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.
Now I am not as tech savvy as the next bloke, but really? What is the benefit of doing this; it makes no sense to me at all.
Of course if you are very tech savvy you will no doubt tell me that by ‘hacking my car’ it would be possible to control my car remotely using the car’s entertainment system when connected to a mobile data network.
To be honest if somebody wants to hack into my car to listen to my Bros MP3 collection, they are more than welcome – plus if this actually did happen while I was driving my car the solution is simple. Just turn off your mobile phone while driving – which we should all be doing anyway. Or just turn the ignition off.
Problem solved.
The End.
Although saying that, is this something that needs looking into a little bit more seriously? 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 that vehicle in question and an extended period of time to the write the code to make the car do unusual things”
To be honest, it’s a bit like the iPhone hack some years ago. It’s not about being able to do anything once you get in; it’s more about that you were able to get into it in the first place.
This moves me swiftly on to this month’s road test of the new Skoda Fabia.
I think we all forget that it’s hard to buy a decent looking car these days for under 30k. Actually it’s hard to design a decent looking car full stop for any manufacturer for under 20k. If it was left to me, all cars would look the same, drive the same and all max out at 70mph. Of course I am joking, but don’t you just worry that they are all starting to look the same?
Moving on, we have all seen the new ‘Simply Clever’ features that Skoda uses in its advertising and to be honest, the new Fabia 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.
At the front, there is the new dominated SKODA logo located above the chrome front grille and aligned with the headlights whose straight lines give it a compact yet dynamic appeal. The rear view of the new Fabia also displays precision and attention to detail with minimal fuss and a great deal of sharp lines that make the rear end fit together nicely.
Inside, the overall quality and feel inside is good and exceptionally spacious in the rear for a compact car. There is also plenty of standard kit – like a DAB Radio, climate control, Bluetooth hands free, ESC incl. ABS, MSR, ASR, EDS and a brilliant Sat-Nav system.
On the road, the Fabia is not bad at all – The gearbox is a peach and you get positive feedback through the steering wheel.
Space inside is excellent, easily managing to fit in a large family. The boot space alone is huge 330 litres – extending to 1,150 with all the rear seats down. Space in the rear is also good. No need for your rear passengers to feel squashed or cramped.
The 1.4-litre diesel engine is fantastic, and it pulls great – with a good range of torque (230Nm). The 0-62 time is OK at 11.1sec; with a top speed of 113mph. Fuel consumption is good, giving a combined figure of 78.6mpg. Safety also seems paramount for Skoda because the Fabia is fitted with; front side airbags, curtain airbags (front) and driver’s and front passenger airbag with front passenger airbag deactivation.
To sum up:
The Fabia is a good car for the price tag and it gives you all the things you will ever want in a good small family car. For me it’s; fun to drive and has bags of space and equipment inside. This alone is well worth 4 Stars from me.
Engine: 1.4 TDi 90
Power: 90PS @ 3000 – 3250 rpm
Torque 230Nm @ 1750 – 2500 rpm
Gearbox: 5 Speed Manual
0-62: 11.1 sec
Top Speed: 113mph
Economy: 78.6 mpg (combined)
CO2 Emissions: 93 g/km
Price: from £13,610 By Anthony Yates
