thanks for that

I eventually decided on the Suzuki Swift - mainly basing my decision on running costs

The Suzuki averages 10mpg more than the Skoda and car tax is considerably less too - emissions of 153 as opposed to 180

Hi Twee,
From what you have written I would go for the Skoda. VW's reputation is rubbing off on the other brands it owns. I suspect it will hold its price better, easier to source spares if it goes wrong and in more demand if you want to sell privately at some time in the future.

Hi Twee,

Can't give you a definative answer I'm afraid - there isn't one! They are both cracking cars. I'm assuming they are new?

My personal feeling would be to go for the Skoda.

I suspect that being a VAG group car the reliability will be better, depreciation will be less and in the longer term parts availability will be better (depends on how long you intend to keep it whether that makes a difference). There are more skoda/vw dealers around than Suzuki anyway.... (if I remember correctly the Fabia is just a tarted up Polo)

Which would you buy - new ?

A Skoda Fabia 1.6 - 3 - Tiptronic or a Suzuki Swift 1.5 GLX (conventional automatic)......

Both approx the same price - plus or minus £1k

I have test driven both and am tempted by all the "bells and whistles" on the Fabia

The downside is the economy and emissions of the Fabia are higher than the Swift - but reliability is comparable

Advice requested