5 minute read
Skoda Fabia
Many buyers are being tempted away from hatchbacks and into crossovers, but the new Fabia aims to reverse that. Jack Evans checks out what it’s like.
THE KNOWLEDGE
Skoda Fabia SE L
Price (as tested): £23,695
Engine: 1.0-litre
turbocharged petrol
Power:
108bhp
Torque: 200Nm
Max speed:
127mph
O-60mph:
9.8 seconds
MPG (combined):
49.6-54.3
Emissions:
117-128g/km CO2
Under the bonnet
The 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine develops 108bhp and 200Nm of torque.
WHAT IS IT?
Given the ever-increasing popularity of crossovers and compact SUVs, you might think that conventional hatchbacks are becoming somewhat redundant. However, these valuefocused models continue to provide the backbone of many manufacturer line-ups and are a common sight on the monthly lists of best-sellers, too. So you can understand why companies such as Skoda aren’t content with just creating crossovers and SUVs, but want to make hatchbacks that’ll fit the bill for buyers, too.
WHAT’S NEW?
The Fabia has been a mainstay in the Skoda range for many years now and this new one – the car’s fourth generation – is larger than ever, courtesy of a longer wheelbase and more generous dimensions. In fact, there’s 50 litres more boot space than before, with an impressive 380 litres now on offer. Elsewhere, we’ve got a revised exterior with more premium touches and a cabin peppered with the very latest Volkswagen Group technology.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
Our Fabia came with a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. There’s a 1.5-litre should you need extra punch, but it feels like this engine occupies a real sweet spot in the range, owing to its great mid-gear acceleration and decent fuel consumption. There’s also the option of a non-turbocharged 1.0-litre engine, but unless you’re after the very lowest insurance possible, we’d go for this turbocharged version, given its added versatility and refinement at higher speeds. We’ve got a six-speed manual gearbox here, although there’s the option of a seven-speed DSG automatic on certain models too.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The Fabia is a great example of what a no-frills driving experience should be like. The engine is responsive and punchy, while the six-speed gearbox is accurate and light. The brakes are nice and sharp too, and good visibility plus a comfortable seating position mean that newbies to the Fabia will be able to get acquainted with the car quickly.
The ride is good as well and could be improved further by opting for smaller alloy wheels as opposed to the 17-inch versions fitted to our test car. We’d like there to be less road noise – which is quite noticeable on the motorway – but this, again, could be helped by fitting a smaller wheel. Overall, the Fabia manages to feel like a much larger car than it actually is.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
This new Fabia is a very pleasant evolution of its predecessor. It’s in keeping with the rest of Skoda’s latest line-up, with the large front grille close in design to that on the latest Octavia. Again, the exterior has a really ‘grown-up’ feel, with the LED lights at the front and rear giving it a more cutting-edge appearance than before. The inclusion of more chrome adds to a premium feel as well, while good access to the rear and a light, easy-to-operate boot means that practical features have been remembered just as much as styling ones.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
All cars come with a 6.5-inch central infotainment screen as standard, but our car had the upgraded 9.2-inch version. It’s clear and easy to use, and while it did stall slightly when connected to Apple CarPlay – requiring a quick reset – it was largely reliable. But you can’t fault the space on offer. There’s plenty of room for those sitting up front, while passengers in the back get a generous amount of leg and headroom. Our car even came with a panoramic glass roof – traditionally a headspace-reducing option – but even this couldn’t diminish the amount of space on offer.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
Skoda has established a reputation for creating cars that offer a good amount of value for money and the Fabia is no different. Prices for the line-up start at £14,905, and even entry-level S models receive LED headlights, that 6.5-inch infotainment screen plus air conditioning. Our test car, meanwhile, came in SE L trim. These start from £18,980 and include a large infotainment screen with in-built navigation as well as upgraded interior upholstery. That said, options such as 17-inch wheels (£470), a park-and-go package with parking sensors at front and rear (£700) and that panoramic glass roof (£745) quickly ramped up ‘our’ Fabia’s price to £23,695 –where you’re very close to an entry-level Octavia, which offers considerably more space.
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?
Auto Express said: ‘Skoda clearly hasn’t lost sight of what has made its Fabia supermini so successful after more than 20 years in production.’
WHAT DO WE THINK?
The Fabia feels like a car that showcases why crossovers aren’t the be-all and end-all of modern motoring. It’s compact yet spacious, easy to drive yet efficient and good looking without being overladen with ‘look at me’ features. Much like the Fabias of old, it still has practicality on its side, with the increased boot size set to be a hit with those who might have found the older car a touch too constrictive. We’d just say go easy with the optional extras in order to keep the Fabia’s price in that ideal window. Do that and there’s very little reason why this little Skoda won’t prove appealing to all manner of drivers.
TARGET BUYERS:
Those who want a fuss-free way of getting around.
THE RIVALS:
Volkswagen Polo Mazda 2 Peugeot 208
KEY SELLING POINTS:
1. Great level of equipment. 2.Refined drive. 3.Efficient engine.
DEAL CLINCHER:
The Fabia packs a load of features into a small area – it’s pretty much all the car you could ever need.
Inside
Technology in the new Fabia has been improved with the inclusion of a 6.5-inch infotainment screen fitted as standard.
Style
The new design has a more ‘grown-up’ feel while the new LED lights at the front and rear give the car a cutting-edge look.
