I bought the 1.2MPI HTP elegance in Bangalore on August, still date have driven 5K Kms without any issue though the taxes are high, got good discount
Exterior The new face lift version looks bold and awesome with the new front fog lamps and the DRL lights its got the style and class above all hatchbacks.
Interior(Features, Space & Comfort) When you sit inside the car you are totally cut from the outside world, no noticeable engine noise and the seats are like butter, shocks are awesome and you do not feel those bumps, stereo equipment is good with 4 speakers in the front its rocking and nice clarity of music compared to my old car stereo equipment, with MFI display you have a lot of information at your disposal and is useful(Mileage, speed etc)
Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Fuel economy of about 12KM in Bangalore traffic and about 17 outside seems better than my santro for a petrol engine.
Pickup is bit slow but the top end and braking is excellent with features like ABS, brake Assist, EBC, MSR. Safety features also include airbags and shear bolt(Prevents engine from entering the body in case of collision).
Reason for discarding other brands
Polo - Less discount, difficult for 6footer to sit inside
I20 - Inside built quality naaa. and have heard of problems related to power steering but it has good safety features, but less discount.
Ford figo - Small car and quality of materials not so good and safety features also not upto the mark.
Maruti - did not even check as the swifts are tooo common.
Micra - Looks and service centers are not well distributed, though not much idea about the car.
Ride Quality & Handling Very stable and reliable.
Final Words People thinking for this car is a better option than the polo, as long as after sales service is considered its all the same compared to all manufactures, I had problems with hyundai also so I cant blame skoda as allmanufacturese sail in the same boat, some dealers are good some are worst and more over its all your luck.
I have seen an hyundai, BMW face a same issue brand new cars but the dealer/manufacturer are not bothered, before you buy please check with the astrologer your star and the manufacturers star, its like getting married
Areas of improvement Can include rear wiper, cimate control ac and EOVRM with indicators and some European fabia stuff.
Best discounts in this segment,
I bought an i10 but I got good discounts on the fabia, and I feel the overall maintenance may be* more but since the service interval is only once a year/15K Kms so compared to any manufacturer it seems best(Or else you will have to take leave from work and give for service, you will have to answer your manager and when your manager hears you have a skoda he will certainly feel jealous and might postpone your promotion)
-Shocks are best compared to i10 as I have seen the i10 just throws the rear passengers towards the roof where as fabia does not and the car is really very strong built, you can feel while you sit inside.
-Initial pick up is less compared to i10 but you can adjust this by your driving habits(bit of clutch judders)
-The Multi function display shows the mileage, avg speed and it has speed indicator also and many more stuff, really informative, missing is gear shift indicator which is available in diesel fabia.