While I think the Skabia is a good car bear this in mind, the seats do get filthy very easily even when scotchguarded. Despite being screwed together well compared to a VW or Audi the plastics feel and look cheap as does the rest of the interior. For the price I'd buy a 3 yr old MKIV PD150 over a 1 yr old Skabia. MKIV is faster and in 150 form handles better.
09 February 2005, 10:46 AM
#34
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I suppose there needs to be one person who doesn't like the Skoda to keep that balance. The Golf is a superb alternative and probably similar in running costs !
09 February 2005, 11:32 AM
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No it isn't, both are owned within my family ie Skabia and MKIV PD150- the PD150 MKIV has different suspension setup to other MKIV's.
MKIV PD150 also sits on wider rubber and has larger brakes.
I'm not saying the Skabia isn't a good car, it's great especially with Xenons, cruise and a REVO remap. It's just that if you prefer something that doesn't feel low rent inside the MKIV PD150 makes a good alternative.
MKIV PD150 also sits on wider rubber and has larger brakes.
I'm not saying the Skabia isn't a good car, it's great especially with Xenons, cruise and a REVO remap. It's just that if you prefer something that doesn't feel low rent inside the MKIV PD150 makes a good alternative.
09 February 2005, 12:40 PM
#37
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Originally Posted by TORQUEamada
No it isn't, both are owned within my family ie Skabia and MKIV PD150- the PD150 MKIV has different suspension setup to other MKIV's.
MKIV PD150 also sits on wider rubber and has larger brakes.
I'm not saying the Skabia isn't a good car, it's great especially with Xenons, cruise and a REVO remap. It's just that if you prefer something that doesn't feel low rent inside the MKIV PD150 makes a good alternative.
MKIV PD150 also sits on wider rubber and has larger brakes.
I'm not saying the Skabia isn't a good car, it's great especially with Xenons, cruise and a REVO remap. It's just that if you prefer something that doesn't feel low rent inside the MKIV PD150 makes a good alternative.
More thinking required, even though the gf is positively enthusiastic..
Always the way lol
09 February 2005, 12:56 PM
#38
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Originally Posted by Jap2Scrap
I have to say, I've just found a Fabia 1.4mpi in the car park and the dash is like something from the 80's.
09 February 2005, 01:05 PM
#39
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I'd agree the dash is modern in the Skabia, pretty ergonomic as well, certainly more so than a MKIV Golf. Plastic quality is cheap and unpleasant though.
If you can overlook that and the seats underneath is one of the best value VAG cars.
If you can overlook that and the seats underneath is one of the best value VAG cars.
09 February 2005, 01:11 PM
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Fabia dash: http://www.parkers.co.uk/choosing/ca...ain%20interior
Polo Dash: http://www.parkers.co.uk/choosing/ca...ain%20interior
Only a tad similar... seems the Fabia does without cup holders however! Got to be said that Polo steering wheel is horrible - looks like something out of a Vectra!
Polo Dash: http://www.parkers.co.uk/choosing/ca...ain%20interior
Only a tad similar... seems the Fabia does without cup holders however! Got to be said that Polo steering wheel is horrible - looks like something out of a Vectra!
09 February 2005, 01:22 PM
#41
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sorry,I have also driven both and the 150 even with the new suspension has dull steering and doesn't feel anywhere near as sharp as the Skoda,the Mrk IV is obvertyred imo,maybe thats the reason,or maybe I drove a dud,dunno,but I did do 30k in the Mrk IVs and found them all the same,rather soggy with dead steering
ps definatley built better though,and personally I would rather have the Mrk IV 150,but I don't know why,I think I'm a snob
ps definatley built better though,and personally I would rather have the Mrk IV 150,but I don't know why,I think I'm a snob
09 February 2005, 01:50 PM
#42
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MKIV deffo has numb steering, but so does the Skabia. IMHO the 150 rolls a lot less in corners on its sports suspension. I wouldn't let snob values decide my choice though.
Skabia is a good little car but it's interior is nasty, it also needs better brakes as folk over on Briskoda will tell you. Octavia conversions are very popular.
All in all if it was my money I'd take an older PD150 Golf over the Skabia. If we are talking new buy then I'd go for the Skabia every time over a MKV PD140.
Skabia is a good little car but it's interior is nasty, it also needs better brakes as folk over on Briskoda will tell you. Octavia conversions are very popular.
All in all if it was my money I'd take an older PD150 Golf over the Skabia. If we are talking new buy then I'd go for the Skabia every time over a MKV PD140.
09 February 2005, 05:04 PM
#43
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I agree with dba, the handling of the old Golf is poor, had a choice of two pool cars at work a PD150 Golf and a 115TDCi Focus Zetec.
If both cars were available I always used to take the Focus, you could always make better B road progress in the Focus and the chassis and steering made it fun to drive. The Golf had the power but nothing else.
The Fabia steering is also numb, it's built on the new VAG small car chassis so has to put up with the Electro Hydraulic power steering. Saying that turn in and chassis responses are better than the old Golf, torque steer is better contained in the Fabia. Another thing I've found is the PD150 lump has a very on/off power delivery, the PD130 seems far more linear. I haven't driven a remaped PD150 but a mapped (I've driven Jabba and Revo) PD130 retains the standard units drivabilty.
Has ever it's down to personal choice so drive both before you make your mind up.
Cheers
Lee
If both cars were available I always used to take the Focus, you could always make better B road progress in the Focus and the chassis and steering made it fun to drive. The Golf had the power but nothing else.
The Fabia steering is also numb, it's built on the new VAG small car chassis so has to put up with the Electro Hydraulic power steering. Saying that turn in and chassis responses are better than the old Golf, torque steer is better contained in the Fabia. Another thing I've found is the PD150 lump has a very on/off power delivery, the PD130 seems far more linear. I haven't driven a remaped PD150 but a mapped (I've driven Jabba and Revo) PD130 retains the standard units drivabilty.
Has ever it's down to personal choice so drive both before you make your mind up.
Cheers
Lee
Last edited by logiclee; 09 February 2005 at 05:10 PM.
09 February 2005, 05:27 PM
#44
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All in all if it was my money I'd take an older PD150 Golf over the Skabia. If we are talking new buy then I'd go for the Skabia every time over a MKV PD140
I thought that,until I drove the MKV PD 140,its a superb car and handles far better than the old model,and just feels far more er,grown up than the Skoda.So I have in fact ordered one (but as I say,snobbery value does effect my decision).
not sure whether I will remap it,need to see what all that torque does first (I am assuming its as fast as the old PD150 on the move,will have to see)
I thought that,until I drove the MKV PD 140,its a superb car and handles far better than the old model,and just feels far more er,grown up than the Skoda.So I have in fact ordered one (but as I say,snobbery value does effect my decision).
not sure whether I will remap it,need to see what all that torque does first (I am assuming its as fast as the old PD150 on the move,will have to see)
09 February 2005, 06:00 PM
#45
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Originally Posted by dba
I thought that,until I drove the MKV PD 140,its a superb car and handles far better than the old model,and just feels far more er,grown up than the Skoda.So I have in fact ordered one (but as I say,snobbery value does effect my decision).
Just out of interest did you test drive the new MK2 Octavia 2.0 PD140?
It's a shame Skoda don't do a sporty diesel in the Octy.
Cheers
Lee
10 February 2005, 12:18 AM
#47
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I test drove one last week.
Whilst not bad drive wise - it pulled especially well at >2000rpm I was put off greatly by the bits rattling on the dash and roof. Shame as I liked the interior.
Am looking into a Seat Ibiza Cupra now - the FR model which I have driven and is similar to the vRS was rather impressive as well.
TDI's in small hatches aren't a bad idea at all imo
Whilst not bad drive wise - it pulled especially well at >2000rpm I was put off greatly by the bits rattling on the dash and roof. Shame as I liked the interior.
Am looking into a Seat Ibiza Cupra now - the FR model which I have driven and is similar to the vRS was rather impressive as well.
TDI's in small hatches aren't a bad idea at all imo
10 February 2005, 11:31 PM
#48
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Just test drove the Ibiza today and **** it the thing pulls like a bullet train.
It was great actually, but only managed 25 mpg :/
And the interior was absoluitely terrible, low rent plastics, incredible road noise and mega harsh ride.
Fast but not for me.
It was great actually, but only managed 25 mpg :/
And the interior was absoluitely terrible, low rent plastics, incredible road noise and mega harsh ride.
Fast but not for me.
11 February 2005, 02:34 PM
#49
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Hmmmmm sounds like you do get what you pay for after all..
I guess something has to be compromised at those prices.
And I still say the dash of the Skoda is nasty.
I guess something has to be compromised at those prices.
And I still say the dash of the Skoda is nasty.
11 February 2005, 05:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Jap2Scrap
Hmmmmm sounds like you do get what you pay for after all..
I guess something has to be compromised at those prices.
And I still say the dash of the Skoda is nasty.
I guess something has to be compromised at those prices.
And I still say the dash of the Skoda is nasty.
Went well , esp in gear and stopped well, likened it to a mk2 golf for handling, but there is just something about it which says "cheap".... then again you could pay another £3k for the equiv Polo , but then thats enough for a 1.9TDI Elegance new Octavia with remap , or a bit more for a 2.0TDI with sport pack , and so on..
Having covered a fair few poolcar miles in various skoda's I rate 'em esp fabia and both shape octavia's but it just seems every other driver you curse for doing 40mph on an unpassable 60mph road is in one! you pays...
11 February 2005, 08:52 PM
#52
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Originally Posted by dba
remapped to 165bhp with no warranty infringement by the supplying main dealer
will do if they try and claim against Skoda and they want to see the Ecu
will do if they try and claim against Skoda and they want to see the Ecu
11 February 2005, 10:20 PM
#54
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Guys what mpg are you getting in your vRS's?
I actually test drove an Ibiza TDI 160, and wasn't exactly redlining every gear but got under 25mpg around Milton Keynes. Does this happen in the Fabia? :s
I did enjoy the shove in the back tho, very nice lazy power. I think I'd like it even more with a remapped car (around 180bhp in the Fabia?).
I actually test drove an Ibiza TDI 160, and wasn't exactly redlining every gear but got under 25mpg around Milton Keynes. Does this happen in the Fabia? :s
I did enjoy the shove in the back tho, very nice lazy power. I think I'd like it even more with a remapped car (around 180bhp in the Fabia?).
11 February 2005, 10:31 PM
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Originally Posted by joolz74
I can only go by what the dealer said - " we are the only Superchips dealer in the UK , authorised by Skoda to perform the upgrade with no warranty problems " (or something like that). Dealer was Wings , Peterboro.... I am just a prospective punter ....
Skoda do not endorse any form of tuning through it's dealers - do not believe them.
Your dealer may turn a blind eye, but what happens when a new service manager starts and he won't accept any warranty work for your "modded" skoda... or your dealer closes and you have to try another?
He is lying, it's that simple.
Ian.
(with a skoda, that may have had problems getting warranty done, that may have had some mods...)
11 February 2005, 11:20 PM
#56
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Personally, I'd chose a re-map over than Superchips to start with.
Dai-Tec, was the Cupra TDi very new? PDs get better (MPG and power) the more miles you plonk on them. Non-scientifically, I reckon mine improved all the way up to 20,000. That said, when I've been out on the Wales Camping Trips and run with Scoobs I still managed to get 36mpg and 38mpg over two weekends. Outside of towns & villages I was ragging the absolute nutts off it to keep up - I kept getting complaints about the soot I was chucking out
Dai-Tec, was the Cupra TDi very new? PDs get better (MPG and power) the more miles you plonk on them. Non-scientifically, I reckon mine improved all the way up to 20,000. That said, when I've been out on the Wales Camping Trips and run with Scoobs I still managed to get 36mpg and 38mpg over two weekends. Outside of towns & villages I was ragging the absolute nutts off it to keep up - I kept getting complaints about the soot I was chucking out
12 February 2005, 02:29 PM
#57
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Chris it had about 10000 miles on the clock mate. Ideally I would like to give the vRS another chance (as I wasn't so keen first time I drove it). Did you used to drive an Integra mate? I kinda recognise the name. If so how do u find it fromn Type R to TDI cos you know I'm thinking the same
12 February 2005, 09:50 PM
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The handling on the Mk5 Golf GT TDi PD140 is by far the best I have ever eperienced on my own cars, it's all round ability is incredible, I keep my foot close to the deck all the time and it still returns about 50mpg (£40 = 480 miles).... I would place bets that the Golf could out run a UK turbo down the twisties and would hold it in a straight line after 60.
Granted it's not a 230bhp monster but it does have almost 10 years advance in chasis technology, equal torque and no silly AWD transmission losses!
Edit: Forgot to comment - yes the Mk4 handling is apauling, I had an estate PD130 version and it was a bathtub on wheels, it used to screech round roundabouts anymore the 15mph!!
Granted it's not a 230bhp monster but it does have almost 10 years advance in chasis technology, equal torque and no silly AWD transmission losses!
Edit: Forgot to comment - yes the Mk4 handling is apauling, I had an estate PD130 version and it was a bathtub on wheels, it used to screech round roundabouts anymore the 15mph!!
14 February 2005, 01:07 PM
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Originally Posted by ianc
Hahahahahaha, breathe, hehehehehehe.....
Skoda do not endorse any form of tuning through it's dealers - do not believe them.
Your dealer may turn a blind eye, but what happens when a new service manager starts and he won't accept any warranty work for your "modded" skoda... or your dealer closes and you have to try another?
He is lying, it's that simple.
Skoda do not endorse any form of tuning through it's dealers - do not believe them.
Your dealer may turn a blind eye, but what happens when a new service manager starts and he won't accept any warranty work for your "modded" skoda... or your dealer closes and you have to try another?
He is lying, it's that simple.
Wings are a authorised Superchips dealer. It's a remap they offer done by Superchips. Superchips themselves warrant any defect which can be attributed directly to a cause of failure because the ECU was remapped , underwritten by Firebond Insurance. As the dealer is a Superchips authorised reseller and Skoda dealer, they can therefore offer a fully warranted remap. I dunno if AMD Tuning or Jabbasport offer similiar things , but as i'm considering buying a remapped car , it sounds alot less hassle to just chuck it back at the dealer if it goes wrong and let them sort out the paperwork. Then again seen at least 4 04 plate Leon Tdi 110's around for less than 10k....
