Second-hand sense:Is this country finally ready to accept, without a degree of derision, the Skoda brand ? More of us than you might think, to judge from the car sales figures for the first few months of the year.
Tucked in at number 10 in the best sellers list is the Skoda Octavia, probably helped in no small part by the offer from one Dublin dealership to taxi drivers to put a brand-new one on the road for not much more than €22,000. Now your first reaction might be to assume this was a cheap promotion to shift a cheap car that a lot of people would not want parked outside their house.
However, the smart people think inexpensive rather than cheap when it comes to Skoda, because quality is not compromised by lower production costs in the Czech republic. Commensurately, many German cars have suffered in quality because Germany is in such an economic downturn at the moment. Besides, the Skoda range is no stranger to awards for quality and reliability and general customer satisfaction.
The Fabia is an excellent example of how Skoda has concentrated on core values and produced a car that is well-built, economical, reliable and really good value for money. The only thing that lets it down is a rather drab interior with functional, limited instrumentation and switchgear and too much plastic. However, I for one am prepared to forego being dazzled by interior style in favour of a car that is quite easily affordable new, and represents perhaps the best value on the Irish market. You can have a Golf-sized car for less than the price of a supermini.
The Fabia comes with a choice of three equipment levels and the Comfort level usually provides the best overall package. Expect twin airbags, front electric windows, a CD player, remote central locking and an immobiliser. With this kind of equipment it represents a good deal for an individual, a couple or a small family. The 1.2 engine option is the most basic with a 55 horse power output, followed by the 1.4 version with a 68 horse power output more comparable to a Golf. The former is not a quiet performer but it does not make for uncomfortable driving either, while the latter is a little more assured for all conditions.
The best feature of the Fabia's design is the interior space. It beats off most of the competition and a car like the Renault Clio feels positively tiny against it. Now if only Skoda could improve on the drab interior, there would be a very limited argument indeed when comparing it directly to its competitors.
The EuroNCAP crash tests on the Fabia in 2000 gave it a four star rating out of a possible five, being described as "a strong small car that protects adult occupants well", but it was also criticised for poor child restraints. The car has had one recall, but that only affected some 6,000 diesel cars with problematic fuel pumps. One such limited recall is a testament to Skoda quality control.
A 2002 car with a 1.4 petrol engine and 30,000 miles on the clock has an asking price of €8,995 and this car has the Comfort level of equipment. A 2004 version with 22,500 miles on the clock and the same equipment, is available for €12,250.
FOR: Excellent quality and value for money.
AGAINST: Drab interior.