The Fabia is one of the bestsellers in the Skoda portfolio. This also applies to the third generation. But how is it doing during the general inspection?
The Skoda Fabia has been around since 1999. As the successor to the Felicia, the small car quickly became a customer favorite. Available in the third generation (type NJ) since the end of 2014, the Fabia is still one of the most important models of the Czech VW brand.
Body and interior: The Fabia is offered in two body styles. As a classic, five-door hatchback, it stretches to a length of 3,99 meters. The combination variant ("Combi"), available since the beginning of 2015, is 4,26 meters long. Unlike the group siblings VW Polo and Seat Ibiza, which debuted in their respective new generation in 2017, the Czech relatives do not yet use the A0 platform of the modular transverse matrix (MQB). Both Fabia versions, however, access the technology and modules of the MQB, such as motors.
While the predecessor model was drawn in a rather boring and seductive manner, the third-generation sheet metal dress looks brisk, but not fashionable. The feel-good character in the interior depends on the equipment line selected. The workmanship is decent.
The small car offers a comparatively large amount of space for the occupants in both variants. The differences can be seen in the trunk volume, here the station wagon can score due to its length. Depending on the seat configuration, it has a capacity of between 530 and 1.395 liters, while the five-door model has 330 to 1.150 liters. When folding down the rear seat backrests, however, both of them have a step.
The facelift carried out in mid-2018 can be recognized by a radiator grille, the outer corners of which are trimmed, as well as a redesigned instrument cluster and an expanded selection of trim parts.
Motors and drive: The engine selection is quite manageable and the scope of performance corresponds to a typical small car offer. A sporty RS variant with 132 kW / 180 PS as it was still offered in the second generation was no longer available. Two petrol and one diesel were available for the market launch. The 1,0-liter three-cylinder suction gasoline engine is offered in two expansion stages. The basic version has 44 kW / 60 PS, which is sufficient for a top speed of 160 km / h. The 55 kW / 75 PS version is a little faster. At least 172 km / h are possible here at the top.
The vacuum cleaners with 95 Nm each require an average of 4,7 or 4,8 liters. The 1,2-liter four-cylinder turbo (TSI) is more lively, with 66 kW / 90 PS and 81 kW / 110 PS as well as 160 and 175 Nm. The standard consumption is at the level of the vacuum cleaner, the top speed is 182 and 197 km / h. A 1,4-liter three-cylinder diesel (TDI) is also available. This is offered with 66 kW / 90 PS and 77 kW / 105 PS. This most economical way to move a Fabia (average consumption: 3,4 and 3,5 liters) was taken out of the program in 2018. Since then, the naturally aspirated engines and 1,0-liter turbos, which produce 70 kW / 95 PS and 81 kW / 110 PS, are equipped with a particle filter as standard and replace the 1,2-liter engines, have been providing propulsion.
The clutch is coupled with the help of a manual five-speed gearbox. The 110 PS TSI has six gears. The weakest compression-ignition engine and the 110-hp petrol engine can also be ordered with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Equipment and safety: The subject of wellbeing on board depends on the equipment line. The basic level "Active" does without air conditioning, on-board computers, electric windows and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors. These amenities are available from "Ambition"; with the next higher level, "Style", most comfort desires should then be fulfilled.
Those interested in used cars should also look out for the special models "Monte Carlo" and "Scoutline" (only for Combi). They offer all sorts of extras that would otherwise have to be bought. The Fabia completed the NCAP crash test in 2014 with a five-star rating. Depending on the affinity of the first owner to electronic helpers or equipment extras, the vehicles have distance assistants, front radar with emergency braking function or a reversing camera. Since the facelift, lane change and high beam assistants or cross traffic warnings have also been available.
Quality: Fabia owners don't have to worry about the general inspection (HU) at the TÜV. The small car does better than the average of the examined vehicles. The chassis components are inconspicuous, and the little one does not show any weaknesses in terms of the exhaust system and oil loss. The light examination during the general inspection is only slightly clouded by occasionally incorrectly adjusted headlights, while the brake discs occasionally have a negative impact on the brakes.
And finally ... The Skoda Fabia is a solid small car that is not quite as comfortable as the VW Polo, but is cheaper to buy. It also offers a lot of space and - now rarely in the small car segment - a station wagon version. Not to forget the “simply clever” solutions such as the ice scraper in the tank lid. For older models of the third generation you have to invest at least 4.000 euros, for the Combi it starts in the used car portals from around 5.000 euros.
