Skoda Fabia 1.2 Classic

By Chris Thorp

January 2003

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Are your finances running on all cylinders? If not, this new entry-level Skoda Fabia could be the answer. With a sub-΂£7,000 price tag and penny-pinching economy, it takes the company back to its bargain-basement roots. But does it get away with a mere 54bhp under the bonnet?

The 1.2-litre three-cylinder unit comes courtesy of VW's base Polo. Turn the key and the first thing you notice is the virtually silent idle. However, under acceleration vibration grows, hampering high-speed refinement.

On paper, performance doesn't look good, either. A 0-60mph time of 18.5 seconds and a 93mph top speed are uninspiring, but around town this Fabia feels sprightly. However, keeping up the pace on twisty A-roads needsa heavy right foot and rapid work with the gearbox. Thankfully, the five-speed unit has a light and pleasant action, as do all the Fabia's controls. The grabby brakes are the only letdown, but at least the ABS is there when you need it.

Rather than bemoaning the engine for its lack of thrust, just look at the savings. A combined figure of 47.1mpg puts it near the top of the class, and CO2 emissions of 144g/km significantly undercut those of Skoda's other petrol motors. Available from 1 February, the new base model comes in Classic trim only, costing ΂£6,995. But despite the price, the superbly engineered cabin still features twin airbags, power-steering and a radio-cassette. The new model will be sold alongside the 68bhp 1.4, which weighs in at ΂£7,935 in Classic spec.

Compare these prices with VW's ΂£8,495 base five-door Polo 1.2 E, which boasts exactly the same engine and underpinnings, and the Skoda begins to look a real bargain. It's only when you consider four-cylinder rivals that the newcomer loses some of its appeal. For instance, Ford's Fiesta 1.3 gives improved economy and performance, but costs only ΂£1,500 more.

Even so, while this Fabia may not be the quickest or most involving supermini around, it's certainly great value.

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