By Vítslav Kodym

June 2003

Confidence is flowing through the veins of Skoda's chief product planners. Following the success of the Superb and Octavia, the firm is fixing its sights on the hot hatch market, with a high-performance Fabia aimed at the likes of the Peugeot 206 GTi and Renaultsport Clio 172. And here it is - the Fabia vRS, somewhat surprisingly powered by a 130bhp 1.9-litre diesel unit. Can a Skoda oil-burner really be taken seriously?

The newcomer is set to go on sale in September, and expectations are high. It received a warm welcome at its Geneva Motor Show world debut in March. Available only as a five-door, it mixes rally car looks and performance with road-model luxury. Despite the engine debate, there can be no question about the effect of the styling. Chunky alloys, a colour-coded bodykit and sporty exhaust give an aggressive look. Inside, there's a three-spoke sports steering wheel and figure-hugging seats.

Twist the ignition key, though, and reservations about the diesel grow. At idle, the engine is noisy and incongruous with a high-performance car. However, the motor - already available in the bigger Octavia - has a few tricks up its sleeve. Offering a huge 310Nm of torque from only 1,900rpm, the four-cylinder has got what it takes to slingshot the lightweight Fabia towards the horizon. Covering the 0-60mph sprint in a mere 9.6 seconds, its top speed is nearly 130mph. Power delivery is very smooth, and the six-speed gearbox makes the most of the mighty slug of torque - something that's crucially important, given the 4,500rpm red line.

Another bonus is the economy, with a claimed combined figure of 50mpg - that's more than any direct rival's. Even when driven hard, our test Fabia refused to dip below 40mpg. But it's not until you head off the motorway that the vRS really starts to shine, thanks to its impressively able chassis. The Skoda's original, already excellent driving characteristics are pushed to the limit. Firmer springs and dampers, plus revised suspension settings, offer crisp steering and fine levels of grip.

The final triumph is the vRS's price. For around ΂£13,000 you get a car full of gadgets. Safety systems are comprehensive, too, and include airbags, plus traction and stability control. Air-con and xenon lights are also promised.

We are impressed, but that's not to say the Fabia vRS is a traditional hot hatch. Drivers will need to take time to get used to its diesel engine, and forgive some disadvantages such as the noisy idle and short rev range. But it's worth the effort. The motor works well with the chassis, and the car is nicely equipped and feels robustly built.

That said, if the idea of a diesel hot hatch appals you, don't despair - the vRS will be available with a new petrol engine in the foreseeable future. Peugeot and Renault had better watch out!

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