Thankyou peeps.

I now know the engine is a 16valve - not the Tsi so assume it's less refined as the emissions (road tax!) are higher and fual efficiency lower. Having said that, cost of ownership may be reasonable if it doesn't have all the problems of a sophisticated version.

Ho hum, we'll see what it feels like on the day, but still looking at all makes with an open mind.

Fabia is a nice small car and the estate makes it a sensible load carrier. Most people would shrink with horror at a 1.6 auto, and you may find that the car is under powered,

We have a 1.6auto Focus and it is very adequately nimble with plenty of power. The thing about autos is you can put your foot down without fear of breaking the engine or gearbox if it's warmed up. It spins up to the red line and changes up at exactly the right time so when overtaking that 40mph artic holding everyone up [although most these days have the decency to break their speed limit otherwise the non-motorway roads would be gridlocked] you only have to worry about the steering! This sort of 'italian tuneup' is actually good for the engine as well; gets the oil circulating nicely along the passageways.