Skoda's fourth generation Fabia will appeal to sensibly-minded supermini folk. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Skoda's fourth generation Fabia makes up in sense and practicality for anything it might lack in dynamic looks and pin-sharp handling. All the latest VW Group chassis technology has finally made it to this supermini model line and the result is a very complete product indeed.

Background

Skoda's modern day renaissance can broadly be traced to one model, this one, the Fabia supermini. The design we look at here is the fourth generation Type PJ version, launched in 2021 and building on a heritage stretching back to 1999 when the MK1 Fabia arrived to replace the old-fashioned Felicia model. That all seems very long time ago now. Today, the Skoda brand is so in tune with the times that the Volkswagen Group has chosen it to develop its forthcoming range of small electric cars. But for the time being anyway, in the Czech maker's line-up, there still a place for a conventional combustion supermini like the Fabia. This MK4 version was the last of the VW Group superminis to get the brand's MQB-A0 chassis, a platform that by 2021 had already been in use in cars like Volkswagen's Polo, SEAT's Ibiza and Audi's A1 for half a generation. It was certainly needed for this Fabia, the previous car having been based on elderly PQ35 underpinnings dating all the way back to a turn-of-the-century MK5 Golf. It should make this fourth generation Fabia bigger. But has it made it better?

Driving Experience

Most Fabias are sold with the brand's 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine and Skoda has taken the opportunity of updating the more powerful version of it with a unit from the brand's EVO2 generation. That's increased power output from 110PS to 116PS; as before, a 6-speed manual gearbox comes as standard, with a 7-speed DSG auto optional. As before, the range also offers two more affordable 1.0-litre units; the older-spec 1.0 TSI unit in 95PS form (which can't be had with the auto option); and a normally aspirated MPI 1.0-litre engine with 80PS that's mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and is offered for budget minded folk. We'd avoid it unless you particularly need the cheap insurance ratings that come with that engine. At the other end of the range, there's still a larger 1.5-litre TSI four-cylinder petrol unit with 150PS, paired non-negotiably with the DSG auto 'box. Expect solid rather than engaging roadgoing drive dynamics - in other words, tuned for comfort rather than engaging handling. Skoda has made the damping noticeably softer than, say, SEAT Ibiza and more like a Volkswagen Polo, which shares this Czech model's conventional torsion beam rear suspension set-up. There are no mild hybrid or plug-in powertrain options - they'd push the price too much.

Design and Build

Visually, this fourth generation Fabia is clearly an evolution of what went before. It looks noticeably bigger than the old pre-2021-era NJ-series MK3 version and is, 11cm longer than that older model. The headlights feature part-LED technology as standard and the sharply drawn crystalline tail lights can also be had with LED tech on request. There are sleek aerodynamics too - the Cd factor is rated at 0.28. The biggest changes for modern-era Fabias though, are found inside, where mid and high-spec models feature a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel; an 8-inch display features further down the range. The centre stack screen offers further sophistication, available in a choice of 8.25 or 9.2-inch sizes. Soft plastics are noticeable by their absence, but there's a strip of fabric along the middle of the fascia to break things up. As usual with Skoda, the cabin features a range of 'Simply Clever' touches - a possible 42 in all - like an umbrella in the door armrest, smart phone holders in the front seatbacks and rubbish containers in the door cards. Rear seat space, aided by the 94mm wheelbase increase, is near class-leading, as is leg room. There's a big boot (for a supermini) too; it's 380-litres in capacity - as big as you get from a Volkswagen Golf from the next class up. And it's full of various nets and partitions, plus a hammock for loose items.

Market and Model

Skoda no longer feels the need to price the Fabia way below its Volkswagen Polo and SEAT Ibiza VW Group supermini cousins, so pricing (as with those cars) sees prices pitched in the £20,000-£26,000 bracket. There's a choice of four trim levels - 'SE Edition', 'Design Edition', SE L Edition' and the 'Monte Carlo Edition' version we tried. All models now feature Traffic sign recognition, Wireless Smartlink and Care Connect (a 3-year subscription) as standard. Quite a few spec enhancements have been added in recent times. 'SE Edition' models gain Keyless start/stop, Cruise control, dual-zone climate control and electric rear windows. Plus also have an 8-inch digital display, along with a large 8.25-inch infotainment screen. A front centre armrest, textile floor mats and two additional rear speakers complete the specification. 'Design Edition' models gain metallic paint, corner front fog lights, electric folding door mirrors, dual-zone climate control, rain assist and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Plus also have a large 8.25-inch infotainment screen and include cruise control with speedlimiter, rear electric windows and rear LED lights. 'SE L Edition' versions now come with a rear-view camera, corner fog lights, rain assist and electric folding door mirrors. plus they include a 10.25-inch virtual cockpit digital display, Hill hold, rear LED lights, privacy glass on the rear side windows and door sills with Fabia badging. Range-topping 'Monte Carlo Edition' models now feature a 9.2-inch navigation display with a three-year care connect and infotainment online subscription, Voice control, full-LED headlights and front parking sensors, a rear view camera, Drive mode select and Keyless entry/ Also included is a large 8.25-inch infotainment display, plus there's front seat lumbar support and cruise control with a speedlimiter. 'Monte Carlo Edition' models also benefit from LED rear lights, updated interior inserts and Hill hold.

Cost of Ownership

Expect very class competitive efficiency showings - as usual from a VW Group-engineered supermini. The base 1.0 MPI EVO three cylinder petrol engine in 80PS form manages 53.9mpg on the combined cycle and up to 119g/km of CO2. The 1.0-litre TSI EVO engine that most will choose in 95PS form does better - 55.8mpg and 115g/km in manual form. The EVO2 1.0-litre TSI engine in 116PS form records up to 55.6mpg and 115g/km in manual form - or up to 53.8mpg and up to 120g/km as an automatic. For the four cylinder 1.5 TSI EVO 150PS petrol unit with DSG auto transmission, the figures are 52.1mpg and up to 122g/km. This latter engine benefits from active cylinder technology which shuts down two cylinders under light-to-medium throttle loads. Less impressive than all the engineering on offer here is the three year/60,000 mile warranty cover. We can't see why Skoda couldn't extend that mileage limit to 100,000 miles, since that's what you get on mechanically very similar VW Group vans. Doing that though, wouldn't give Skoda dealers so much of an opportunity to sell extended four or five year warranty packages. Insurance is 4E for the 1.0 MPI and 11E for the 1.0 TSI 95PS.

Summary

It took some time for the Skoda Fabia to get up-to-date with the latest VW Group supermini chassis technology but now that it has, there's a lot to like here. Not least the fact that what you're getting is a car with the footprint of the small hatch but pretty near the interior space of a much pricier Focus or Golf-sized model from the next class up. You'd certainly struggle to find another supermini with more rear seat space and a larger boot than this one. It's true that quite a few rivals have more dynamic styling and more engaging drive dynamics. But the sort of folk who'll like the Fabia will be more interested in the cabin's many 'Simply Clever' practical features which make everyday life just that little bit easier. Which is what owning this Skoda is all about. If what you want is ultimately the most sensible car in the sector, you might just be looking at it right here.

Body Glass

Privacy glass

Front window wiper intermittent control

Rear window wiper with washing nozzles

Front and rear electric windows

Brakes

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

FRONT ASSIST (AEB City and AEB Inter Urban)

Carpets/Rugs

Textile floor mats

Communication

Bluetooth connection

Driver Aids

Advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor

Electromechanical power steering

Traffic sign recognition

Driver Information

Exterior temperature gauge

Virtual cockpit with 10.25" colour display

Wireless SmartLink for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Service interval indicator

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Door mirror integrated indicators

Body colour door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Textile microsuede grey lower decorative trim with art grey stitching

Metallic grey upper decorative trim

Metallic grey central console cover

Black painted air vents

Satin black door and side trim panel in front

Entertainment

9.2" colour display skoda navigation system with voice control and web radio

6 Speakers (4 in front and 2 in rear)

DAB digital radio reception

Auxiliary socket for external MP3 player

Exterior Body Features

SKODA tailgate lettering in chrome

Rear side wing doors

Ice scraper in fuel cap

Roof mounted spoiler

Unique dark chrome design logo on alloy wheels

Chrome window surround

Body coloured bumpers

Exterior Lights

Headlight range control - Automatic

LED daytime running lights with coming and leaving home feature

Rear LED fog light

LED rear lights

Third brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Pollen filter

Dual zone air conditioning with climatronic electronic control

Interior Features

Height adjustable steering wheel

Door sills with fabia badging

Central console with removable cup holder and storage box

Hand brake lever handle in leather

Gearshift knob/handle in leather

Umbrella in drivers door

Metallic grey interior door handles

Storm grey headlining

Chrome handbrake release button

Fabric upholstery

Ticket holder

Front centre armrest

Skoda lettering on steering wheel

Interior Lights

Luggage compartment lighting

2 LED reading lights in front and rear

Safety

Automatic warning lights in case of crash

One tone horn

Front and rear seat belt warning

Driver and passengers airbag with switch off function

Pedestrian protection

Front side airbags

e-Call+

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

Head airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system

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

Seats

Single front passenger seat

Height adjustable front seats

Comfort seats

Manually adjustable lumbar support in front seats

ISOFIX and TopTether on the front passenger seat

Height adjustable front headrests

3 rear headrests

ISOFIX and TopTether anchorage points to the outer rear seats

Backrest split and folding

Rear seat bench unsplit

Security

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

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

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with mirror and airbag label on passenger side

Wheels

Super-low rolling resistance tyres

Anti-theft wheel bolts protection

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

NOx: 0.021

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0.0006

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 114

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 149

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 153

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 113

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 122

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 98

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 107

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 117

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 128

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 124

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 114

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 74.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 76.4

CC: 999

Cylinders: 3

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 12

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 11.5:1

Transmission: MANUAL

Gears: 6 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 55.8

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 43

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 41.6

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 56.7

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 52.5

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 65.3

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 59.5

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 54.5

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 50

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 55.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 51.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 6.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 6.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 5.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 4.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 4.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 5.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 5.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 5.5

General

Coin Series: SE L Edition

Coin Description: TSI

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 15E

Service Interval Mileage: 10000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 85

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 81

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 70

NCAP Safety Assist %: 71

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 116

Badge Engine CC: 1.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: N

Generation Mark: 4

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.3

Top Speed: 125

Engine Power - BHP: 116

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 85

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 148

Engine Torque - NM: 200

Engine Torque - RPM: 2000

Engine Torque - MKG: 20.4

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 195/55 R16

Tyre Size Rear: 195/55 R16

Wheel Type: 16" ALLOY

Wheel Style: PROXIMA

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4108

Width: 1780

Wheelbase: 2564

Width (including mirrors): 1954

Height: 1459

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1109

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1630

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 42.5

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1100

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 590

Max. Loading Weight: 521

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 380

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1190

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 9.9

Driver Aids

Adaptive cruise control

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Special solid paint

Exclusive paint

Pearl effect paint

Interior Features

Variable boot floor

Packs

Safety pack with Knee airbags - Fabia

Winter premium pack with heated front seats - Fabia

Charging pack - Fabia

Assisted drive pack - Fabia

Simply clever pack plus - Fabia

Convenience pack - Fabia

Light and view pack plus - Fabia

Simply clever pack - Fabia

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Moon white

Metallic - Graphite grey

Metallic - Brilliant silver

Metallic - Race blue

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Black magic

Paint - Solid

Solid - Energy blue

Paint - Special

Exclusive paint - Velvet red

Exclusive paint - Phoenix orange

Special solid - Candy white

Seats

Heated front seats

Service/Warranty

Service plan (Your first two services)

Extended warranty (5 years or 100000 miles)

Extended warranty (4 years or 100000 miles)

Extended warranty (4 years or 80000 miles)

Towing

Tow bar with adaptor

Towbar preparation

Trim - Cloth

Fabric Lodge interior selection - Grey/Black

Wheels - Alloy

18" Libra black metallic brushed alloy wheels

17" Procyon silver metallic alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Emergency space saving spare wheel with tool kit and jack