Skoda Fabia Hatchback test drive since 2010 Hatchback
Skoda Fabia against Seat Ibiza SC - reason or feelings?
What is unification? The dictionary is leading to a single system. And in relation to the auto industry, this means that after a certain number of years we are waiting for the sea of \u200b\u200bthe same machines that will differ only in emblems. So this is the path to the success of manufacturers or their trouble? Can a reduction in costs completely kill the individuality of the machine? Let's try to compare our experimental Skoda Fabia and Seat Ibiza, which grew under the roof of one concern. Do they have different characters? By the way, Seat already stained his hands in the trough of Badge Engineering, sticking his nameplate on the Audi A4 of the previous generation. Exeo looks clearly strange in the lineup of the Spanish company. But the situation is saved by Ibiza, a dynamic image created under the guidance of Belgian Luke Donkerolke, makes it a decoration of Seat. What can we say about the modest relative of Fabia?
And, by the way, is it so related? Yes, both models formally relate to the B-class segment, but if the Skoda Fabia uses the previous generation of VW Polo and Seat Ibiza, then the Spanish hatchback under its body hides its modernized version of PQ25, which not only went to the latest Polo, but will also become the basis of the future Audi A1.
We got the modifications of Fabia and Ibiza very indicative. You can’t think of deliberately to emphasize the differences as much as possible. Ibiza is three -door, Fabia is five -door. Skoda with a mechanics and a 1.4 -liter volume engine, the Seat with a DSG robotic box and a 1.6 engine. The reverse option is also possible. Unless Fabia is deprived of a three -door body, and instead of DSG, a traditional machine is offered for it
Inside, the difference in moods is even stronger. In a close cockpit, Ibitsa with a cool three -spoke steering wheel and seats with dense side support rollers immediately want to turn the key in the ignition lock and go. And in Fabia, on the contrary. First, we will study all the bottomless glove compartment (and there are a lot of them!), Then we’ll push the armrest that will definitely meet with your hand. And only then, having evaluated all the hospitality of the light salon, you can start.
On the move, Fabia also does not light. Yes, an 85-horsepower engine with a volume of 1.4 liters is trying to support the impulse of the driver. And he succeeds well, if you do not put it with switching. But against Ibiza, Fabia has a single chance, because there everything takes on a dual -clutch proprietary robot. And, in addition, in the Spanish three-door a 20 horses more under the hood, a 105-horsepower engine 1.6 works.
Ibiza SC is not only longer and wider than Fabia (+6 cm and +5 cm, respectively). A modernized platform means a wheelbase elongated by 7 millimeters and a substantially expanded track for as many as 30 mm. But the rear passengers can hardly be happy with the grown dimensions to get into the gallery inconvenient, besides, it is noisy there, it shakes strongly and the head props the ceiling. Fabia is definitely preferable for the transportation of four
What is Fabia! Seat easily straightens out with more powerful streaming neighbors. Someone lets his own laziness, someone sluggish boxes. Of course, the majority does not even think to compete with a blue clog, but the mood of Ibiza creates combat. But the sound disappeared here just the case when I wanted to muffle it. The loud eight of the exhaust in Ibiz has nothing to do with lighters.
But the euphoria from the nimble robot quickly disappeared. Yes, the start of the seven -speed DSG is excellent. But if you go calmly, then the box immediately switches to the 7th gear and is in no hurry to jump from it. Speed \u200b\u200b60, the motor is shaking in convulsions, and we are all especially annoying in the city in the seventh. You slowly turn off the avenue to the adjacent street, you begin to accelerate, and nothing happens. Because DSG decided that for 40 km/h the fourth gear is optimal. Sorry, but we are not on diesel!
The interior of Fabia is much stricter than the playful salon of Ibiza. However, it cannot be said that the convenience inside the Seat fell victim to the style of the small buttons in the central tunnel require addiction. And the glossy panel of the radio is knocked out of the overall picture. But what a pleasant texture of plastic! By the way, both cars have the same steering wheel switches and an outer light control unit. Unification!
Scolded Fabia? There you are! The old-free mechanic immediately receives a bonus in his piggy bank. However, DSG has the answer in the form of a sports regime. It really facilitates movement, more often using reduced gears. But then the box begins to strain with jerks, and very tangible. And the Bukovka S does not guarantee adequate work should go in a torn rhythm, how DSG goes crazy and begins to intensely think which of the seven programs to choose. The moment for overtaking or rebuilding will already be missed.
Of course, there is a manual regime. But, firstly, it is still dishonest here as soon as the tachometer arrow touches the red zone, the DSG will immediately go to the step up. And, secondly, why then a robot? By the way, in the course of acquaintance with the powerful Ibiza Fr and Ibiza Cupra, the box also got a lot of comments, but at least the engine saved the position there.
Contrast white lighting of devices (SEAT) is preferable to green (Skoda). But Skoda’s arrows are cool, although Seat is trying to attract a sporting with the point down. The average consumption greatly depends on the operating conditions, but hardly exceed 10-11 liters. And both engines are perfectly eaten and 92nd gasoline
And he shakes in Ibiza much stronger than in Fabia. This is the merit of Sport configuration with 16-inch (215/45 R16) wheels. Where Skoda on his tags (195/55 R15) easily copes with joints and small potholes, speed must be reduced on the seata. Or go around!
This is where the main difference lies. I don’t really want to quickly twist the Skoda trough. A tall and narrow body is tangibly rolled, ceases to grab the side support of the seats. Yes, and what is the point of maneuvering between the hatches, when the suspension copes with them perfectly and grazes only before major troubles like lying policemen.
The deep chairs of Ibitsa are more convenient for Fabia’s seats and are better kept in corners, but our Seat was deprived of heating. And be prepared for the fact that Skoda will have to look after the light upholstery of the interior of Skoda much more often. Especially if you ride with children
Seat the exact opposite. The reactions to the steering wheel are fast, accurate, in turn Ibiza dawns very willingly. In addition, it is much more stable than Skoda than contributes to a wider track (one of the differences in their platforms). And only the slippery tires of Goodyear Excellence do not allow the chassis to be fully enjoyed. There is a small spoon of tar due to heavy wheels Ibiza's suspension does not cope with the joints.
In general, it’s too early to grieve about the loss of individuality and that Volkswagen was heated a bunch of brands and makes the same cars under each of the brands. Similar motors, boxes, suspensions of this are not enough to sell cars in the form of a designer yourself. And while attempts are still being made to preserve corporate handwriting, you should not beat the alarm.
This is progress. If the Skoda Fabia rating in the Crash test of the Euro NCAP association was 4 stars for protecting adult passengers, 3 stars for children and 2 stars for pedestrians, then Seat Ibiza scored more in each type of test. But models share some year. Good work on errors
Seat embodiment of southern temperament. What is in design, what's on the go. Tough, noisy? But how fun! Even DSG on the seata works with a light raid of negligence. One of the most contradictory, but also the most memorable hatchbacks of the B-class. Emotional choice!
And Skoda could easily fall under the description of the car in the encyclopedia. She does everything correctly in it, four adults will easily be sustained, while things will not be scattered throughout the cabin, and the ceiling will not spoil their hairstyles. Vertical rear window facilitates visibility and allows you to push into the trunk much more than into the backpack of igits. Boring? But practical!
In addition, Fabia is much cheaper. Our Skoda Fabia 1.4 Ambiente with a good set of options costs 600 thousand rubles, the same will have to be given for Fabia 1.6 Sport, with equipment similar to the test Ibiza SC 1.6 Sport. But for the Seat with a DSG box and a 1.6 engine will be asked at least 736,900 rubles. Of course, according to the current action, you can become the owner of such a machine for almost a good hundred thousand cheaper. But in the end, the choice is reduced only to the eternal confrontation between the mind (practical and for less money) or feelings (expensive, but lights up). What will win?
Vadim Gagarin
Photo: Vitaly Kabyshev
Source: Auto.mail.ru
