Test Drive Skoda Fabia Hatchback since 2010 Hatchback

Skoda Fabia - Update and "SUV"

There is a feeling that in Greece is a real hell. The people of Bastuets, come collisions with the police, someone talks about the collapse of the national economy and the abolition of the euro in general, the revolution on the threshold. And if so, it's time to go to Greece, and at the epicenter of events in Athens. In addition, it was in Greece that the presentation of restyling Skoda Fabia was held. Moreover, simultaneously with the premiere of an updated hatchback, the Czechs also showed an off-road version of Fabia Scout.


Skoda Fabia for the Russian market is of particular interest. Thanks to the assembly in Kaluga, Cehm managed to make the price for this model very attractive, and buyers immediately noticed in 2009 sales of Fabia in Russia increased by 15%. A total of 11,304 cars were implemented. Skoda Fabia ranks fifth in its class among foreign cars. Ahead go Renault Logan, Chevrolet Lanos, Hyundai Getz and Chevrolet Aveo

To confess, before traveling to Greece, I most wanted to ride exactly on this car, which was first shown in early March at the Geneva Motor Show (Universal Fabia Combi SCOUT was presented last year). After all, the SCOUT Czech prefix denote models with a light off-road accent. You could not count on the four-wheel drive in this case, but the increased ground clearance is the holy case for such models. Inexpensive car, and even with an enlarged road lumen just a dream for Russian.

At first, everything was not bad. The appearance of the scout is fully consistent with expectations thanks to new black bumpers and protect the bottom of the body, the car began to look like a sort of small SUV. Fine, just fine. And what is the road clearance? After all, this information is very, just very important for our buyers. But a long study of the technical characteristics led me to confusion turns out to be the road clearance of Skoda Fabia Scout, this is a little bit of an SUV, exactly the same as in the usual Fabia. Yes, yes, exactly the same! Namely 134 mm (135 mm for the wagon Fabia Combi Scout). In addition, at the expense of other bumpers, the scout has large skes (length Fabia Scout 4032 mm, and simple Fabia is exactly 4000 mm), which also does not improve the permeability.


Externally, the Skoda Fabia lounge looks rustic, especially if you remove the touch screen of the navigation system. But at the same time, everything is done very high quality, the finishing used expensive soft plastic, there are no miscalculations in ergonomics. Bravo!

And all this is very strange, because, say, Volkswagen Crosspolo, which is built on the same platform and in the same ideology, has a ground clearance, increased by so necessary 15 mm. And Skoda Fabia Scout, alas and ah, deprived of these valuable millimeters. And what is the joke of scout, you ask? I ask it and me. After all, it turns out that the whole point of this model is only in a slightly different appearance and presence of chassis protection. Maybe there are differences in behavior on the road? But they also failed to notice. At first it seemed that Scout had a tougher suspension, which tracked in detail all the unevenness of the route, but then it turned out that 16-inch wheels were simply worth it on Fabia Scout. And on ordinary Fabia there were 15-inch discs (with them the car, maybe it looks not so impressive, but the smoothness of the course is noticeably better).


The Fabia Combi Scout wagon is noticeably larger than the usual hatchback. The COMBI SCOUT length is 4275 mm, which is immediately 275 mm more than Fabia. Yes, and with the capacity here is all right. If the volume of the hatchback trunk with the folded chairs is 1180 liters, then the station wagon is already on 1485 l

Will Fabia Scout be in demand in Russia? It all depends on the price. But, most likely, Fabia Scout will be noticeably more expensive than the usual Fabia, and its fate in the Russian market will be the same as that of the entire scout family. That is, unenviable (for example, Roomster Scout sales are generally terminated with us, and Octavia Scout in outsiders). After all, Fabia Scout will be delivered to us from the Czech Republic, but the updated Fabia in April will begin to be done in a complete cycle at the factory in Kaluga (now Fabia is collected from us by large -sized assembly, which has already allowed Skoda to assign very interesting prices for this model).


Simultaneously with the restyling of Fabia, the Roomster and Roomster Scout models were updated. The principle of modernization of the same appearance changed and new gasoline and diesel engines with a volume of 1.2 liters appeared. However, as in the case of Fabia, Roomster with old power units will be assembled at the factory in Kaluga. As for the version of Roomster Scout, which also does not have an increased road clearance (everywhere 140 mm), we will not sell this model at all. There is no demand (in 2008-2009, only 139 Roomster Scout was sold in Russia). As for the usual Roomster, its sales are stable, however, the model has not become popular. In 2009, only 742 Russians appreciated the spacious and very convenient Roomster salon

There were no stupid questions to simple Fabia. Almost. After all, the main plus of updated cars is hidden under the hood. New diesel engines with a volume of 1.2 liters and 1.6 liters began to install new diesel engines. The first gives 75 hp, and the second will be produced at once in three versions: 75 hp, 90 or 105 hp. A new 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a volume of 1.2 liters with a turbocharged (86 hp or 105 hp, depending on the degree of forceout), also appeared. All engines are good, even the easiest diesel, which, despite its modest volume, pulls a light Fabia well even in the mountains. Moreover, the 1.2-liter diesel was liked by at least 105-horsepower, which, of course, is more powerful, but it spends a little more fuel. In addition, the programs by car with a 1.6-liter engine switched for some reason a little tougher, which made the ride not so comfortable. But then a torque of 250 nm compensates for everything, he makes a small Fabia a very dynamic machine, which is convenient to control. For the updated Fabia, as before, has a very balanced chassis, which combines smoothness and the ability to howl in corners properly.


Old and new Fabia. As you can see, the difference between them is minimal. Although a restyled car (in this case blue) looks a little fresh

A 105-strong gasoline engine with turbocharging is also not bad. Especially in a pair with a 7-speed DSG box, however, however, there is no particular sense for this engine. Machines with a 1.2 liter motor of the TSI series, as well as with diesel engines, not planned to supply to Russia. At least for now. After all, the cost of turbocharged 1.2 TSI will be about the same as the old atmospheric aggregates of 1.4 liters (86 hp) and 1.6 liters (105 hp). And the representatives of Skoda, who studied the psychology of Russian drivers well, perfectly understood that the average buyer would prefer the larger volume of the motor and less complex design, and not a decrease in fuel consumption and environmental norms. In addition, there is another nuance old engines less demanding on the quality of fuel.


The advantage of Skoda Fabia has always been a spacious lounge and trunk. According to these figures, Fabia is still one of the best in its class. In addition, Skoda Fabia has two gloves at once, and the bottom is very spacious

That is why we have updated Fabia will sell with old and well-known units: three-cylinder atmospheric 1.2 liters (60 hp or 70 hp) and four-cylinder 1.4 l (86 hp) and 1.6 l (105 hp). Although it is worth noting that the basic 3-cylinder engines will still be slightly upgraded, due to which they will work quieter, especially in the high revolution zone (earlier, many criticized 1,2-liter motors). The gearbox will also remain the same machine can only be put on the car with a 1.6 liter engine.

So what do we have restyled Fabia differ from old cars? Immediately we can say that the update turned out to be insignificant, but the car still began to look fresh. First of all, it is worth noting the appearance of a new front bumper and a slightly different radiator grille. And on the roof of Fabia in the body of the hatchback will begin to put religs to practical people should like it.


About the flow rate of diesel engines should be said separately. It is just a ridiculous 1.2-liter unit according to passport data spending 4.8 liters in the city, and at the track and at all 3.3 liters of fuel for every 100 km of way

In the cabin, too, some changes occurred. So, a new steering wheel appeared, which can be equipped with a radio control and telephone control buttons (earlier, a similar unit was installed under the beam). And on the instrument board, there is a indicator that suggests which transmission is better to enable. Skodovtsy assure that thanks to the advice of the electronic brain, it is possible to significantly reduce fuel consumption. And they are right all the recommendations were given in the case. I would like to say more about such a thing as a navigation system with a color 5-inch touch-controlled screen, which came to the monochrome navigation. But the cars intended for Russia, it is most likely to be installed.

How much will the updated Fabia cost in Russia? We will be able to answer this question later. Later, the sale of restyled cars will begin in our late spring, after April 28, the Fabia assembly in the so-called full cycle with welding and color bodies will be launched in Kaluga. And this allows with a lot of probability to assume that Fabia, even after the update, does not rise in price in Russia.
 



War for Dolce Vita
Greece is indeed in a very difficult financial situation. The country has a giant duty, which exceeds its annual GDP, and the budget deficit is already 12.7% of GDP, although in the European Union it should not be more than 3%. Greece's authorities feverishly seek a way out of the situation and ask for debt again. The news reported that the government seriously reduces the salaries by the unfortunate civil servants, which live like this.

However, communication with the Greeks showed that one should not compare our state employees and Greek. It turned out that in Greece they are a real elite. Getting to the civil service is the dream of half of all Greeks (the second half is already working there). Well, sudden: a large and stable salary, which by law is indexed annually, guarantee a decent pension, partial cost compensation during holidays, including even excursions (!), Schedule from 8-00 to 14-00 (and a minute more), The actual impossibility of dismissal, because of which the Greeks are not too diverting at their work (so that you need to be done very much). But in addition to directly salaries, there are bonuses, let's say, in Greece there are not only a thirteenth salary, which is given to Christmas, but even the fourteenth (for Easter).

Employees of the private sector can only dream of such benefits. And in general, now the situation with jobs here is very tense. Due to the huge number of immigrants, many entrepreneurs prefer to hire visitors who agree to work on a penny, salaries almost do not grow as a result, many Greeks prefer not to work at all. After all, the unemployed here do not die and lead a rather relaxed lifestyle, as, in fact, all the other Greeks. As a result, the budget load is constantly growing.

Surprisingly, the Greece authorities for a long time did not pay attention to the fact that the budget costs of the maintenance of civil servants became too large. Rather, they did not want to pay attention. And now the crisis came, thunder struck, the government is forced to announce saving ... and what? Do you think the state employees have begun to be massively dismissed? As if not so it has already been said that it is almost impossible to drive an employee of the public sector. So far, the authorities have decided to reduce bonuses and the thirteenth and fourteenth salaries so beloved by the Greeks. No, not eliminate, but only reduce. And to state employees and pensioners for some time they will not annually index salaries and pensions. At the expense of this (if you think about it, it’s not such a terrible blow to employees) Greek authorities intend to seriously reduce their expenses. Well, the income will rise in other ways: increasing VAT from 19 to 21%, increasing excise taxes on alcohol and gasoline, as well as the introduction of luxury taxes. In addition, Greece authorities unexpectedly realized that a huge part of the country's economy is in the shadows, many people do not pay taxes. Now it is decided to fight with them.

It seems that the measures are not so tough (in Russia during the crisis, many suffered much stronger), however, Greek state employees who accustomed to sweet life decided to start protests. Like, no need to reduce expenses at our expense, we still want to travel with our family to rest every year and walk around restaurants! And the struggle is very serious. The case is not limited to simple strikes. Mass demonstrations, clashes with the police, pogroms. Athens have already encountered this. And, as the leaders of the opposition and trade unions assure, this is only the beginning. The Greeks really do not want to tighten their belts. After all, the climate of this beautiful country is so disposed to the endless dolce Vita.
 

Competitors
Prices for updated Fabia have not yet been announced, but we can assume that they will change slightly, and the basic version will still be cheaper than 400,000 rubles. (Today - 389,000 rubles). What can you buy for this money? The choice of five -door hatchbacks of the segment forces to think seriously - sellers offer several dozen models! We selected the main competitors of Skoda Fabia, which are distinguished by similar cost and close ideology. What is how much?


Chevrolet Aveo from 395 860 rub.
In 2009, 15 996 cars were sold.
Warranty 2 years without mileage restriction.
The basic AVEO equipped with a 1.2-liter motor with a capacity of 84 hp, is characterized by a low cost and a good set of equipment: an electro-hydraulic steering amplifier, front electric windows, driver safety pillow and an audio system (radio system and 4 speakers). If you pay 57,000 rubles, the hatchback will receive a 100-horsepower 1.4-liter engine. Want an automatic transmission? Then you will have to prefer the intermediate LS equipment, which includes a route computer, an electric grinder, air conditioning, ABS, and front -line pillows of the driver and passenger. The cost of the most affordable automatic AVEO (1.4 100 hp) 507 040 rubles.


Hyundai Getz from 430 900 rub.
In 2009, 18 560 cars were sold.
Warranty 3 years or 100,000 km.
Starting equipment of the bestseller of the Russian car market worth 430,900 rubles. It implies the presence of steering hydraulic control, the driver’s safety pillows, the front and rear electric windows and audio training (wiring, antenna and 4 speakers). The engine is 97-horsepower 1.4-liter, the transmission is mechanical. The initial price tag of automatic Getz 494 900 rub. If there is a desire to get a top modification of the hatchback (engine 106-horsepower 1.6, an automatic box), you will have to pay considerable 573,900 rubles. By the way, Hyundai sellers continue to sell last year's cars, which are more affordable for 40-50 thousand rubles.


Kia Rio from 419 900 rub.
In 2009, 10 164 cars were sold.
Warranty of 5 years or 150,000 km.
The Russians suddenly tried Kia Rio, which demonstrates good sales.
To have a popular hatchback will have to lay out 419,900 rubles. For cars in version comfort and 455,900 rubles. For the car in the luxury version. Comfort offers the steering wheel, the central castle, the front -line pillows of the driver and the passenger, the front and rear electric windows, the electric grinder, the air conditioning and the audio system. Lux additionally includes fog, ABS, heating the front seats and climate control. An impressive list, given the democratic price tags! For the machine, you will have to pay extra from 30,000 rubles. (in the luxury version) up to 36,000 rubles. (Comfort in version).


Opel Corsa from 485 000 rub.
In 2009, 4,838 cars were sold.
Warranty 2 years without mileage restriction.
For 485,000 rubles. The buyer will receive a hatchback equipped with a modest 60-horsepower liter engine. Moreover, the car is equipped with electric grinders, an electric power, audio training, front -line pillows of the driver and passenger. Want more? The line of engines includes 80-horsepower 1.2 gasoline (from 530 thousand with mechanics, from 550 thousand with a robot) and 90-horsepower 1.4 (from 545 thousand with mechanics, from 570 thousand with a machine gun). Such Corsa (available in the Enjoy version and in the Cosmo version) are equipped with much more interesting than liter hatchbacks! And fans of the unusual are prepared diesel (1.3 CDTI 75HP MT 586 thousand, 1.3 CDTI 90HP MT 665 thousand) and turbocharged (1.6 150HP MT 785 thousand) vehicles.



Renault Sandero from 319 000 rub.
In 2009, it was not sold.
Warranty 3 years or 100,000 km.
The cost of the simplest Sandero (75-horsepower 1.4-liter engine, driver’s airbag) is 319,000 rubles. The Expression version is equipped much richer (steering wheel, front electric windows, central locking), but will cost a little more: with a 1.4-liter engine of 349,000 rubles, with a 1.6-liter engine or 364,000 rubles. (8 valves and 84 hp), or 386,000 rubles. (16 valves and 102 hp). The most expensive equipment of the Prestige hatchback costs 406,000 rubles. (84 hp) or 428 000 rub. (102 hp). There are fog lights, air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, heating the seats and the back of the rear seat folding in parts.


Volkswagen Polo from 488 140 rub.
In 2009, 1 103 cars were sold.
Warranty 2 years without mileage restriction.
Selection of modest engines: 1.2 with a capacity of 60 hp (from 488 140 rubles) or 70 hp (from 501 140 rubles), 1.4 with a capacity of 85 hp (from 536 140 rubles) and 1.2 TSI with a capacity of 105 hp (642 140 rubles). Basic TrendLine equipment involves the presence of a steering amplifier, ABS, front electric windows, driver and passenger front airbags. For the 85-strong and 105-strong motors, ComfortLine equipment is available (additionally rear power windows, an electric board, which folds in parts of the back seat back). But the list of additional equipment is almost unlimited! True, consider that optional equipment will no longer

 

Denis Smolyanov, Alexey Kovanov
photo: Denis Smolyanova
 

Source: AUTO.Mail.Ru.