For This engine is pretty flexible around town, while SE trim gives you plenty of equipment: electric front windows, air-con, alloy wheels and remote central locking.

Against Performance is a bit sluggish on the open road, and the Fabia’s cabin plastics are hard and unappealing.

Skoda Fabia Hatchback

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

This is our favourite Fabia trim, but it’s worth upgrading to the more powerful 1.2-litre turbo engine if your budget will stretch.

What Car? readers say

4.029412


Key facts

0–60mph
11.7 secs
Top speed
110 mph
Average mpg
54.3
Tank range
538 miles
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Features

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Size

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The full Skoda Fabia review


Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The Fabia is starting to feel its age next to the best superminis, but it’s still comfortable, easy to drive and nimble in town.

Some of the cabin plastics are not as appealing as we’d expect, but Skoda has a hard-won reputation for reliability and build quality, so it’s better to focus on the space, which is generous for a car in this sector.

There’s also masses of seat and steering wheel adjustment, so finding a comfortable driving position is no problem. Skoda keeps the trims relatively simple, with a choice of S, SE, SE Plus and Elegance versions, and all are reasonably kitted out for the prices.

There are several petrol and diesel engines to choose from, but we’d avoid the three-cylinder 1.2s because they’re underpowered and noisy. The 1.4 petrol is a better bet, as are the turbocharged four-cylinder petrol 1.2s.

Reader test team says:

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David Rae

4 out of 5 stars

Skoda Fabia Hatchback 1.2 TSI 105 Monte Carlo 5dr

I've had my skoda for 6 months and it has been great. The black trim, roof, and wheels really make the car look loads better than the standard Fabia,…

Stephen Broome

4 out of 5 stars

Skoda Fabia Hatchback 1.9 TDI PD 3 5dr

I have had this for four years. Its great, but the aircon has never worked. Its a company car, and when skoda get hold of it they seem just to regas…

Rod Rod

3 out of 5 stars

Skoda Fabia Hatchback 1.6 16v 2 5dr

This is my first Skoda, my son having pipped me with a 'mark 1' estate which has been 100% reliable for 4 years. My Fabia is very quiet as it is the…

Alan Warwick

5 out of 5 stars
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