Skoda Fabia Hatchback Review

Performance4/5

There are enough engine choices, both petrol and diesel, to ensure most drivers will find a Skoda Fabia with performance to suit them. There is a range of 1.6 litre diesels (74 bhp, 89 bhp and 104 bhp), all of which offer impressive fuel economy and low emissions. The 74 bhp does the 0-62 mph sprint in 14 seconds; the 89 bhp does the same sprint in 12.6 seconds and the 104 bhp does it in 11 seconds – all of which are pretty respectable times to deliver. The eco model Greenline II has a 1.2 litre three cylinder diesel engine and that’s the one to think about if you have environmental or economic concerns with its CO2 emissions of 89 g/km and fuel economy of 83.1 mpg. The range of 1.2 litre petrol engines on offer give the Skoda Fabia performance figures of 10.2-16.5 seconds for the 0-62mph.  The Skoda Fabia hot-hatch version is the 1.4 TSI vRS, which will do 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 139mph.

Handling4/5

The Skoda Fabia offers a comfortable ride for both driver and passengers, with a suspension which takes the car over potholes and bumps with barely a shudder; ample head, shoulder and leg room; good all round visibility; and little in the way of wind and road noise. Engine noise, particularly on the petrol versions and the Greenline diesel, is a bit more noticeable though, and there is a certain amount of body roll on bends. The Skoda Fabia’s handling is nippy and responsive in town – and a doddle to park (if you can find a space of course); and it’s pacey on motorways.

Exterior3.5/5

The Skoda Fabia is certainly not the best looking hatchback around – the rather tall roofline perched on top of the rounded body does not make for a sleek outline. It’s all a bit clumsy unfortunately.

Interior4/5

Things improve considerably inside the Skoda Fabia, although it still couldn’t be described as exciting. Entry level models have hard and unattractive plastics, although things improve higher up the range. Boot space is deep and well-shaped, and comparatively generous at 315 litres and is improved by the addition of a shopping holder, which is ideal for keeping smaller items from rolling around the boot. The Skoda Fabia has ample leg and headroom for four adults – a fifth could squeeze in, but that would all get a bit cosy.

Equipment4/5

The Skoda Fabia comes in an impressive six trim levels – the S, SE, Greenline II, Elegance, Monte Carlo and vRs. The entry level S equipment is quite basic – it comes with height adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel, electric front windows, remote central locking, CD MP3 stereo and four airbags. More Skoda Fabia equipment is included the higher up the range you work and the more you spend; with an alarm, air conditioning, alloys, privacy glass, climate control, electric rear windows, Skoda’s Media Device Interface, extra speakers, smoked headlight lenses, front sports seats and leather steering wheel all becoming available at a price.

Safety3.5/5

Unlike its closest rivals, the Skoda Fabia only achieved four stars in its Euro NCAP rating; it does come with great votes of confidence in owner surveys however, particularly in the areas of reliability, running costs and ease of driving. All models have dual front and side airbags, and the Elegance also has curtain bags. ESP only comes as an option throughout the range although ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution is fitted as standard.

Buying & Owning4/5

The Skoda Fabia isn’t particularly cheap to buy, but good haggling skills may get you some discount from your dealer and the car is likely to retain a good resale value. There isn’t a lot of kit with the entry-level S model and if you can stretch to the Elegance you will certainly come away with a lot more luxury for your money. Running costs are not bad at all, and the Greenline II will be particularly kind on your bank balance with its fantastic fuel economy (up to 81 mpg) and low (89g/km CO2) emissions – no road tax to pay for that!

Reviewed by cars2buy