Used Skoda Fabia Estate 2015-2021 review review

The Fabia Estate is essentially a tardis. It's based on one of our favourite used small cars, but inside it features big-car space and practicality.

That makes the smartly-styled model an incredibly versatile proposition – an estate car that feels at home in a multi-storey car park but can also carry all your kit for a family holiday. Count us in. 

Whichever Fabia Estate you choose, it'll be good to drive, surprisingly refined and very comfortable. The basic non-turbo 1.0-litre engine is adequate around town, but we'd seek out one of the turbocharged petrol models as they have more 'get up and go' for motorway use. The diesels all have plenty of low-down grunt, but aren't quite as smooth and refined as the petrols.

Around town, the car's ride can be a bit unsettled. At higher speeds things settle down and it all becomes much more composed. In corners, the Fabia Estate steers well, with plenty of grip, and it handles in a secure and competent fashion. Overall refinement is good, with low levels of wind and road noise.

Inside, there's an excellent driving position with good visibility, and the dashboard and surrounding areas are all laid out in a logical fashion. The 6.5in touchscreen is clear and easy to use, too. Materials feel cheap in some areas, but the items you touch most feel of a good quality. 

There’s plenty of room for passengers, both in the front and rear, and there’s just enough space in the back to accommodate three adults side by side.

Boot space is impressive, even with the rear seats up, so it’s ideal for those who regularly need to haul a lot of stuff around. With the rear seats up, there’s more space than you’d get in a Volvo XC60 – a large SUV – and only marginally less than in the Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer, which is an estate version of the family car.  

If you're interested in finding a used Fabia estate or any of the other estate cars mentioned here, visit out Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.