Skoda Fabia

	Skoda Fabia
	Debut: 2021 Maker: Skoda Predecessor: Fabia (2014)

Published on 16 Sep 2021

Skoda builds a better supermini than Volkswagen did with Polo.

The 4th generation Skoda Fabia finally gets the latest MQB-A0 platform to match VW Polo and Seat Ibiza. Moreover, it is the largest among its stablemates. Actually the largest in its class, measuring over 4.1m long and 1.78m wide. It shares the same 2564mm wheelbase with its siblings, which is again one of the longest in class. Meanwhile, drag coefficient is lowered from 0.32 to a remarkable 0.28, so to help boosting fuel economy. The exterior design is graceful enough to be rebadged as Audi, if a little conservative, but that goes well with the core values of Skoda.

The new car also improves markedly in terms of interior build quality, technology and safety features. Large touchscreen, digital instrument, advanced infotainment and even voice and gesture control are available. There is virtually nothing separating between it and Volkswagen, except ease of use. In fact, the Skoda retains some hardware switches on steering wheel and center console, making it easier to operate than the recently facelifted Polo with its touch-sensitive switches. A layered dashboard, nicer materials (on top trims at least) and round air vents lend its interior a stylish and an upmarket feel that may shame Volkswagen of this generation. If I were Herbert Diess, I would fire the Volkswagen interior guys and replace them with Skoda people.

The interior is not only spacious but also feels upmarket.

While the cabin is not as spacious as Honda Fit/Jazz, it is on the large side of the class, capable to accommodate 4 six-footers without complaint. Moreover, its boot volume is a class-leading 380 liters, better than even many C-segment hatchbacks.

The engine range mirrors that of its German sibling, killing diesel power under the threat of tightening emission standards and leaving a full-petrol range. At the bottom is a 1-liter naturally aspirated 3-cylinder with 65hp or 80hp, whose performance is so weak that best to be avoided unless you have a tight budget. A lot better is the 1.0 TSI three-cylinder turbo, no matter in 95hp or 110hp form, thanks to wide spread of torque hence the ability to cruise calmly or overtake slower cars with ease, though its response is dampened by economy-oriented gearing and its monotone noise is quite boring. Volkswagen’s 150hp 1.5 TSI engine will top the range next year and bring GTI-kind of performance, i.e. 0-60 mph should take 7.5 seconds, and top speed is 140 mph, though I suspect few people would actually opt for a Skoda warm hatch.

Driving dynamics is strongly oriented to the comfort and economy side.

That’s because the Fabia is boring to drive. Light and numb steering as well as lots of body roll prevent it from attracting anyone placing driving fun at higher priorities. Instead, its core strength lies on comfort and security. The soft suspension is truly supple for a supermini, dealing with poor roads better than most. Tire and suspension noises are well suppressed, while the cabin is well insulated from wind and engine noises. The handling might lack sparkle, but it feels failsafe, with plenty of grip and good directional stability on highway.

While the Fabia should satisfy the majority of buyers who pursue for a well-built, comfortable yet affordable small car, it lacks the driving pleasure of Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio or Seat Ibiza, nor it has the style and upmarket feel of Peugeot 208, nor the fuel economy of Toyota Yaris. However, sales winners rarely top the class in any particular areas. It is the whole package that counts, and the buying public will decide.

Verdict: