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Same what they did with the Octavia vRS when it was first launched in Australia when Skoda came back. Manual ONLY. I think it's stupid and they've lost sales from people who would have bought a vRS or Fabia for that matter in Auto. Auto market with Manuals to introduce to country and sell? Makes no sense.
The Fabia RS is AUTO-only...Quote:
Originally Posted by MJKooLio
I'm still struggling with the price and trust me I am trying all I can to justify this purchase. But even now I'm looking at UK websites and reviews and it's THREE THOUSAND POUNDS CHEAPER than the GTI. A few bells and whistles (irrelevant ones at that) here in Australia on the VRS can't justify it being the price it is, a bloody missed opportunity for Matthew Wiesner (Skoda MD) in my opinion!!!!
Just took the Fabia vRS for a spin - the red one from the pics i posted on the previous page. Its a fun and quick little car. The engine is a potent little unit and really gets the car moving along quite swiftly. Makes all sort of whooshing and whistling noises as it revs and transitions between supercharger to turbocharger.
I wasnt expecting this much grunt after stepping out of my 204kw Golf R, but was pleasantly surprised at the pace and smooth powerband.
I'll clarify that the LED lights i mentioned are actually DRL's in the traditional fog light position - not tailights as i first thought.
The interior trim is nice quality and the seats are nicely bolstered and comfortable.
Sorry, but would have gotten one instead of the Polo GTI (6R) if the Fabia vRS was out earlier... though I sat in the Monte Carlo and the interior wasn't up to my standard... Octavia vRS yes... Polo yes... Golf NO THANKS and Monte Carlo... ughhh.... will go test drive one tomorrow.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jake02
The problem is not that the Fabia VRS is expensive it's that the Polo GTI has been priced VERY competitively here in Australia.
Also, the Fabia VRS here is loaded with just about every option. From the UK configurator it ends up being about UKP1500 of optional equipment!
i probably sound like a broken record now but.....Quote:
Originally Posted by Scout
VW Aus decide on the pricing for Skoda Aus!!
They decide on everything to do with Skoda Aus. What models come in, what options, levels of stock, spares, warranty, servicing. u know name it.
Even the Skoda Australia website is owned, and managed by VW Aus.
that being the case, VW is going to protect its own range, and not allow Skoda to undercut its earnings. and the best way is to price a skoda similar to its vw counterpart, knowing very well that the consumer is going to pick a known brand over the other unknown.
everywhere else (rest of the world), in the major markets like Europe, India & China, VW has no control or say in what Skoda does.
skoda stands on its own two feet, reporting directly to VAG (Volkswagen Audi Group).
That being the case... why bother introducing Skoda to Australia? It can only be costing VW Aus money in the long term if Skoda doesn't pay its way.Quote:
Originally Posted by dArK5HaD0w
Though you could make a case that the recent upgrade of the Polo GTI with standard convenience pack, RCD510 and bluetooth was a calculated move to ensure it had a perceived advantage over the Fabia VRS.
One of the advantages of the Fabia is the ability to choice 1 of 4 wheel colours and 3 roof colours and two interiors. Not to mention the Skoda colours seem nicer than the Polo GTI colour schemes
Interesting... In NZ the Fabia RS is only $900 cheaper than a Polo GTI 5 door.
In NZ Skoda is brought in by an importer so very different story. Also their servicing is about a third of what we pay. So yes we are getting reamed with our servicing.
Maybe because they pay their people in NZ crap wages? Look at Fairfax and Qantas outsourcing Aussie jobs across the ditch. Only one reason, it's cheaper due to low wages.Quote:
Originally Posted by woofy