Skoda Fabia - best first cars for new drivers
The Skoda Fabia offers VW Group refinement and technology in a practical and cheaper package
The current third-generation Fabia arrived on the supermini scene in 2014 and received a facelift in 2018 to keep it competitive with the likes of the SEAT Ibiza and Ford Fiesta.
In keeping with Skoda’s ‘simply clever’ philosophy, the Fabia can have plenty of helpful touches like luggage hooks in the boots, a holster for multimedia devices, a variable boot floor and a bike carrier.
If boot space is a priority, there is an estate version with 1,150 litres, although the standard hatch’s 330-litres is one of the best you’ll find in a supermini. Cabin space is also excellent with plenty of room for adults in the rear seats.
The plain exterior is mirrored on the inside, although its well-built and has an impressive level of tech. As part of the 2018 refresh, S models and up gain a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto incorporated into the slick infotainment system.
To drive, the Skoda Fabia isn’t as engaging as the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo although it’s comfortable enough and has plenty of power with the 1.0-litre TSI models.
The cheaper, less powerful 59bhp, 1.0-litre MPI will return 47.9mpg on the WLTP cycle, but it's the 94bhp 1.0-litre TSI which is more fuel efficient, returning 51.4mpg.
