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Skoda Fabia 1.0 TSI 116 Monte Carlo 5dr Review

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1.0 TSI 116

Hatchback

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

FABIA

If you’re after something sportier, top-spec Monte Carlo trim will do the trick. Not only does it give you access to the most powerful 1.5 TSI 150 engine but it also adds 17in alloy wheels, sportier exterior styling, coloured decorative elements and carbon fibre on the dashboard, artificial leather and fabric sports seats, a 10.25in colour digital driver display and an 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system. Disappointingly, unlike SE L trim, Monte Carlo trim doesn’t come with built-in sat-nav as standard.

Monte Carlo

1.0 TSI 116 Monte Carlo 5dr

10-tsi-116-monte-carlo-5dr

Manually adjustable lumbar support in front seats

LED daytime running lights with coming and leaving home feature

ESC including ABS, MSR, ASR, EDS, HBA and XDS

Three rear 3-points safety seat belts with pretensioner and force limiter including stop function for outer rear seat belts

3-point height adjustable front seats belts with pretensioner and force limiter

Central locking with radio remote control, interior controls, SAFE function and 2 foldable keys

Driver and passengers airbag with switch off function

Anti-theft alarm system including immobiliser, interior monitoring, backup horn, and towing protection

Wireless SmartLink for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors

Colour concept black styling - Fabia Hatchback

Skoda Fabia

The Skoda Fabia is practical, comfy and good value for money, and remains one of the best small cars on sale today. It isn’t as engaging to drive as the Seat Ibiza or as efficient as the Honda Jazz, but it’ll cost you less and still manages to be good in every area. If you’re after a new small car, definitely include the Fabia on your shortlist.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought almost exclusively as first cars or by people with no children – but the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.

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Skoda Fabia 1.0 TSI 116 Monte Carlo 5dr Review

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54.6

380

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117

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