Fabia automatic

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Tue 2 Nov 2004 17:33
Fabia automatic - TonyC
Hi - thinking about buying a Fabia automatic, something like a 52 plate. Anyone out there with any info/advice? I'm thinking about things like:
- reasonable mpg around town?
- does box change-up smoothly without the engine having to rev too high?
- reliable motor??
Any info/opinion (good or bad) would be appreciated. I have had 3 autos so far and need to stick to one. Dont like cars that are too big, so something like an Octavia or Vectra is no good. Need a town car that is reliable, hard-wearing and automatic.
Cheers
TonyC
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Tue 2 Nov 2004 18:42
Fabia automatic - autouk
Hi Tony,

I'm also after a small automatic.

I have a What Car magazine review of the VW Polo, same engine and gearbox. They reckon it is not as good as a Micra or Fiesta automatic and the gearbox is sluggish. I also remember reading somewhere that they are not so good before they are warmed up.
The car i'm going to take a look at is the Kia Picanto automatic, that will probably fit the bill. The Toyota yaris is rated highly. Also you can pick up various suzuki, daihatsu cars with good auto boxes very reasonably.

Regards

autouk
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Tue 2 Nov 2004 18:56
Fabia automatic - mark999
It may be a bit out of your price range but I had a test dtive in a Honda Jazz CVT the other day. I was really impressed with it.
Might be worth a look
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Tue 2 Nov 2004 18:57
Fabia automatic - Dynamic Dave
Hi Tony,
I'm also after a small automatic.


*Surely* you've found one since May?
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=22189
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Tue 2 Nov 2004 19:15
Fabia automatic - wibble
My father has one of these. A bit slow but its only a 1.4. Very nice gearbox that smoothly changes. MPG is good for an automatic.
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Wed 3 Nov 2004 20:39
Fabia automatic - bartycrouch
TonyC

They are just too slow to be considered, even for a town car. It is even slower than the Polo auto. The combination of the VW 1.4 and the auto box is really only sufficient for the Lupo, which is probably too small. The Fabia is a good car, but not in auto form.

If you don't like the Jazz, a slightly older Yaris auto is a better bet than a 2 year-old Fabia. I suspect a Fabia auto will be quite hard to pass on in a few years, as it "falls between two stools"





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