The Skoda Fabia
Published: 31st May 2004
Diesel Engines
The naturally aspirated direct injection 1.9 SDI diesel 64 bhp engine offers excellent fuel consumption. Over the combined cycle it returns 57.6 mpg. From 0 to 62mph in 18.6 seconds, a top speed of 96 mph and 125 Nm of torque @ 1,600 rpm, the 1.9 SDI proves to be a highly accomplished performer.
Pumpe-Düse diesel technology provides superlative performance in the 1.4 TDI PD with a torque delivery of 195 Nm @ 2,200 rpm that betters that of the 2.0 litre petrol engine. With 75 bhp at 4,000 rpm, this Fabia notches up fine overtaking speed, from 37-62 mph in fourth gear, in 10.1 seconds.
A popular choice and one down from the top of the range, the 1.9 TDI PD diesel engine produces 100 bhp, with its eight-valves and overhead camshaft. It whips up torque aplenty; 240 Nm @ 1,800 rpm. Given this much increased torque and broader power range, in-gear acceleration times now compete with those of mightier petrol-engine cars. With a top speed of 115 mph and a 0 to 62 mph time of 11.5 seconds, this engine also achieves an impressive 56.5 mpg combined fuel economy.
The feeling of power from an engine comes primarily from the torque available – its “pulling power”. The 1.9 TDI PD 130 bhp engines provides all the torque needed for a sporty drive while allowing drivers to pull on past re-fuelling stops far more regularly. Standard in the sporty Fabia vRS, the 1.9 TDI PD 130, has some lively figures. A substantial 310 Nm of torque @ 1,900 rpm, 130 bhp @ 4,000 rpm, 0-62 in just 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 128 mph. Sourcing power from any reach in the wide torque band is effortless with a six-speed gearbox. This Fabia comes into its own when overtaking and with a combined fuel consumption of 52.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of 146g/km, the engine and the car pack a neat package and a hot punch.
Transmission and Controls
One of the joys of driving the Fabia is the gearbox, effortless and precise. On all but the vRS (which has a six-speed box), a five speed manual transmission is used which has been designed for the Fabia in particular. Skoda has utilised a double-cable system for accuracy and smoothness. Another addition to the car, in this case class-leading, is the hydraulic clutch with its self-adjusting mechanism that obviates the need for maintenance.
Skoda Fabia
Our Skoda Fabia Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Fabia range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £8,090 - £13,125
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 17
We have road tested the Skoda Fabia, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Skoda Fabia Review - Jul 2004
Skoda Fabia Review - Nov 2007
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 6th July 2008
