Value, quality and practicality have long been mainstays of Skoda brand the latest Fabia encapsulates all of those facets. While the fourth-generation model is no longer the bargain-option it once was, the Fabia offers a more premium experience with a spacious interior, clever features, and a refined drive. The 2023-on Fabia is built on the same platform as the current VW Polo and SEAT Ibiza, but stands out for its class-leading boot space, roomy cabin, and Skoda’s “Simply Clever” features. It’s not the most exciting car to drive, nor the most technologically advanced, while buyers will have to wait for the next generation for hybrid or electric options. But value-led pricing and impressive build still make it a hugely appealing supermini.
The current Skoda Fabia has taken what has always made the car great and refined it further, to create a great quality, value-focused supermini that’s well made, brilliantly packaged and feels sturdy, if a touch utilitarian. It’s spacious, civilised and comfortable and deserves to thrive – if you’re in the market for a small car, the Fabia is certainly one you shouldn’t overlook
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioThe new Skoda Fabia starts from £21,055 for the SE Comfort, rising to £29,995 for the top-spec Monte Carlo. It’s not as cheap as it once was, but is still one of the more competitive options in the supermini class. For buyers seeking nearly new options, AA Cars lists current-shape used Skoda Fabia models from £16,500 to £20,000, depending on mileage, trim level, and specification
The Fabia is available exclusively with petrol engines. The range starts with a 1.0-litre MPI with 79bhp, then 1.0 TSI turbo with 94-114bhp depending on spec. At the top of the tree is the 148bhp 1.5 TSI, which you’ll find in the top-end Monte Carlo model. Engine performance is respectable across the range. The entry-level 1.0 MPI 80 achieves 0-62mph in around 15.5 seconds and isn’t one for enthusiasts, but the 94bhp 1.0 TSI 95 completes the sprint in approximately 10.6 seconds. The 114bhp 1.0 TSI 110 (with DSG) manages 0-62mph in about 9.6 seconds. All engines are smooth and efficient, with the 1.0 TSI 95 being the sweet spot for most buyers. Every Fabia is front-wheel drive, with a choice of manual or dual-clutch DSG automatic gearboxes.
The Fabia isn’t tuned for performance, but it has a refined and relaxing ride for a supermini and is better than many of its rivals over rough and broken surfaces, soaking up the worst bumps and rough roads with ease. It’s quiet at speed and feels stable on the motorway, with accurate steering and good visibility. While not the sharpest car in its class, it’s predictable and safe – which is exactly what buyers of this type of car want.
Ride comfort is a highlight compared with other superminis, with the Fabia feeling composed over poor surfaces. The handling is secure and confidence-inspiring, though keen drivers may find it lacks the sparkle of some rivals. The Monte Carlo trim adds a sportier look and firmer suspension, but the focus remains on comfort and usability – it can be hustled along quite spiritedly if needed, but there’s still a softness and vagueness to it that’s more focused on comfort. But then, as we’ve said, that’s exactly what Skoda’s target buyer is looking for and it’s just another example of how the car has been thought-out to appeal to a very specific market.
The Fabia’s cabin is spacious for a supermini, with excellent headroom and legroom front and rear. Skoda’s “Simply Clever” features include an umbrella in the door and an ice-scraper behind the fuel filler – neat touches that show it has been designed to be user-friendly. The rear bench is comfortable and spacious enough for two adults, with enough headroom and legroom to avoid feeling cramped on longer journeys. There are two Isofix mounting points on the outer rear seats, making it easy to securely fit child seats, and the wide-opening rear doors help with access. It’s great as a second car, or for young families.
Boot space is one of the Skoda’s key highlights – luggage capacity is a class-leading 380 litres, expanding to 1,190 litres with the rear seats folded, and you get an entirely flat boot floor. In addition, thoughtful storage solutions in the cabin make it easy to live with. It’s a practical and user-friendly car that’s surprisingly versatile for its size.
All trim levels include an 8.25-inch touchscreen, digital driver’s display, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and air conditioning. Higher trims offer a bigger screen, climate control, heated seats and a panoramic sunroof. The interior is simple and practical, with ergonomically designed, user-friendly controls and useful physical buttons for climate functions, but some of the cabin plastics feel a little basic.
The Fabia is offered in four well-equipped trim levels: SE Comfort, SE L, Colour Edition, and Monte Carlo, each building on the last with added luxury and technical features. SE Comfort serves as the entry-level model and comes equipped with air conditioning, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring DAB radio and smartphone connectivity, front electric windows, remote central locking, and LED daytime running lights. Safety is prioritised with autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and multiple airbags included. Moving up, the SE L trim adds 16-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, climate control, and a larger 8-inch touchscreen with integrated navigation. It also offers cruise control and enhanced interior materials for a more refined cabin experience. Additional safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.
The Colour Edition introduces a sportier aesthetic, highlighted by contrasting roof and mirror colours, unique alloy wheel designs, and distinctive exterior styling details. This trim incorporates many of the SE L’s features and allows for further customisation with a broader palette of interior colours and materials. At the top of the range, the Monte Carlo trim is set apart by its 17-inch alloy wheels, sports seats, black exterior accents, panoramic sunroof and a digital instrument cluster. It also includes rear cross-traffic alert, keyless entry, and an upgraded infotainment system. T
he Monte Carlo is paired with the most powerful 1.5 TSI engine, delivering spirited performance alongside its premium appointments. Colour choices include a range of metallic and solid finishes, with contrasting roof options on the Monte Carlo, and all feature cloth interior options in a variety of colours.
The latest Fabia was tested by EuroNCAP in 2023 and achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, scoring 85% for adult occupant protection and 81% for child occupant protection. Standard safety kit includes autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and multiple airbags. Higher trims add adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Skoda’s reputation for reliability is generally very good and there’s a standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty covering both parts and labour, plus a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty and three years of roadside assistance as standard. For added peace of mind, buyers have the option to extend the warranty up to five years or 100,000 miles for an additional cost.
The Skoda Fabia’s petrol-only engine range is generally pretty efficient. Kicking off with the 1.0 MPI engine, it achieves official WLTP fuel economy figures of 51 55.9mpg and emits 113 g/km of CO₂. For those seeking a bit more power, the 1.0 TSI turbo engine comes in 94bhp and 110bhp variants. These models deliver fuel economy of around 48-54 mpg, with CO₂ emissions ranging from 116 to 124 g/km.
At the top of the range is the 1.5 TSI turbo engine, featured in the Monte Carlo trim and delivering 148bhp. It offers official fuel economy figures of 44-48 mpg and emits between 132 and 138 g/km of CO₂. Road tax is £195 a year for all models and insurance groups are low, starting from group 4 for the base model, making it ideal for young or inexperienced drivers, rising to group 20 for the Monte Carlo.
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