There has been a lot of talk recently about the possibility of someone hacking into our cars electronic brains the moment we connect to the mobile internet.
To be honest if somebody wants to hack into my car to listen to my Bros MP3 collection, then they are more than welcome – plus if this actually did happen while I was driving, the solution would be simple. Just turn off your mobile phone while driving – which to be honest we should all be doing anyway.
Also, a source told me recently that exploiting this flaw in any vehicle “required unique and extensive technical knowledge, along with prolonged physical access to the vehicle in question and an extended period of time to write the code to make the car do unusual things” So it seems it’s actually pretty hard – so I shall not worry that my Bros music collection has been listened to by a guy from behind a computer screen.
Power and Efficiency:
The 1.0-litre 95PS TSi petrol engine is fantastic, and it pulls great – with a good range of torque (160Nm). The 0-62 time is OK at 10.6sec and although not a racing start, it still feels like it wants to get a move on. You can also expect a top speed of around 115mph. Fuel consumption is also good, giving you a combined figure of 64mpg. Safety also seems paramount for Skoda because the Fabia is fitted with; front side airbags, curtain airbags and a driver’s and front passenger airbag.
On the road:
The Fabia is not bad at all, and there is nothing to complain about because all the Fabia models throughout the years have all had excellent road holding capabilities and the Monte Carlo is no exception. The 5 speed gearbox is also a peach to use and you get a positive feedback through the steering wheel as to what the road beneath you is doing thanks to the sporty nature of the suspension.
Interior & Technology
The new Fabia Monte Carlo has a lot to offer a modern driver like style, comfort and practicality. Skoda says that the Fabia turns heads wherever it goes with its dynamic style and elegant lines. I personally believe this to be a very good description if I’m being honest.
Inside, the overall quality and feel is good and exceptionally spacious in the rear for a compact car. There is also plenty of standard kit – like 16” Italia black alloy wheels, acoustic rear parking sensors, black decorative inserts, black radiator grille and door mirrors, Bluetooth®, curtain airbags, DAB digital radio, door sill inserts with Monte Carlo logo (front only), ESC incl. ABS, MSR, ASR, EDS, HBA, front fog lights, front sports seats, LED daytime running lights, manual air conditioning, Monte Carlo badge on the B pillar, Monte Carlo pedals, panoramic glass sunroof, side airbags front, sports leather multi-function steering wheel and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Space inside any compact car is important for many reasons, and the Fabia does not disappoint by managing to fit in a large family with relative ease. Boot space is also good at 330 litres – extending to 1,150 with all the rear seats down. Rear passengers won’t feel squashed or cramped either thanks to Skoda allowing a good amount of rear leg room at the back.
To sum up:
The Fabia is a good car with a good price tag. It gives you all the things you will ever want from a compact family car. For me it’s; fun to drive and has bags of space and equipment inside, which is why I will offer it 5 stars – something of rarity from me.
Price: from £16,100