Skoda Fabia test drive since 2007 -

Entry into youth

It was from Class B car B that one of the oldest companies in the world of Skoda began to revive, entering the Volkswagen concern. The new model of this dimension is evaluated by Maxim Sachkov.
 
In the mid-1990s, Felicia appeared with which Skoda entered a new life. And although the model was to a certain extent revolutionary for the company, many treated it dismissively, as a second -class car. As if not noticing this, the child, having illuminated a few childhood diseases, stepped onto the next stage of development. Fabia has already competed on equal terms with eminent models. Childhood and adolescence behind, youth has come. The name is to her ... again Fabia.
 

She came out face

It is good that designers did not adhere to a strict business style inherent in more wealthy relatives in the concern. The predecessor, in my opinion, wanted to seem too important, which is why she played classmates in the nomination on their clothes. A small car should attract bright colors and a catchy, even mixed appearance. The designers of the New Fabia worthily coped with the task.


With such an interesting appearance from the interior, you also expect something like that. But, getting inside, you are disappointed. Apparently, the designers did not have enough courage. The roof is very similar to the mini, one of the colleagues said. No, it resembles Suzuki-Swift, objected another. It is quite obvious to the resemblance to the Rumster as people who have common features, sometimes there are no twins at all, so Fabia has a very original appearance; I am so pretty.


The car not only became more attractive, but also grew, adding 22 mm in length, but in height 47. At the same time, it did not gain excess weight. The base model with a 1.2 liter engine is even easier to 5 kg. And the car is ready to take on a difficult burden: 515 kg is one of the best (if not record) indicators in the classroom.


In the middle of the dashboard, the on -board computer display. He will tell the driver instant and average fuel consumption, speed and time, and also indicate which door is not closed. As expected, the increase in height and length was reflected in the size of the cabin. In addition, the driver and front passenger sit 30 mm higher than in the predecessor. Therefore, getting into Fabia is easier, and a review from the driver's place is better. By the way, there is no need to go around the rack in the left turn. From the field of sight of large mirrors (and equal, unlike the old model, where the right was almost half less) hardly anyone will be able to slip unnoticed.


I did not expect that even a tall passenger would comfortably sit in the back seat, and with my far from outstanding dimensions between the back and knees with a whistle, not a magazine behind the wheel, but a thick volume of war and peace.
 

All that is in the heart

In rich trim levels on the central console, there are control of climate control, navigation display and audio systems. Fabia has a long series of engines, the data of which did not fit in the table. The power of three-cylinder gasoline engines with a volume of 1.2 liters in 6- and 12-valve verses raised, respectively, to 44 kW/60 hp. and 51 kW/69 hp I got Fabia with a 1.4-liter unit.


Between the front seats are the armrest with a secretary. True, only owners of expensive versions are endowed with such convenience. An ideal motor, if you move most of the time alone or together: pleasantly picks up from low revolutions, it is cheerfully spinning and the appetite is quite modest. But as soon as the winding path began to take up the mountain, the lack of cubes and horses affected. You often have to act with a lever and deeper to press the accelerator pedal.


There are two duffel boxes at the disposal of the driver and the front passenger. The lower compartment is convenient for cooling drinks. I really want to try diesel engines, because they also plan to supply them to us: two engines with a volume of 1.4 l with a capacity of 51 and 59 kW (69 and 80 hp) and a 1.9-liter unit (77 kW/105 hp. ). Hearing a hiding, I sit down in Fabia with the TDI nameplate. Now each ignition of compression is felt by the hand that fell on the pulsating lever of the box. Here they are, the disadvantages of a three -cylinder engine with a volume of 1.4 liters. Well, let's see if their running qualities will block?


The label on the gas tank hatch confirms that the new Fabia is not very legible in food. For Russia, this is good. Tractor traction from modern diesel engines (all the more so volume) is as useless as frost in Portugal, where the presentation was held. However, it is pleasant to move: he only helped slightly with gas, and the motor, menacingly, carefully dragged Fabia. A little earlier, 2000 rpm of the tachometer arrow begins to significantly accelerate in the diesel, the chopped powers wake up. Moreover, there are enough of them almost to the limiter for 4500 rpm. You can move comfortably on this machine, without clutching the gearbox lever every now and then, but it would be nice to take the diesel to the diesel to take the bans with them.


Towards the ocean

Being in Portugal and not drink a real port is annoying. However, like not to look at the Atlantic. Fabia prevents the first desire, but willingly help the second. On the way and get to know each other better.
 

Fabia's rear passengers really have a lot of free space. Here they are, German genes. The car confidently stands on the road, does not graze before the turns, willingly listening to the helm, inspires confidence with tenacious and obedient brakes. By the way, ABS is a mandatory attribute of any configuration. In addition, in the electronic set, the ASR anti -wings system and the ESP course stabilization program (with a 1.6 liter engine standard equipment). For an additional fee offer tire pressure control and adaptive headlights following the rotation of the steering wheel. Good set, isn't it?
 

The luggage compartment can boast not only an enviable volume, but also with useful trifles, for example, an original basket. A quietly singing radio begins to interrupt the voice of the engine. With increasing speed, tire singing joins it. It seems that Fabia is stingy with noise insulation. Acoustic comfort is also violated by air flows, which after 90 km/h significantly rustle the body.
 

Roads in Portugal by European standards are not perfect. In even areas, a dense suspension gives pleasure, but joints and irregularities do not go unnoticed. True, this problem will probably not affect the Russian owners. Most likely, Fabia will be delivered to our market on softer and energy -intensive pendants.
 

Despite the heady air of the ocean, quite sober conclusions are born in the head. Fabia, perhaps, resembles a young lady who got rid of teenage manners, acquired charm, but sparkles still sparkle in her eyes. Charm and flexible character solid trump cards in the game with competitors. It remains to wait for bets: prices for cars for our market have not yet been called ...
 

Once in Russia

Fabia with a hatchback body will appear in Russian dealers in April. Universals promise by November, and when the sedan starts, it is not yet known. Hinting that new cars will not be much more expensive than predecessors. In the simplest version, the classic is frontal and lateral pillows, ABS, an anti -theft system, an electroderian steering wheel and a column with two adjustments. The set of the amber is supplemented by a pair of electric windows cut by the rear seat (40:60), an on -board computer, and audio training. In sports, a driver’s chair, tinted glass, fog lights are adjustable in height. In the top-end configuration of eleganes of heated, climate control, an armrest between the front seats, a central castle with remote control, cast discs.
 

Skoda Fabia is good face, well -educated, designed and not boring at all.
 
Maxim Sachkov
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 

A source: The magazine "Driving"