Skoda Fabia Road Test

Skoda Fabia

There is another version of this engine available, which has 12 valves and is a bit quicker in the sprint and has a slightly higher top speed. Other petrol options are a 1.4 and a 1.6, which is also available with Tiptronic, automatic transmission for the first time. On the diesel list there’s a (3-cyl) 1.4 TDI PD with two outputs of 70- and 80bhp and the 4-cylinder 1.9 TDI PD, which would be my choice. Only the smaller engines, the 1.2 petrol and 1.4 diesel, are available at Level 1 and all but the Tiptronic have a 5-speed, manual gearbox.

When it comes to fuel consumption, the diesels win the day but the next best is the 1.2, which has a combined figure of 47.9mpg, derived from 36.2mpg and 58.9mpg for the urban and extra-urban cycles, respectively. CO2 emissions are measured at 140g/km putting it in VED Band C (£115) and the insurance rating is a measly, Group 1.

The Fabia’s improvements aren’t just cosmetic. Underneath, the Skoda engineers have re-designed the suspension set-up and stiffened the body structure for a more solid feel and a better ride. The Fabia feels composed through fast bends and smoothly eats up the miles on the motorway. For the new car , Skoda have introduced an electro-hydraulic, power steering system that is designed to take less power from the engine while providing a good deal of feedback.

All Fabia's have ABS but only the 1.6 Tiptronic has ESP as standard, along with TMP, Tyre Pressure Monitoring. These are available as an option in conjunction with some of the other engines and are priced at £340 and £80, respectively.

All new Fabia's also benefit from four airbags; twin front and side cushions, while curtain airbags are standard at Level 3 and a £200 option throughout the rest of the range. The rear seats have child-seat preparation by way of a TopTether strap and ISOFIX mountings are yet another option.

Skoda has a name for producing value-for-money vehicles but I can’t help thinking that the company has fallen a little short on this occasion. For sure, with a price range of £7,990 to £13,015, the prices are keen but then so is the specification. Skoda wants to get more families into the new Fabia rather than the empty-nesters with whom the car is so popular. However, a family on a budget might also be looking at the Roomster instead or may hang on until the New Year, when the estate version arrives.

Skoda Fabia