Polo/Fabia 1.6TDI (etc) - Second Car Recommendations?

[rvt50]

Evening all

It is coming to that point where I probably need to begin thinking about a new car. I have had my first car for quite a while now and although it's been excellent really, I know I should at least do a bit of research to know what to expect as a replacement might be wise over the next 12-18months (or perhaps sooner).

So this might bore you (if i haven't already lost you...) but my requirements are pretty simple. It is an A-to-B "tool" for me. I need it to be safe, reliable, economical, well made. I'd like to stick with a hatchback as well as a bigger are isn't necessary for me. I use this 85% for my job (self employed, so have to drive often). My current car is a Polo with a 1.4TDI in it. I like it. The handling and body roll leave much to be desired, but it's responsive enough on the motorway and moving around etc. Never had any issues with it. Definitely want to stick with a diesel as I prefer the drive. Perhaps if quieter and has better handling than my current car then that's only a good thing...

I like the sound of the 1.6 diesel 90BHP in the new Polo. But I searched on here and people don't seem too keen on it?

I see the Fabia version has a slightly more refined 1.6 in it, and costs less, like perhaps almost £2,000 less. What would I be missing with the Skoda?

Those are the only ones I've really looked at, as to be honest the Polo seems to suit what I want and I haven't looked beyond that. If there is anything else I should definitely consider, let me know.

Thanks

[JackReacher]

My girlfriend went from a 2004 polo 1.4tdi to an A1 with the 1.6 tdi engine. I liked the polo engine but the 1.6 is quite a bit quicker, if not anymore economical. It's not as refined as 2.0tdi engines but it's much better than the 1.4! The fabia and polo engines are the same, but the polo is detuned for some weird reason so I'd go for a fabia in Monte Carlo trim or look at a Ibiza.

[willmagrath]

The only thing you'll gain with the polo over the fabia is the badge and the quality of some of the interior plastics. Everything else is the same, exactly the same in fact. I have a fabia vrs 1.9 tdi and its just as refined as my friends golf with the same engine!. If this doesnt worry you, then go for the fabia if its going to save you £2000!! thats a years worth of fuel and tax!

[rvt50]

JackReacher said:

My girlfriend went from a 2004 polo 1.4tdi to an A1 with the 1.6 tdi engine. I liked the polo engine but the 1.6 is quite a bit quicker, if not anymore economical. It's not as refined as 2.0tdi engines but it's much better than the 1.4! The fabia and polo engines are the same, but the polo is detuned for some weird reason so I'd go for a fabia in Monte Carlo trim or look at a Ibiza.

Thanks for the reference, that sounds good. I honestly think an A1 would be too much for me, but good to know as well.

People seem less keen on the Seats though, no?

[rvt50]

willmagrath said:

The only thing you'll gain with the polo over the fabia is the badge and the quality of some of the interior plastics. Everything else is the same, exactly the same in fact. I have a fabia vrs 1.9 tdi and its just as refined as my friends golf with the same engine!. If this doesnt worry you, then go for the fabia if its going to save you £2000!! thats a years worth of fuel and tax!

I guess I would have to feel/see it first. Are the Fabia interiors low quality? I'm not looking for luxury, obviously, but it's something I'd keep a good while so wouldn't want pieces falling off )

The £2000 saving is nice with the Fabia, I am almost sold on it (well, for next year!). My Polo is fine still... but it's like 14 years old so... Anyway, the thing with the Fabia is those recommend the Monte Carlo, which puts it the same price as the Polo . Not sure about the Monte Carlo though, it sounds nice (spec wise), but I don't want to look like a boy-racer

[graham22]

rvt50 said:

I guess I would have to feel/see it first. Are the Fabia interiors low quality? I'm not looking for luxury, obviously, but it's something I'd keep a good while so wouldn't want pieces falling off )

The £2000 saving is nice with the Fabia, I am almost sold on it (well, for next year!). My Polo is fine still... but it's like 14 years old so... Anyway, the thing with the Fabia is those recommend the Monte Carlo, which puts it the same price as the Polo . Not sure about the Monte Carlo though, it sounds nice (spec wise), but I don't want to look like a boy-racer

Wouldn't say the Monte carlo looks to boy-racer, most I've seen are driven by the older generation.

Not sure what age car you're looking at but also consider the slightly earlier Sport model - very similar to the MC but without the wheel arch trims. My other half has a 1.9TDI Sport, likes it alot plus the 1.9 unit has no DPF to worry about.

[willmagrath]

rvt50 said:

willmagrath said:

The only thing you'll gain with the polo over the fabia is the badge and the quality of some of the interior plastics. Everything else is the same, exactly the same in fact. I have a fabia vrs 1.9 tdi and its just as refined as my friends golf with the same engine!. If this doesnt worry you, then go for the fabia if its going to save you £2000!! thats a years worth of fuel and tax!

I guess I would have to feel/see it first. Are the Fabia interiors low quality? I'm not looking for luxury, obviously, but it's something I'd keep a good while so wouldn't want pieces falling off )

The £2000 saving is nice with the Fabia, I am almost sold on it (well, for next year!). My Polo is fine still... but it's like 14 years old so... Anyway, the thing with the Fabia is those recommend the Monte Carlo, which puts it the same price as the Polo . Not sure about the Monte Carlo though, it sounds nice (spec wise), but I don't want to look like a boy-racer

No i wouldn't say the interior is low quality, its well put together but the plastics can be a bit low rent. Most of the switch gear is vw though! (indicators, steering wheel, light switches etc)

[Toaster Pilot]

Fabia is a great car - wouldn't bother with the Monte Carlo trim personally.

[rvt50]

Appreciate the thoughts guys!

What trim would you go for if not the Monte Carlo? No offence intended with the "boy racer" comment, only just looking at web images, haven't seen one in the flesh. If you've seen them mostly driven by the older generation then perhaps it might suit me after all ;o)

I think I'm basically sold on the Fabia over the Polo. However, there is one caveat. The Fabia reviews seem to mention road noise at high speeds/motorways, whereas the Polo is specifically mentioned as being remarkably quiet? It seems a bit strange, if the only difference is interior plastics, makes me wonder if there is more to it than meets the eye...

[Toaster Pilot]

rvt50 said:

What trim would you go for if not the Monte Carlo?

Whatever trim level comes with a reasonable amount of interior kit without the blinged up exterior - I'm not overly familiar with the range

[JackReacher]

rvt50 said:

Appreciate the thoughts guys!

What trim would you go for if not the Monte Carlo? No offence intended with the "boy racer" comment, only just looking at web images, haven't seen one in the flesh. If you've seen them mostly driven by the older generation then perhaps it might suit me after all ;o)

I think I'm basically sold on the Fabia over the Polo. However, there is one caveat. The Fabia reviews seem to mention road noise at high speeds/motorways, whereas the Polo is specifically mentioned as being remarkably quiet? It seems a bit strange, if the only difference is interior plastics, makes me wonder if there is more to it than meets the eye...

There are other differences. For a start while the Fabia/Polo/A1 etc share the same engine, the Fabia is based on an older car than the Polo/A1/Ibiza which have a newer chassis. Also, the sound deadening used will be different. For example I got a Polo as a courtesy car when my Golf was in for a service, and road noise was greater than in our A1, not much but a little. I suspect the Fabia will have slightly less than that Polo. There are a lot of other small reasons why they cost less, like rear drum brakes instead of discs, lack of gas dampers on the bonnet etc. Whether any of that matter is another question.

[rvt50]

Thank you both!

[va1o]

I've found the 1.2 TSI suits these cars better, it's a really sweet and responsive engine capable of good mpg. The 1.6 TDI is a bit rough and nose heavy, plauged by DPF and EGR problems. Would only really opt for the diesel if doing high miles.

In terms of which car the Polo is imminently due facelift. It's the one to go for if you can wait, otherwise I'd go for the Fabia Monte Carlo. Ride perhaps a bit firm but they look the part and come highly equipped.

[kieranblenk]

rvt50 said:

What trim would you go for if not the Monte Carlo? No offence intended with the "boy racer" comment, only just looking at web images, haven't seen one in the flesh. If you've seen them mostly driven by the older generation then perhaps it might suit me after all ;o)

I think I'm basically sold on the Fabia over the Polo. However, there is one caveat. The Fabia reviews seem to mention road noise at high speeds/motorways, whereas the Polo is specifically mentioned as being remarkably quiet? It seems a bit strange, if the only difference is interior plastics, makes me wonder if there is more to it than meets the eye...

Mine's a 2 spec which is mid-range, now known as SE iirc, has the essentials like alloys & aircon but really if you're wanting the bells and whistles, go for a 3/Elegance spec depending on age. Regarding road noise, my 1.2 HTP is quite raucous past 65 but a diesel shouldn't be as bad. I looked at a Polo when I got my Fabia and I preferred the Fabia, it's a tad roomier inside too.

[Northernchimp]

Had a 1.6 TDI 105 BHP in an Ibiza. Decent enough engine, but you'd be lucky to get 48mpg. I'd look at the Ibiza 1.6 TDI Sport, looks better than th Fabia and 15 BHP more than the 1.6 in the Polos.

[Lowtimer]

JackReacher said:

There are other differences. For a start while the Fabia/Polo/A1 etc share the same engine, the Fabia is based on an older car than the Polo/A1/Ibiza which have a newer chassis.

No.
The current Skoda Fabia was actually the first use of the current Polo platform, and came out a year before the Polo.

[va1o]

Lowtimer said:

No.
The current Skoda Fabia was actually the first use of the current Polo platform, and came out a year before the Polo.

No it isn't that is incorrect. It came out several years before the Polo, 2006 IIRC rather than 2009. It sits on an updated version of the old PQ24 platform originating from the Mk1 Fabia. The Mk5 Ibiza in 2008 was the first to use the new PQ25 platform, followed by the Polo a year later and A1 a year after that.

[Lowtimer]

va1o said:

No it isn't that is incorrect. It came out several years before the Polo, 2006 IIRC rather than 2009. It sits on an updated version of the old PQ24 platform originating from the Mk1 Fabia. The Mk5 Ibiza in 2008 was the first to use the new PQ25 platform, followed by the Polo a year later and A1 a year after that.

I stand corrected. You have it right: I'd got two different strands of history conflated.

It was the *previous* Fabia that used the Polo platform a year before the Polo had it. With them having repeated the trick this time round with the current Seat Ibiza, it seems VAG is keen on having its budget brands test the small car platform before they are used on the Polo.

[BFG TERRANO]

I have a company 11 plate Ibiza ST Sport 1.6tdi. Its basic A to B transport. Its falling apart around me at 60k and I cant wait for it to go. Its been trouble, in my opinion an embarrassment to the VAG group. Its economical, 40s around town, 50s on the motorway and 60s on the motorway if you sit with the hgvs. Please don't assume Seat is basically VW, its not.

[Toaster Pilot]

I must say every time I've had an Ibiza or Leon rental car it's felt pretty cheap inside