Volkswagen owns Škoda and a load of other carmakers, so these days it is no joke to say that the Czech brand is a runaway success.
Most people now know Škodas are basically Volkswagens - but for less money. Sure, a few hi-tech new bits and pieces might be held back for exclusive use in VWs or Audis, but eventually all the German brilliance at VW Group filters down to the humble Škoda.
New, lighter Fabia is based on the latest lightweight small car platform and is a supermini, both in its class nickname and in reality. The original 1999 car was a breath of fresh air and great value for money. Since Fabia's launch, over 3.4 million have been sold. Thanks to VW Polo underpinnings, the original Fabia was a giant leap forward from the relatively awful Felicia and has slowly but surely grown a loyal following in Ireland.
Outside, the latest car has subtly evolved from the 2007 version and features a cleaner design and some classy touches, such as the well-designed headlight clusters that help kick the car more upmarket.
Despite losing 8mm in length and 30mm off its height, the third-generation Fabia is a spacious compact car that offers lots of room and versatility to those on a budget. Fabia's body is wider and it sits on a wider track, so you get more of the all-important 'big car feel' when driving it. Overall, Fabia designers have achieved a chunky, solid and substantial new look.
Inside the airy cabin you can seat five. The dash is clean and the instrumentation is both modern and functional. Of course, there are loads of VW switches and bits to be found, but you'll have a proud Škoda badge in the centre of the steering wheel, reminding you that you paid less than the equivalent Polo. The cabin is big, but so is the cargo area. Boot space at 330 litres is massive for a small car and only rivalled in its class by Hyundai's i20 with 326-litres.
New Fabia gets a new range of petrol and diesel engines. Petrol units feature two engines with two power outputs: a 1.0-litre MPI with either 60hp or 75hp, and a 1.2 TSI engine with 90hp or 110hp. A 1.4 TDI (diesel) is available with 90hp or 110hp. There is a DSG (auto) option on the 110hp petrol and 90hp diesel. Road tax is no higher than €190 across the range. Fuel consumption is down and Stop/Start is now standard. This feature also aids CO2 reduction. Active, Ambition and Style are the three specification levels offered, with roughly a €1,000-€1,500 price-walk between them. Fabia has also scored the maximum 5-Stars at Euro NCAP crash tests, making it one of the safest cars in its class.
With prices starting at just under €14,000, it is €2,000 cheaper than the entry point for the excellent - and new versions of - Hyundai i20 and Mazda2. We drove our Fabia back to back with the current VW Polo and found very little dynamic difference. We do love Polo's big VW badges and familiar chunky looks, but for now, Fabia makes a stronger case for itself overall.
Fabia is simply Fab!
Michael Sheridan
