Skoda Fabia Review

Gumtree Rating

4.0 rating

The Skoda Fabia launched in 2000, running to 2007 before being replaced by its second generation. The latest iteration dates back to 2015 but was given a facelift in 2018. It’s a small family car, available as a hatchback or estate and with petrol or diesel options (though diesel was dropped in 2018). It represents a good-value alternative to offerings from other manufacturers, including similar cars in the Volkswagen Group.

Visit the Skoda Fabia model page to explore available vehicles and learn more.

What we think about the Skoda Fabia

The Fabia delivers on value for money, with newly pepped up looks and an impressive list of features.

Pros

+

Good equipment levels

+

Comfortable and easy to drive

+

Cheap to run

Cons

S trim is low spec

Limited engine choices

The current trim levels on the Skoda Fabia are the S, SE and SE L. Even the base trim gets a DAB radio and Bluetooth, but only comes with steel wheels. SE and up get alloys, but if you want the sporty vRS version, you’ll have to buy pre-2015.

Driving performance of the Skoda Fabia

Our Driving Rating7 / 10

The Fabia offers a comfortable ride that soaks up bumps pretty well. Handling is similarly effective (though not as refined as its Volkswagen Group stablemates), but it will lose grip if you corner too hard. The driving position is comfortable too and offers good visibility. Both manual and automatic transmission are available and any of the petrol or diesel options make for a good choice, offering enough poke for most – with the possible exception of the lowest-powered 90 bhp petrol, which feels a little more sluggish.

Safety and reliability of the Skoda Fabia

Our Safety Rating8 / 10

When tested in 2014, the Skoda Fabia received a maximum Euro NCAP safety rating of five stars, scoring 81% for both child and adult occupants. Safety tech has kept moving with the times though, and since 2018 Skoda has offered Front Assist, which first warns the driver and then automatically applies the brakes in the event of a potential collision. Reliability-wise, the fact that the Fabia uses tried-and-tested Volkswagen Group parts should give you peace of mind.

Under the bonnet of the Skoda Fabia

Our Engine Rating7 / 10

The base-level 1.0-litre petrol engine in the latest generation of Fabia has just 60 bhp and 95 Nm of torque, which means 0-62 mph takes 16.4 seconds – it will keep costs lower but feel slow. If you need a bit more oomph, there are turbocharged 95 and 110 bhp versions that can do the 0-62 mph run in a more-respectable 10.7 or 9.7 seconds respectively. Diesel was discontinued in 2018 but, if you’re looking at buying used, these offer some low-down grunt thanks to 250 Nm of torque.

What you'll find in the Skoda Fabia

Our Design Rating7 / 10

Prior to the 2015 model, it’s fair to say that the styling of the Skoda Fabia was more about value for money and being a sensible choice than high-end, premium looks. Fast forward a little though and the latest version is really rather swish and modern looking. At SE level and up there’s even the option to add a contrasting black roof and alloys, which give it some real panache and a much sportier edge.

Comfort and interiors in the Skoda Fabia

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

First things first, the latest Fabia’s interior does feel well put together and durable. You’d probably say, however, that it lacks the stand-out quality of more premium cars, though that is pleasingly reflected in the price. In terms of space, this Skoda is more than adequate for a car of this class, as are the equipment levels, with Bluetooth and electric (front) windows standard across the range. The previous model also had an emphasis on function and robustness, but both models are comfortable and pleasant to be in.

What features you'll find in the Skoda Fabia

Our Features Rating8 / 10

There’s a surprising amount of gadgetry on show in the Fabia. At SE L trim, you’ll be kitted out with Bluetooth, touchscreen, DAB radio, electric mirrors, electric windows, parking sensors, speed limiter and cruise control, automatic braking, automatic lights and engine start-stop. Phew! However, if stretching to the top-spec version is out of your budget, SE trim is probably the sweet spot. You can probably avoid S, unless cost-saving is your pure focus and you don’t mind losing out on many of the features.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Skoda Fabia

Our Fuel Consumption Rating8 / 10

You’re pretty well covered on the efficiency front with the Fabia. All of the latest 1.0 petrol engines offer fuel economy of around 50 mpg, regardless of the power output chosen, so you can rest assured you won’t be haemorrhaging cash that way, whichever you choose. The discontinued diesels offered in excess of 70 mpg, though it’s important to note that that number is using the less-accurate, pre-2017 fuel economy measure – so best take that figure with a pinch of salt.

Running costs of the Skoda Fabia

Our Cost Rating9 / 10

Whichever trim you opt for, the Skoda Fabia will be cheap to run, so your wallet can rest easy. It will have very good fuel efficiency and the insurance costs are low – especially if you go for the lowest S trim and 60 bhp engine, which comes in at group two. Skoda servicing won’t cost the earth either and is cheaper than Volkswagen, despite sharing many of the same parts.

Our verdict of the Skoda Fabia

4.0 rating

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Skoda Fabia has always offered a good value proposition for small families, and the latest generation has the looks and equipment to boot. Well worth a peruse.