2012 Skoda Fabia Reviews

MONTE Carlo is an ostentatious and underwhelming attachment of expensive Med-side apartments glued to the side of a impressive rock. In terms of value for money, it doesn't rate. In fact, tourists only remember it for its casino and the room rate bill. It's ironic that Skoda should choose the name for its special edition Fabia hatch.Monte Carlo is expensive and aloof - the Fabia version is cheap as chips and carries no pretence. The name, however, comes from Monte Carlo's association with motorsports and it's here that the look - and feel - of the Fabia starts to make some sense.VALUESo good. At $21,990 it's on par - and sometimes a little bit dearer - than rivals but it has lots to offer, especially that it looks as impressive as a Mini costing twice the price. The Monte Carlo is an ongoing model costing $3000 more than the standard Fabia and adding a new look and a few more features.DESIGNThere's a bit of Mini-esque design trickery here with black mascara over selected body parts - including the roof - to give it a visual whack. It looks great in white with the standard black roof with the bigger 16-inch black alloys setting it all off. The cabin gets sports seats and more black.TECHNOLOGYThe Polo-based Fabia five-door hatchback's drivetrain is unchanged in its transformation into the Monte Carlo. That is Volkswagen Polo's 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol attached to a five-speed manual gearbox. It comes only as a manual, countering its Polo GTI sister that gets only a dual-clutch auto. The Monte's bigger wheels slightly improve handling but in essence, it drives like the cheaper Fabia. SAFETYFabia gets a four-star crash rating but adds six airbags and electronic aids starting with stability control and brake assist. The spare wheel is full size an it doesn't impair on the big boot - other carmakers take note.DRIVINGThis is so much fun. The shift feel of the manual box is disappointingly rubbery but it's still an enjoyable stir while the engine surprises with good bottom-end torque and an eagerness to spin up high.It is such an engaging drive that you can get too enthusiastic with the handling - it will lift a rear inside wheel with ease - but understeer and common sense will bring you and the car back to earth. The ride comfort is firm-ish but perfectly comfortable for city driving. Aside from the imprecise feel of the steering and the vague gearshift, it's a great package.