The smallest Skoda has been refreshed and aims to add more quality and technology to its good value package, writes Matt Joy.
This third-generation Fabia is as good as new from top to bottom. The exterior is new, there’s a stack of Euro 6 compliant engines to choose from and revised suspension front and rear. It’s a fraction longer and significantly wider than the outgoing car but also lighter by an average of around 65kg.
On the inside the Fabia gets a fresh interior, with a more up-market dashboard and improved equipment. This generation of Fabia also abandons the option of built-in satnav and goes for the modern alternative of smartphone ‘mirroring’ to give a variety of facilities via apps.
By virtue of its size alone you’ll recognise the Fabia straight away, for although it’s a shade larger overall than before it still fits into the supermini category. It wears the same distinctive grille as the larger Octavia and the strong creases down the flanks help to give it a little more presence on the road.
Where the outgoing car could be described as cute and cuddly the new Fabia is a little more grown-up in appearance rather than size.
Modern supermini buyers demand ever more from their cars so being small on the outside is no excuse for a lack of space on the inside. Up front the Fabia is comfortable with plenty of head and legroom for driver and passenger; elbow room is improved too. In the rear it’s a bit tighter but there’s still room for adults to fit in. Boot space is an impressive 330 litres with the seats in place.
The first impression you get from the driver’s seat is the improvement in quality and design. There’s a pleasingly-chunky steering wheel to grasp (leather-covered on SE models and above) and the dashboard looks and feels of a higher quality.
The engine range includes four petrol and two diesel options, with the most popular expected to be the 74bhp 1.0-litre. It may be a modest output but even with two adults and luggage on board it proves to be a keen and relatively refined unit, with sufficient power for most situations. It’s also capable of an impressive 58.8mpg combined and just 108g/km of CO2.
The Fabia also drives with smoothness and refinement that is impressive for a car in this class. The major controls have a reassuring slickness to them and the suspension copes well with road imperfections. It’s fun to drive too, although the more brisk TSI engines are better for keen drivers.
The standard specification has received a useful boost across the range. The basic S model comes with Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio, electric front windows and heated door mirrors, height and reach adjustable steering column and tyre pressure monitoring, while the SE model adds the essential air con as well as alloy wheels, some leather trim and upgraded audio. The only downside is it’s a little more expensive than before.
The Fabia is a genuine car for everyone, provided there’s enough room inside for your needs. With the entry-level model starting at £10,600 it’s a viable car for young first-time buyers, while further up the range there’s a high specification available for those with a little more to spend.
Facts & figures
Model: Skoda Fabia SE 1.0 MPI
Price: £12,760
Engine: 1.0-litre petrol unit producing 74bhp and 70lb/ft of torque
Performance: Top speed 107mph, 0-62mph in 14.7 seconds
Economy: 58.8mpg combined
CO2 rating: 108g/km