Skoda Fabia review (2015-2021)
These days the very best modern superminis come with the space, safety and technology to challenge the cars in the class above them. And Skoda’s trusty five-door Fabia is a fine example of that breed. It shares its mechanical underpinnings with the Audi A1, Seat Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo but has a character all of its own. Read our full Skoda Fabia review below.
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Pros
- Lots of space for a supermini
- Strong build quality
- Punchy, efficient engine options
Cons
- Rivals offer more tech
- Feels more budget than VW Polo
Interior
Our rating: 7/10
If you think being hailed the King or Queen of Bling is a good thing, maybe the Fabia’s cabin may not be quite right for you.
If you prefer your styling to be classic, subtle and tastefully understated, you’ll feel right at home inside the Skoda Fabia’s spacious cabin.
It may not be as modern-looking or as trendy as some rivals, but it’s robust and solidly put together, and all of the features and controls are effortless to operate.
Tech and features
Choosing an SE model over the entry-level S means you’ll enjoy some decent additional features.
These include a 6.5-inch, smartphone-compatible colour screen, air-conditioning and height-adjustable front seats, which along with the adjustable steering column make it easy to find a good driving position.
With its front and rear parking sensors, the SE also helps take the stress out of your day, and Skoda’s city braking technology helps prevent the risk of driving into the car in front, should it stop suddenly.
Even if your budget only steps to the S model, safety is still excellent thanks to 6 airbags fitted as standard.
Performance
Our rating: 6/10
The Skoda Fabia offers a wide choice of engines. If you take your time and consider carefully, like Goldilocks with her bowl of porridge, you’ll find one that’s right for you.
Engines and power
The smaller petrol engines are great for town driving and lighter loads.
The larger 1.4-litre petrol is a good all-rounder. If you’re going to be pounding up and down the motorways, go for a diesel.
Handling and ride comfort
The ride comfort can feel a little firm at low speeds around town, especially on models with large wheels.
That’s it, as far as dynamic faults go. You’ll find that the Fabia is comfortable in all other conditions.
The steering feels nicely weighted, and the handling is safe, assured and enjoyable.
Practicality
Our rating: 9/10
Rear seats
Inside the cabin, you can feel the advantage of the Fabia’s high roofline styling. There’s lots of head and legroom in the front and rear for six-footers.
Four adults can travel in comfort, and a short trip could be tolerated by a fifth in the middle of the back row of seats.
Storage solutions
The Fabia offers a decent glove box, spacious front door bins and a good size cubby area under the front armrest.
Skoda’s designers have also come up with the neat touch of creating stowage areas under the front seats.
There’s even a little plastic clip by the front windscreen pillar to store your parking or motorway toll ticket. There’s even a mini ice scraper inside the fuel filler cap.
Boot space
There’s certainly nothing mini about the Fabia’s boot, though. It’s one of the very best in the class.
Big suitcases, buggies, holiday kit and bank holiday BBQ shops can fit with ease. The boot opening space is nice and wide, too.
The only annoying thing is that the seats don’t fold down flat.
Running costs
Our rating: 8/10
Insurance groups
Competitive insurance rates and good fuel economy contribute to the Fabia’s affordable running costs.
Fuel economy
Skoda claims around 80mpg for the diesel engines. We all know that isn’t going to happen in real-world driving.
You should still get 60mpg with careful driving. Petrol engines should return 45mpg plus without too much difficulty.
The verdict
Interior
7/10
Performance
6/10
Practicality
9/10
Running costs
8/10
We are big fans of the Skoda’s crisp contemporary styling.
It’s by no means the flashiest car in the highly crowded supermini sector, but it looks sophisticated and grown-up. And that’s how it feels to live with.
Solidly built, spacious and safe–the Fabia is a great first car for solo drivers, while being able to meet the needs of young families too.
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