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Business Car trailblazers Skoda Fabia


It is hard to believe that the first-generation Skoda Fabia is 20 years old this year. It seems like a perfect time then, to reflect on the revolutionary range-topper – the vRS.


More engines were added, plus practical estate and less popular saloon versions followed. However, performance vRS versions of the Octavia, launched in 2001, showed a newfound confidence from Skoda in their brand. No one laughed at the idea of a high-performance Skoda, as the result was easily a match to the Golf GTi of the time. This success must have surely influenced any decisions on future vRS models, as the most interesting version of the MK1 Fabia arrived two years later. Not only was the first Fabia vRS fast, with 130hp, but it was also revolutionary in a period where hot hatches were making a resurgence. This Fabia wasn’t petrol powered, but instead used a version of the 2.0-litre TDi diesel borrowed from its big brother. This combined with the Fabia’s light build (1,300kg), and short gear ratios, equalled 0–62mph acceleration of 9.2 seconds, plus a colossal 310Nm of torque and despite all the performance, it was still capable of 53.3mpg on the Combined Cycle. Although I got to drive plenty of standard MK1 Fabias at the time, my age counted against me when the Fabia vRS MK1 came along. So, when I told the Skoda press office I was going to be writing about the first-generation Fabia, I was made up when they offered me the chance to borrow their first Fabia vRS, from the UK heritage fleet.


Martyn Collins


With the latest fourth-generation Skoda Fabia now on sale in the UK, it made me think back to the start of my motoring journalism career in 2000, and the stir the original Fabia created when it was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show.


Not the first Skoda built under Volkswagen Group ownership – that’s reserved for the Mk1 Octavia, but the Fabia marked a change of direction for the Czech brand. Firstly, in terms of the styling, it automatically made its rivals look dated, thanks to its curvy, modern design. Then there was the well-made interior that was more spacious and it was a better drive than its halo sister car, the Volkswagen Polo. At launch, the hatch was available with eight- valve and 16-valve versions of the 1.4-litre petrol, plus SDi and TDi versions of the 1.9- litre diesel – that were also offered in sister Polo and Seat Ibiza models. Trim levels were Classic, Comfort and Elegance.


Like the buyers who bought them in their droves, the motoring press fell in love with the Fabia, and it walked away with many of the top prizes in 2000. It was not that long before this, that Skoda models used to be the butt of people’s jokes.


50 | March 2022 | www.businesscar.co.uk


Not too perfect to be used, but this 2005 Corrida Red example, must be one of the most original and best kept early Fabia vRS about. Outside, the unique body kit is well integrated to this Skoda supermini’s sharp styling – certainly fresher than its 17 years. The 16in wheels look comically small by today’s hot hatch standards, and contrast nicely with the green brake callipers.


Inside, this Fabia was considered well-equipped in 2005, but the interior and equipment seems stark and modest in comparison with the current, fourth-generation car. Still, the sports seats are supportive, the driving position comfortable and the instruments simple and easy to read. Turn the key, and the tappety diesel thrum still seems odd with all the sporty vRS badging and trim. The clutch is light and the six-speed manual transmission slick. That diesel engine might be noisy, but with maximum torque delivered at just 2,000rpm, plus the feeling of lightness you don’t get with modern cars, it doesn’t need to be worked hard to make decent progress. The steering, handling and brakes are also pleasingly sharp by modern standards, too. Just £3,000 will buy you a decent example of this Fabia vRS now, and although diesel power is no longer PC in current times, this Fabia delivers driver thrills that the new car cannot match.


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