Ibiza FR TDI vs Skoda Fabia VRS

[TimBarratt]

I am thinking of changing cars as with my new job the Leon is a bit pricey to run. Im currently trying to buy a house so dont have any money to spend on a car. So I am looking to do a straight swap (which will probably mean an Ibiza Cupra TDI is out). I am considering two cars the Ibiza FR TDI and the Fabia VRS. I know they are very similar cars, but what are the differences, does one handle better than the other?

Has anyone got any experience of both cars?

 

[vwpologti]

i didnt know what one to have but went with the ibiza,not the fr but
the sport.

i think the ibiza looks better and the seats in the fabia are horrid!

the ibiza holds the road very well,but maybe due to the coilovers.

dont know much about the vrs so sorry im not much help!

 

[Bogwoppit]

This is a Seat forum so I am guessing the Ibiza will get more thumbs up.
My girlfriend has got the Fabia vRS (05 plate) and we have owned it from new, our reasons for getting the Fabia over the Ibiza were:

1. We thought the build quality was better especially inside the cabin.
2. She wanted a 5 door and the 5 door Ibiza is very girly in comparison to the 5 door Fabia.
3. Skoda at the time had brilliant customer service reports.

I have got a copy of Auto Express Issue 771 and they back to back test the Fabia vRS and the Ibiza TDI Sport (not the FR) and the Fabia won the test. The Sport is slightly different to the FR though, different gear ratios, softer suspension etc. The Ibiza has got more toys though, climate versus aircon in the Fabia.

In answering your handling question a standard Fabia vRS is supposed to handle fractionally better than an standard Ibiza TDi Sport but I cannot comment about an Ibiza FR 130.

At the end of the day they are very similar cars and I don't think you will be disappointed with either of them, take them both for a spin and see which you prefer.

 

[BeezerDiesel]

I had a Beezer 130 TDI Sport a few years back and more recently a vRS.
Beezer is definately harder riding and the seats are firmer to give a bit more 'sporty' feel to the car. The seats in the Fabia look really bolstered but in fact the foam is really quite soft and they don't hold you in place that well, plus they are a nightmare to keep clean.
Looks wise it depends on your tastes but I think the facelifted FR nudges ahead of the Fabia (once rear spacers have been fitted obviously!!!) and the older FR in behind the vRS, then in last place the mk4 Sport 130 due to it's all black interior which is dull as hell. My humble opinion of course!
Visibility wise then the Fabia wins hands down with bigger side windows and larger square wing mirrors (you may think that's not important but if you travel on motorways a fair bit you soon will), plus the Fabia's more compliant ride is more motorway friendly.

So there we have it - swings and roundabouts, go see what you get the best deal on and make your decision from there. Both excellent cars but neither perfect.

 

[beefyFR]

I was in this position last year. I test drove both models. I had extended test drive in vRS and found it is as quick as the FR both on straights and bends. The factor that swung it was that i got the pre facelift FR at a really good price due to the face lifted model just coming out and the dealer wanting to get rid. Also got climate control in the FR. Like already stated i think the post face lift model looks stunning so this would be my choice! Which ever one you get you will have some fun!

 

[rashcupra]

id have the FR as i obviously prefer the shape and the interior doesnt do it forme in the fabia and probably a b&st@rd to keep clean! test drive them both and youl know which 1 suits your driving style seating postion ect best!

i drive loads of diffrent cars at work and i got in an FR todrive into the workshop and everything was exactly where i wanted! it was realy comfy so i went out the next week and got the cupra and i love it!