We've Tested the New Skoda Fabia. Does It Have the Potential to Become Another Bestseller?

At the beginning of May we were introduced to one of the biggest automotive innovations of the year. In the meantime it has already managed to premiere. We are talking about a new, 4th generation of Fabia, which we have had the opportunity to see in real life recently. Skoda brought its most successful model directly to Bratislava, where we were able not only to properly get acquainted with it in detail, but also get to know its official price in Slocakia.

It starts at € 11,760, which gets you Active equipment with a 1.0 MPI 48 kW / 65 HP engine, a five-speed manual transmission and a substantial basic equipment - LED headlights on both sides, emergency brake assist, lane assist or central lock with remote control and infotainment Swing with 6.5 "color display, Bluetooth technology and a pair of USB-C connectors.

Above the Active equipment is the most popular and best-selling Ambition so far, with price starting at € 12,560. It then adds an hill start assist, electric windows in the front and back, cruise control with speed limit, SmartLink function and manual air conditioning with a pollen filter.

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The highest equipment level Style starts at € 14,760. It's available from 1.0 MPI 59 kW / 80 hp and above, while adding 16 " light alloy wheels, rain and parking sensor, front fog lights, heated multifunctional steering wheel, 2-zone automatic air conditioning, mood LED interior lighting and 8 “ Bolero infotainment, for example. 

Of course, there are several additional equipment items - more than 10 " digital cockpit, 9.2" Amundsen infotainment, keyless access and ignition system, parking camera with a washer, heated windshield, wireless SmartLink with Apple CarPlay / Android Auto support, front parking sensors, up to 18 " discs or an option of two-color paint.

After the first personal encounter, we really have to admit that Fabia has grown significantly. It is more beautiful, and above all much more modern, more technological and, last but not least, larger. With a length of up to 4,108 millimeters, there was an intergenerational increase of almost 11 centimeters, which allowed Fabia to exceed the magical 4-meter marker. This is mainly due to the longer wheelbase (+94 mm), which will be appreciated especially by rear passengers. In addition, the width is 48 mm wider and 7 mm lower in height, which gives a more dynamic impression.
 

The increase in size of course brings about noticeably increased space in the interior, but also a trunk up to 50 liters larger - with a volume of 380 liters. The VW Golf, of higher class, has the same size. Under the flooring there's even a spare tire or an optional towbar.

Perhaps even more than the new exterior, the interior design is really impressing in the exhibited piece. Once you get in, you wouldn't even think that you're sitting in a Fabia. You'll notice large displays with modern graphics, rather impressive shapes and pleasant, unexpectedly high-quality materials - the front of the dashboard is made of soft fabric and contrast stitching. In addition, Skoda in this case remains true to the physical, non-digital panel of the air conditioning, which is something we also approve of.

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At the top of the cockpit is the Fabia inscription, while in the corners of the deck there are atypical, round vents of ventilation, which are in tune with the colorful decor. By the way, the two-spoke steering wheel comes from the larger Octavia or Kodiaq / Enyaq models. The new generation really makes an impression with the materials and craftsmanship, especially within the small car segment. If we don't count the hard plastics in the rear door panels, they are only minimally represented.

The traditional Simply Clever solutions are a chapter of its own. The scraper in the lid of the fuel tank, the parking camera washer, the rubber neck on the washer fluid tank, handy compartments or holders for items in the cockpit, or detachable trash cans in the doors.

Lastly, let's add that Fabia is on the MQB A0 modular platform for the first time. At the beginning of the sale, four three-cylinder units with an output range of 48 kW / 65 - 81/110 hp are planned. It is no longer a secret that in time (probably next year along with the Monte Carlo version) the four-cylinder 1.5 TSI will finally be offered. The complete range of engines is therefore as follows:

• 1.0 MPI – 48 kW/65 k & 93 Nm, 5-speed manual, 0 – 100 km/h in 15,5 s
• 1.0 MPI – 59 kW/80 k & 93 Nm, 5-speed manual, 0 – 100 km/h in 15,1 s
• 1.0 TSI – 70 kW/95 k & 175 Nm, 5-speed manual, 0 – 100 km/h in 10,6 s
• 1.0 TSI – 81 kW/110 k & 200 Nm, 6-speed manual/7-st. DSG, 0 – 100 km/h in 9,7/9,5 s
• 1.5 TSI – 110 kW/150 k & 250 Nm, 7-speed DSG, 0 – 100 km/h in 7,9 s