Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI (A) Review
17 Sep 2010|31,292 views
Owning a Skoda used to be an open invitation for your friends to try out their wisecracks at your expense. Over the last couple of years however, the Skoda brand together with their Volkswagen masters have worked very hard to shed the shoddy build quality associated with Skodas of yesteryear.
Skoda has been making great leaps and bounds in its popularity (over in Europe at least) the past couple of years thanks to the infusion of fastidious German efficiency and excellence into their product lines. The current Octavia and Superb models have received raving reviews from journalists over in UK for their incredible value for money.
The first generation Fabia was launched in 1999. The car shared its Volkswagen Group A04 platform with the Volkswagen Polo and Seat Ibiza. The Fabia was successful in no small part due to most of its running gear being designed or derived from Volkswagen models. Furthermore they were marketed to customers with better options as a package that undercut other models within the Volkswagen Group. This business model has helped Skoda gain a significant amount of sales in the UK with the Fabia even receiving the 'Car of the Year' award in 2000.
In 2007 Skoda launched the current Fabia model that shares a significant portion of its DNA with the parent group's Polo. Having just received a facelift this year, the latest Fabia also comes with the Volkswagen Group's impressive little 1.2-litre TSI that's being independently produced by the Czech company at their historic plant in Mladá Boleslav.
Skoda has been making great leaps and bounds in its popularity (over in Europe at least) the past couple of years thanks to the infusion of fastidious German efficiency and excellence into their product lines. The current Octavia and Superb models have received raving reviews from journalists over in UK for their incredible value for money.
The first generation Fabia was launched in 1999. The car shared its Volkswagen Group A04 platform with the Volkswagen Polo and Seat Ibiza. The Fabia was successful in no small part due to most of its running gear being designed or derived from Volkswagen models. Furthermore they were marketed to customers with better options as a package that undercut other models within the Volkswagen Group. This business model has helped Skoda gain a significant amount of sales in the UK with the Fabia even receiving the 'Car of the Year' award in 2000.
In 2007 Skoda launched the current Fabia model that shares a significant portion of its DNA with the parent group's Polo. Having just received a facelift this year, the latest Fabia also comes with the Volkswagen Group's impressive little 1.2-litre TSI that's being independently produced by the Czech company at their historic plant in Mladá Boleslav.
 |
Exterior
On first impressions, the Fabia's understated and neutral design stance won't set hearts racing. The unassuming front end closely parallels the lines on the Roomster. The front fascia possesses the same vertically slatted corporate grille that's shared with its siblings in the product line.
Oddly once you get to the A-pillars, things start to look a little reminiscent of the Suzuki Swift. The rake of the blacked out A-pillars, roofline and blacked out B-pillars closely resembles that on the Swift. Even the placement of the radio antennae is similar. The similarity continues to spill to the rear of the car right down to the tailgate where the only discernable difference comes from the taillights.
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Skoda has chosen to stick to the straight and narrow for the Fabia. However, I wish the designers had taken a step back after the final design to see that the 15 inch wheels fitted don't fully utilise the generous wheel wells. The wheels look a little undersized when viewed with the rest of the car.
Interior
The Fabia's interior is a rather pleasant place to be. High quality plastics that can only be derived from the parent company's direction feels solid to the touch though some panels on the doors do flex when some pressure is applied. Nevertheless, Skoda tried to up the market feel by infusing leather into the door panels. However the plastic door pulls on the inside don't feel like they will stand up to too much abuse.
The front driver's seat is comfortable and offers good lumbar suppoort in the right places. The driving position too is comfortable with the rake and reach adjustable steering making the best position available to the driver. Beyond the steering, the dials used in the Fabia seem a tad under par of other Skoda models. The LCD panel can be a little hard for older folks with its fine font digital display. The visibility is further hindered on bright days where the panel can be washed out. The dials though remain highly visible with their markings backlit in white.
Though the Fabia shares a close relationship with Volkswagen's Polo, it however doesn't share the same sophistication of its centre console. On the Czech model, the centre console is a rather simple and minimalistic affair. The climate control is represented with three simple dials.
Interior
The Fabia's interior is a rather pleasant place to be. High quality plastics that can only be derived from the parent company's direction feels solid to the touch though some panels on the doors do flex when some pressure is applied. Nevertheless, Skoda tried to up the market feel by infusing leather into the door panels. However the plastic door pulls on the inside don't feel like they will stand up to too much abuse.
The front driver's seat is comfortable and offers good lumbar suppoort in the right places. The driving position too is comfortable with the rake and reach adjustable steering making the best position available to the driver. Beyond the steering, the dials used in the Fabia seem a tad under par of other Skoda models. The LCD panel can be a little hard for older folks with its fine font digital display. The visibility is further hindered on bright days where the panel can be washed out. The dials though remain highly visible with their markings backlit in white.
Though the Fabia shares a close relationship with Volkswagen's Polo, it however doesn't share the same sophistication of its centre console. On the Czech model, the centre console is a rather simple and minimalistic affair. The climate control is represented with three simple dials.
The audio system too is minimalistic and though the performance isn't impressive, it should live up to most listening tasks reasonably well. Although the Fabia doesn't possess the convenience of steering mounted audio controls, it is however unnecessary in this case as the centre console is easily within reach of the driver. Nevertheless the safety aspect of steering mounted controls can't be ignored.
Whereas the Polo's centre console design possesses a little more interest, the Fabia's seems to be draped hopelessly in dull colours that blend in with the rest of its dashboard.
Despite the depressive mood of the interior, it does come with a significant amount of cubby holes for all the knick-knacks that follows the motoring individual. On the passenger side there's a dual glovebox that is large enough to store a significant amount of loose items. There are also storage trays below each of the front seats for keeping certain items away from prying eyes. The conservative size of the armrest between the front seats have a further 1.2 litres of space for other items.
Rear seating is quite acceptable in the Fabia. It easily accommodates two long limbed adults without any onset of claustrophobia. Legroom too is acceptable despite a tall driver.
The boot size in this Skoda is reasonable while a split folding rear bench will avail greater cargo area when needed.
Whereas the Polo's centre console design possesses a little more interest, the Fabia's seems to be draped hopelessly in dull colours that blend in with the rest of its dashboard.
Despite the depressive mood of the interior, it does come with a significant amount of cubby holes for all the knick-knacks that follows the motoring individual. On the passenger side there's a dual glovebox that is large enough to store a significant amount of loose items. There are also storage trays below each of the front seats for keeping certain items away from prying eyes. The conservative size of the armrest between the front seats have a further 1.2 litres of space for other items.
Rear seating is quite acceptable in the Fabia. It easily accommodates two long limbed adults without any onset of claustrophobia. Legroom too is acceptable despite a tall driver.
The boot size in this Skoda is reasonable while a split folding rear bench will avail greater cargo area when needed.
 |
The Drive
The latest Fabia is powered by the same Volkswagen 1.2-litre TSI powerplant currently found in the Skoda Yeti, Volkswagen Golf 1.2 and Polo Sport. The small engine might not have an impressive capacity but it does have a good balance between economy and usable grunt. Giving a sizable 105bhp and 175Nm of torque when asked.
The engine is coupled with the 7-speed DSG gearbox that's also shared with the Yeti and Polo. On the highways, the Fabia is responsive at higher engine speeds. However at the low speeds of city traffic, the Fabia does retard for a split second between commands from your right foot and reaction. The turbo lag and the gearbox's eagerness to upshift contributes to the delay.
Nevertheless the gearbox and engine combination gives the Fabia astounding economy figures. The Fabia boasts 18.8km/L which equals to a range of 846 kilometres on its 45 litre tank.
The latest Fabia is powered by the same Volkswagen 1.2-litre TSI powerplant currently found in the Skoda Yeti, Volkswagen Golf 1.2 and Polo Sport. The small engine might not have an impressive capacity but it does have a good balance between economy and usable grunt. Giving a sizable 105bhp and 175Nm of torque when asked.
The engine is coupled with the 7-speed DSG gearbox that's also shared with the Yeti and Polo. On the highways, the Fabia is responsive at higher engine speeds. However at the low speeds of city traffic, the Fabia does retard for a split second between commands from your right foot and reaction. The turbo lag and the gearbox's eagerness to upshift contributes to the delay.
Nevertheless the gearbox and engine combination gives the Fabia astounding economy figures. The Fabia boasts 18.8km/L which equals to a range of 846 kilometres on its 45 litre tank.
Around town, the conservative dimensions of the car does give way to greater body movement over undulating surfaces but the damping from the suspension helps it to remain comfortable.
Conclusion
The Fabia earns a Euro NCAP rating of four stars for its six airbags spread evenly between frontal, side and curtain airbags.
Though similarly priced with the Polo Sport, the Fabia thankfully doesn't come with a long waiting list. For those who can forego the bragging rights and the slightly edgier looks of the former will do well considering the Czech example.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
The Fabia earns a Euro NCAP rating of four stars for its six airbags spread evenly between frontal, side and curtain airbags.
Though similarly priced with the Polo Sport, the Fabia thankfully doesn't come with a long waiting list. For those who can forego the bragging rights and the slightly edgier looks of the former will do well considering the Czech example.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Owning a Skoda used to be an open invitation for your friends to try out their wisecracks at your expense. Over the last couple of years however, the Skoda brand together with their Volkswagen masters have worked very hard to shed the shoddy build quality associated with Skodas of yesteryear.
Skoda has been making great leaps and bounds in its popularity (over in Europe at least) the past couple of years thanks to the infusion of fastidious German efficiency and excellence into their product lines. The current Octavia and Superb models have received raving reviews from journalists over in UK for their incredible value for money.
The first generation Fabia was launched in 1999. The car shared its Volkswagen Group A04 platform with the Volkswagen Polo and Seat Ibiza. The Fabia was successful in no small part due to most of its running gear being designed or derived from Volkswagen models. Furthermore they were marketed to customers with better options as a package that undercut other models within the Volkswagen Group. This business model has helped Skoda gain a significant amount of sales in the UK with the Fabia even receiving the 'Car of the Year' award in 2000.
In 2007 Skoda launched the current Fabia model that shares a significant portion of its DNA with the parent group's Polo. Having just received a facelift this year, the latest Fabia also comes with the Volkswagen Group's impressive little 1.2-litre TSI that's being independently produced by the Czech company at their historic plant in Mladá Boleslav.
Skoda has been making great leaps and bounds in its popularity (over in Europe at least) the past couple of years thanks to the infusion of fastidious German efficiency and excellence into their product lines. The current Octavia and Superb models have received raving reviews from journalists over in UK for their incredible value for money.
The first generation Fabia was launched in 1999. The car shared its Volkswagen Group A04 platform with the Volkswagen Polo and Seat Ibiza. The Fabia was successful in no small part due to most of its running gear being designed or derived from Volkswagen models. Furthermore they were marketed to customers with better options as a package that undercut other models within the Volkswagen Group. This business model has helped Skoda gain a significant amount of sales in the UK with the Fabia even receiving the 'Car of the Year' award in 2000.
In 2007 Skoda launched the current Fabia model that shares a significant portion of its DNA with the parent group's Polo. Having just received a facelift this year, the latest Fabia also comes with the Volkswagen Group's impressive little 1.2-litre TSI that's being independently produced by the Czech company at their historic plant in Mladá Boleslav.
|
Exterior
On first impressions, the Fabia's understated and neutral design stance won't set hearts racing. The unassuming front end closely parallels the lines on the Roomster. The front fascia possesses the same vertically slatted corporate grille that's shared with its siblings in the product line.
Oddly once you get to the A-pillars, things start to look a little reminiscent of the Suzuki Swift. The rake of the blacked out A-pillars, roofline and blacked out B-pillars closely resembles that on the Swift. Even the placement of the radio antennae is similar. The similarity continues to spill to the rear of the car right down to the tailgate where the only discernable difference comes from the taillights.
|
Skoda has chosen to stick to the straight and narrow for the Fabia. However, I wish the designers had taken a step back after the final design to see that the 15 inch wheels fitted don't fully utilise the generous wheel wells. The wheels look a little undersized when viewed with the rest of the car.
Interior
The Fabia's interior is a rather pleasant place to be. High quality plastics that can only be derived from the parent company's direction feels solid to the touch though some panels on the doors do flex when some pressure is applied. Nevertheless, Skoda tried to up the market feel by infusing leather into the door panels. However the plastic door pulls on the inside don't feel like they will stand up to too much abuse.
The front driver's seat is comfortable and offers good lumbar suppoort in the right places. The driving position too is comfortable with the rake and reach adjustable steering making the best position available to the driver. Beyond the steering, the dials used in the Fabia seem a tad under par of other Skoda models. The LCD panel can be a little hard for older folks with its fine font digital display. The visibility is further hindered on bright days where the panel can be washed out. The dials though remain highly visible with their markings backlit in white.
Though the Fabia shares a close relationship with Volkswagen's Polo, it however doesn't share the same sophistication of its centre console. On the Czech model, the centre console is a rather simple and minimalistic affair. The climate control is represented with three simple dials.
Interior
The Fabia's interior is a rather pleasant place to be. High quality plastics that can only be derived from the parent company's direction feels solid to the touch though some panels on the doors do flex when some pressure is applied. Nevertheless, Skoda tried to up the market feel by infusing leather into the door panels. However the plastic door pulls on the inside don't feel like they will stand up to too much abuse.
The front driver's seat is comfortable and offers good lumbar suppoort in the right places. The driving position too is comfortable with the rake and reach adjustable steering making the best position available to the driver. Beyond the steering, the dials used in the Fabia seem a tad under par of other Skoda models. The LCD panel can be a little hard for older folks with its fine font digital display. The visibility is further hindered on bright days where the panel can be washed out. The dials though remain highly visible with their markings backlit in white.
Though the Fabia shares a close relationship with Volkswagen's Polo, it however doesn't share the same sophistication of its centre console. On the Czech model, the centre console is a rather simple and minimalistic affair. The climate control is represented with three simple dials.
The audio system too is minimalistic and though the performance isn't impressive, it should live up to most listening tasks reasonably well. Although the Fabia doesn't possess the convenience of steering mounted audio controls, it is however unnecessary in this case as the centre console is easily within reach of the driver. Nevertheless the safety aspect of steering mounted controls can't be ignored.
Whereas the Polo's centre console design possesses a little more interest, the Fabia's seems to be draped hopelessly in dull colours that blend in with the rest of its dashboard.
Despite the depressive mood of the interior, it does come with a significant amount of cubby holes for all the knick-knacks that follows the motoring individual. On the passenger side there's a dual glovebox that is large enough to store a significant amount of loose items. There are also storage trays below each of the front seats for keeping certain items away from prying eyes. The conservative size of the armrest between the front seats have a further 1.2 litres of space for other items.
Rear seating is quite acceptable in the Fabia. It easily accommodates two long limbed adults without any onset of claustrophobia. Legroom too is acceptable despite a tall driver.
The boot size in this Skoda is reasonable while a split folding rear bench will avail greater cargo area when needed.
Whereas the Polo's centre console design possesses a little more interest, the Fabia's seems to be draped hopelessly in dull colours that blend in with the rest of its dashboard.
Despite the depressive mood of the interior, it does come with a significant amount of cubby holes for all the knick-knacks that follows the motoring individual. On the passenger side there's a dual glovebox that is large enough to store a significant amount of loose items. There are also storage trays below each of the front seats for keeping certain items away from prying eyes. The conservative size of the armrest between the front seats have a further 1.2 litres of space for other items.
Rear seating is quite acceptable in the Fabia. It easily accommodates two long limbed adults without any onset of claustrophobia. Legroom too is acceptable despite a tall driver.
The boot size in this Skoda is reasonable while a split folding rear bench will avail greater cargo area when needed.
|
The Drive
The latest Fabia is powered by the same Volkswagen 1.2-litre TSI powerplant currently found in the Skoda Yeti, Volkswagen Golf 1.2 and Polo Sport. The small engine might not have an impressive capacity but it does have a good balance between economy and usable grunt. Giving a sizable 105bhp and 175Nm of torque when asked.
The engine is coupled with the 7-speed DSG gearbox that's also shared with the Yeti and Polo. On the highways, the Fabia is responsive at higher engine speeds. However at the low speeds of city traffic, the Fabia does retard for a split second between commands from your right foot and reaction. The turbo lag and the gearbox's eagerness to upshift contributes to the delay.
Nevertheless the gearbox and engine combination gives the Fabia astounding economy figures. The Fabia boasts 18.8km/L which equals to a range of 846 kilometres on its 45 litre tank.
The latest Fabia is powered by the same Volkswagen 1.2-litre TSI powerplant currently found in the Skoda Yeti, Volkswagen Golf 1.2 and Polo Sport. The small engine might not have an impressive capacity but it does have a good balance between economy and usable grunt. Giving a sizable 105bhp and 175Nm of torque when asked.
The engine is coupled with the 7-speed DSG gearbox that's also shared with the Yeti and Polo. On the highways, the Fabia is responsive at higher engine speeds. However at the low speeds of city traffic, the Fabia does retard for a split second between commands from your right foot and reaction. The turbo lag and the gearbox's eagerness to upshift contributes to the delay.
Nevertheless the gearbox and engine combination gives the Fabia astounding economy figures. The Fabia boasts 18.8km/L which equals to a range of 846 kilometres on its 45 litre tank.
Around town, the conservative dimensions of the car does give way to greater body movement over undulating surfaces but the damping from the suspension helps it to remain comfortable.
Conclusion
The Fabia earns a Euro NCAP rating of four stars for its six airbags spread evenly between frontal, side and curtain airbags.
Though similarly priced with the Polo Sport, the Fabia thankfully doesn't come with a long waiting list. For those who can forego the bragging rights and the slightly edgier looks of the former will do well considering the Czech example.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
The Fabia earns a Euro NCAP rating of four stars for its six airbags spread evenly between frontal, side and curtain airbags.
Though similarly priced with the Polo Sport, the Fabia thankfully doesn't come with a long waiting list. For those who can forego the bragging rights and the slightly edgier looks of the former will do well considering the Czech example.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Benjamin G, Kline
Also read our comparison article on:
Volkswagen Polo GTI 1.4 TSI 5dr (A) vs Skoda Fabia 1.4 RS (A)
Car Information
Skoda Fabia 1.2 Ambiente (A)
CAT A|Petrol|18.2km/L
Horsepower
78kW (104 bhp)
Torque
175 Nm
Acceleration
10.2sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Skoda Fabia
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