Skoda Fabia Review Australia | Features, Specification, Price

• Car Reviews,
• Oct 21, 2020

In a world of Japanese, German, and American domination when it comes to cars, the Skoda is a refreshing alternative. The Czech car manufacturing company has been producing some great cars over the years. However, due to mainly being sold in the European countries, you might not have seen many Skoda’s on Australia’s roads.

 

The Skoda Fabia is not a new car by any means. But whereas other cars in the same class as the Audi A1 and the Volkswagen Polo received new platforms, the Fabia remained the same. It did receive a facelift, which is the only thing that changed. This means that the car is based on an effective, yet old platform which is a generation behind in certain ways.

 

But that does not mean that the Fabia has failed to impress the car enthusiasts here. In fact, the practicality, the robustness, and the decent pricing entail a following of its own. It may not be the most tech-savvy of the fur VW Group cars, but it certainly is the most comfortable. In this article, we embark on a journey to answer any questions that you have about this relatively unknown car.

 

Overview:

Labeled as a supermini, the Skoda Fabia was first produced in 1999. It was the brainchild of Skoda Auto, a Czech based car manufacturing company. It was initially available as a hatchback, saloon and estate body styles. The second generation, which came out in 2007, included a hatchback and a Skoda Fabia wagon version. The third and last generation to date was launched in 2015.

 

The third generation of the Fabia has been around for more than five years now. Frequent updates and subtle revisions over the years have managed to keep the car looking fresh and attractive In a recent update, Skoda included LED headlights as standard as well as an improved 6.5-inch infotainment display.

 

The biggest markets in Europe for the Skoda Fabia are Czech Republic, Poland, Germany and the UK. However, more and more have found a way to private buyers’ homes in Australia as well. The revamped 2018 Skoda Fabia especially proved to leave an impression in the local market. The car features additional safety features, better standard equipment, and a variety of engine lineup. Unsurprisingly, the diesel engines are the least popular, as people flock towards the more powerful petrol engines.

 

Engine variants:

The four petrol engine options that are available in the Skoda Fabia are all three cylinders with a 1.0-liter capacity. The first two engines produced 59 bhp and 74 bhp respectively. A straightforward, no-nonsense five-speed manual transmission is applied to both engines. Mentioning the 0 to 100 km/h time should be better ignored, with a reported time that surpasses 17 seconds. These might not be one of the best performance engines, but they sure give good fuel economy figures and a steady pace inside the city.

 

Next is the 94 bhp producing turbocharged engine with the same five-speed manual transmission. Statistics are considerably improved, doing 0 to 100 km/h in just over 10 seconds. This engine is also claimed as the cheapest when it comes to fuel economy.

 

The range-topping petrol engine holds the capability of outputting 109 bhp of power. You can either opt for the six-speed manual transmission. Or pay an extra premium for a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Among the four engine options, the 94 bhp engine is the bestselling. It is not as fast as the 109 bhp, but still does well for a car of its size. Where the engine lacks in power and response, it manages to fulfill in the smoothness and refinement. But if you prefer the automatic transmission, you might as well go for the 109 bhp version.

 

Interior:

The Skoda Fabia hatchback offers ample sitting and boot space. The passengers can easily seat themselves with enough leg and headroom in the front. The rear seats are less spacious for adults but will do nicely to seat children. The boot space can be as much as 1,150 liters once the rear seats are folded. The cabin and boot space is almost the same as the VW Polo. And certainly, beats the Ford Fiesta.

 

The Skoda Fabia Estate is even bigger than the hatchback. The rear seats are roomier, where two adults can comfortably sit if not three. The Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo features an interior that is a combination of carbon fiber and fancy upholstery. Opinions can differ, but the interior may be too much for some people’s tastes. The car is made for far simpler trims, rather than the tricks and treats that the Monte Carlo encompass.

 

Trims and Features:

The Skoda Fabia is available in five trim options. The entry-level is the ‘S’. You get LED lights, a multifunction trip computer, and front assist. The model also includes autonomous emergency braking, a 6.5-inch infotainment display, power windows, and central locking.

 

Next is the ‘SE’ variant which further adds air conditioning, alloy wheels and parking sensors. Additionally, satellite navigation, climate control and cruise control are also added. The ‘SE L’ is the next in line with some more features.

The Monte Carlo and Color Edition sit on top of the range. They include all the features and specs from the previous variants.

 

Pros:

✓ Ample cabin and boot space

✓ Practical and solid build

✓ Easy on the pocket

 

Cons:

✓ A straightforward and simple drive

✓ The base petrol engine is low performance

✓ Uninspiring looks

 

Verdict:

The Skoda Fabia is a small, light car that is fun to drive. It is not a car which you would enjoy on the highway but will do perfectly for commuting within the city. The interior is comfortable with a good driving position, as well as roomy seats.

 

If you have already finalized your plan about purchasing a vehicle, first you must read the reviews but leave no doubt. To clear all the confusion, you must check the car’s history. We are providing you with a 24/7 accessible portal Quick Revs that works online. We can provide you, all the information you need regarding the automobile’s accidental, theft, and driving history.