Skoda Fabia

Manufacturer
Skoda

Model
Fabia

Segment/Specs
Supermini

Good buy for the money, avoid the smaller engines.

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Performance

1.2 and 1.4-litre petrols need to be worked hard but are drivable. 1.4-liter diesel is underpowered by 1.9-litre turbodiesels are the business, particularly the 130bhp vRS.

Driving

Good balance of ride versus drive, with good grip and handling. Steering lacks some feedback. vRS handles well, but nothing appreciably superior to standard models.

Feel

Very refined for its class, although the weaker petrols will be heard when flogged.

Price

Cheap in its class, although not the cheapest. Should be cheap to run but the Skoda badge won't help when it comes to resale values.

Quality

Skodas are garnering a reputation for being the most reliable cars around. Interior may be a notch down from VW siblings, but should be durable.

Safety

Two front bags and ABS are standard. Side bags optional.

Space

Space enough for five adults, and a decent boot that splitfolds to quadruple loadspace.

Equipment

Aircon and a CD player are standard. Electric front windows, remote locking and CD changer at Ambiente level. Sport offers alloy wheels. Auto box an option with 1.4-litre petrol.

Alternatives

Renault Clio, Toyota Yaris

Pros

Good quality for the money.

Cons

Interior lacks quality. Ride and space not as good as rivals.

Honest, it's a Skoda!!!!

by Craig McDonald (Glasgow) - 25/05/2006 23:23:52

Went and test drove one of these at the dealers to see what the fuss is all about. Pretty shocked to say the least! A diesel pocket rocket is a good way to summise this car. With 130 horses under the bonnet and the kind of torque (310Nm @ 1900rpm) to match if not beat most of the cars a class or two up then it is no surprise that you are seeing more and more of these popping up around the place. As it was a test drive, i couldn't get the foot down as much as i would have liked, especially around the tight roads to check out the handling, but from what i gathered it can hold its own. The interior though was a bit of a let down, still very basic dashboard and controls etc., but what do you expect for the money?

value

by Lee Miles (Essex) - 22/01/2007 21:53:25

I have owned a Skoda once before (120 estelle) it was a complete and utter dog with the cylinder block weeping oil through the wall due to a bad casting since then I have had various motors the last a Fiat Punto which dispite all the reports I found very reliable now i have decided to get a Skoda Fabia 1.2 64bhp Ambiente. My short list included another Punto and the Fiesta.but I found the little Fabia a much better value machine you get more for your bucks with the Skoda. To drive the polo based three pot power plant although deffinately no ball of fire pulls willingly and the gearbox is really sweet infact the only gearbox I have used that comes close was an Alpha 147. The ride is very impressive with far less road noise than the Fiesta or Punto. This car will not suit those who want to zip away from the lights or do 80 plus down the motorway but if you want a very good value car, economical but with many features that cost extra on many others in this class take one for a test .