35% Price Jump, But Worth It? (Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo 2023 review)

[@eurohao1981]

I am so glad that I bought the Skoda Scala Monte Carlo edition with Tech Pack last year. It’s the same price and the same new 1.5L EA211 EVO engine, plus adaptive suspension, panoramic sunroof power tailgate and much more room.

[@jhref]

Looks sick too. Great choice.

[@davidarter9670]

A really thorough technical review, John. Thankyou. There is a succinct difference between cost and value for money and you highlighted this brilliantly. I think you may be right, most people don’t need anything bigger, faster or thirstier than this wonderful little car delivers. Great review.

[@DennosManCave]

Got one on order, collect it on Monday! Wanted something different, and easy to drive as a daily driver. Ticks all the boxes in my book

[@DennosManCave]

@@gregdebbiebyrnes5782 I got in early! I only ordered it 3 weeks ago too.

[@mattnorton001]

@@DennosManCave keen to hear how your experience with it is going? Test drive for me was a winner. Looking for the same reason you did, different, easy, good on fuel, tech heavy, not a Corolla

[@DennosManCave]

@@mattnorton001 I like it! Did a trip to Bathurst on the weekend. Car goes really well. Really happy with the performance vs comfort vs efficiency. Minor niggles ... A little tight against the left leg against the console, so don't use the footrest. Heated front seats in the morning have been a God send. Auto box is good as is active cruise control. Wireless charger for the phone is ok on short journeys, you need a cable on a long journey when using both media streaming and google maps on Android Auto. Averaged 5ltr/100km. But I overall... Very happy with the purchase. Worth every penny

[@patrickcarr9678]

I'm in the UK so can't comment on the price. I have had one of these for just over a month, having traded down from a Superb L&K 272hp 4x4. Apart from having to get used to 2wd and the possibility of wheelspin if I'm too enthusiastic, I don't miss the Superb at all. The Fabia is quiet, comfortable on long journeys and has that reassuring amount of power that means it doesn't have to kick down all the time when you want to pick up speed, which makes it more relaxing. It just goes. Yes. space for rear passengers is a little on the tight side, but we can get my two adult children in reasonably comfortably. I just didn't need a big car any more, and this looked intriguing. Gearbox is 7 speed DSG, so can be jerky around town, but that's standard for Skoda. The Superb was just the same...

[@Rusties844]

Hello I’m also in uk and considering this car what’s your average mpg town. Motorway and spirited driving thanks

[@scollyutube]

It's best competition is from within. Scala and Kamiq Monte Carlo's are both just a bit next level with what they offer too, adj dampers, glass roof, bit more room..... 750km range in our Kamiq MC without even trying so Fabia must be even better.

[@Mart1n002]

I am getting above 900km range,l and as I'm from europe, I could configure it with glass roof as well

[@marekkemp3398]

Choosing a lesser version than the Monte Carlo will save you $$$. My pick is a 110 bhp with a manuał 6-gear shifter. One addition to your excellent review is that some of the simply clever features just disappear from the boot once you have opted for the false floor.

[@c.s2001]

Thanks John. What’s not to love. The conflict may be in 2-4 years time when you have to decide on an ice/hybrid/EV variant. Good luck with that decision.

[@Neverfast]

Nice dash! Also pretty nice of Skoda to already have the check engine light on. Almost makes you feel you’re driving an actual VW.

[@zaamuro8408]

Definitely the choice if you're looking at buying a high spec polo but otherwise very expensive. This ain't no golf alternative but interesting choice none the less

[@alanclarkeau]

Black roof - in Australia - can't see that being at all inviting.

[@durian2193]

I paid the same for my GR Yaris.

[@elijahschnake3863]

you what? how?

[@Undersnow243]

And fortunately you paid the same for a 1,6L engine pushed to the very max of its limit to reach 280hp bricked into a small car, Id be happy to know the longevity of that 1,6L if you are often pedal to the floor for 10years.. and all that for a used vehicle (at that price), and far less comfortable than a fabia, double the fuel consumption, tiny interior just to do short accelerations 10% most of your driving time.. Useless for most people that want a brand new vehicle..

[@indetailcarcaresolutions3770]

I thought the different drive modes changed adaptable dampeners. They do on my Kodiaq and in other Skodas

[@AndrewTSq]

why I think its kind of expensive is cause its built upon the vw Polo platform. But I love the chairs in the car, its big on the inside, great luggage, lots of equipment. But if they gave it individual rear suspension instead of torsionbar, it would be worth it.

[@davidperry3531]

After the initial sticker shock and then having a look at the standard equipment, fit and finish, the Fabia is probably not too bad. Using the Monte Carlo name is 'drawing a long bow' though. At least it has a proper gear change lever not one of those dinky changes you get in the Golf and A3..The service costs and 7 year warranty are good marketing points but you are really looking at a Polo size car, not a Golf. (I believe that the updated Golf Mk 8 will do away with the haptic steering wheel buttons and revert to proper buttons - hurrah!). Both the Golf and Audi A3 are lovely drives and it would be interesting to compare the Fabia on a drive but at least the Fabia has the more modern 1.5 litre TFSI motor which is the same as the A3.

[@stephenhunt6673]

Good review!! Prefer this over a "follow the other sheep" Toyota or Mazda any day.

[@arad907]

Hi mate I just wish you mention the back seat practicality and space for child seat 😊. Some of us are planning to have kids and don’t want to buy SUVs, since they are not enjoyable to ride.

[@analysethis6061]

Nice review, John. A good car should be backed with good customer service. Yet to experience good customer service from VW group.

[@davidfaletti2627]

Looking very hard at a Skoda for my next car. Is the glass roof a good option in the Australian summer? I realise it is tinted but wonder about cabin temperatures on a 40 degree day.

[@EnShinNoi]

Its priced as a 'small' car and that's what the market will be comparing it to. So it loses in power to a Cerato GT or i30 N-line and in style to a Mazda3. Throw in a 2.0 TSI engine, offer it in Mamba Green and keep it under $40k drive-away then we have a uniquely positioned car worth talking about.

[@DennosManCave]

.... But only teenage girls and grandmothers drive the Mazda3. The Fabia is designed more for a middle aged bloke like me

[@hipkoole1637]

5.6-6.0L/100km is the stated consumption here in Europe for the fabia MC with an 81kw engine. So I guess it might be kinda close to actual consumption then.

[@mrburger007]

Pick mine up on Saturday. Replacing a 08 Fiesta XR4

[@aygeeninty771]

What's the verdict? Good car and any issues? Thanks

[@mrburger007]

@@aygeeninty771 yeah. Really liking it. Comfortable. Quick when I want it to be and economical when I don't 😀. Handles pretty well, rides well and the heated seats are great 😂. Drove from Melbourne to Adelaide (800km) and did the trip easily

[@davepax982]

John. I think you need some more trouser length. Either that or a reduction in leg length.

[@gregj7916]

i assume it's roughly the same size as a mk4 golf....

[@karanaman68]

The front end has a lot of BMW queues

[@gamag792]

great footage

[@kd6gs]

150hp engine is such an amazing car

[@garryneedham7835]

Just bought one, so I will see how it goes

[@Rusties844]

How’s it going with your Fabia I’m interested in mpg town motorway and spirited driving figures pls ease and full tank twanged if possible many thanks

[@IceCool97]

I just ordered my Monte Carlo last week, 1.5tsi, dsg, 150ks 26.6k€, The price jump will be this big for newest model that comes in 2023?

[@ahh1180]

Most inner city Sydney drivers looking for a hatch would just buy a Corolla and I totally understand why $$

[@davidarter9670]

Note to Johnny: Better ask Mum to get you a new pair of trousers…..you’ve definitely outgrown that pair!!!

[@deangreen3370]

getting my Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo in 2 weeks

[@Mexxx65]

Interesting Fabia model. Not sure it has much of a market here. You would buy one because its supercheap...oh wait Seats look greeeeat though! Much better than any seats I've seen in a Polo model recently, and I think possibly a modern take of the Golf GTI Tartan!! The dead and gone Hyundai Veloster, at a similar price point, in its last guise, offered up a brilliant little fully-independant multi-link rear suspension.

[@pauld6556]

No mention of the transmission? What’s the DSG like around town and at slow speeds? Jerky as per VW?

[@nicolegodwin8888]

I’ve just bought the latest Polo with the same transmission, I’ve had no jerkiness in the four weeks I’ve owned it. Even driving through Wollongong and Sydney in traffic, no issues at all…I assume it will be the same in the Fabia? Depends on the driver I guess…some have no idea how to drive a DSG…

[@pauld6556]

@@nicolegodwin8888 can’t expect regular folk knowing how to drive a DSG when they are solely pitched and sold as an “automatic car”.

[@MrKeith74lee]

So disappointing that Skoda decided not to offer its more affordable Fabia here in Australia. I can’t justify paying for the price. I think it may lead to the eventual demise of the Skoda brand Down Under.

[@alanclarkeau]

Absolutely - it's pretending it's in a category it hasn't earned. Resale remains below par - making a premium price even more suspect.

[@TheSumitsetia]

that is exactly they are trying to do, they know they cant sell them down under and thats give them an excuse to say good bye to australian market. same with honda nad 47000 civic

[@nebtriv]

Go ahead buy it? Tell them its fine we can afford it! Next year pump up the price some more.

[@martinburns342]

Good review John. Is the transmission a DSG or an 8 speed conventional auto as fitted in the new Golf?

[@DennosManCave]

7sp DSG

[@wayneheyes904]

35% price hike is unacceptable!!!!!!

[@BluOrion08]

We're just going to have to wait until it dips or Skoda gets generous with pricing.

[@tonycoz2309]

Cars in general have increased by a vast amount recently. I suspect more and more people will be looking at the used market rather than new.

[@hughventer2934]

It’s just way too expensive, that’s Hyundai i30 n-line premium money.

[@Slipperystick73]

It’s way better inside than a i30n line… the tech is leaps and bounds a head

[@TalismanPHX]

Crazy pricing.... 🤪

[@kawaiikoala4966]

wheres the longer pants buddy

[@ambroseleung1222]

I would rather have a corolla SX hybrid.

[@DennosManCave]

Boring. If I wanted a white good, I would buy a washing machine.

[@nexusonels]

The price....just no. That's absolutely bonkers.

[@GlowingTube]

A premium for something designed to break.., no thanks.

[@skulkloe]

Too expensive for what it is.