Skip advert
Advertisement

Fabia Group test

We put Skoda's Fabia against the Vauxhall Corsa and Renault Clio

Skoda Fabia group test

Hewn from granite. It’s a motoring cliché that could never be used to describe one of Skoda’s products until the Fabia arrived on the scene seven years ago.

The chunky and tough supermini fundamentally changed the
perception of the brand – a rare achievement in the competitive and image-conscious car industry. Besides being solid, the Czech machine was also well engineered and ergonomically designed, helping it to stand out from rivals and claim our Car of the Year title in 2000. But with a new crop of superminis moving the bar ever-higher, can Skoda make as big an impression this time around with the second-generation Fabia?

There will be five engines and three trim levels – simply called 1, 2 and 3 – to choose from. Prices range from £7,990 to £13,015, but with economy and value for money key for many Fabia fans, it’s the 1.4-litre three-cylinder TDI diesel in Fabia 2 trim that we test first. However, the competition in the supermini class couldn’t be tougher, and the newcomer faces our current class favourites – the Vauxhall Corsa and Renault Clio. Both are tested here in five-door form, powered by small diesels.

With their fresh styling and focus on space, quality and refinement, they are the best models the new Skoda must face. So can the Fabia continue the winning ways of its predecessor?

Verdict

The Fabia is robustly built, well engineered and roomy, and offers safe handling, a comfortable ride and good value for money, too. As a no-thrills supermini, it’s an accomplished performer, but the three-cylinder engine lacks the refinement of its four-cylinder rivals here. The Skoda can’t match their driving involvement, either, but a big boot and excellent rear space mean it is practical. Put simply, although competent and capable, it lacks sparkle. And it’s a sign of how competitive the sector is that the Fabia finishes third.

Splitting the Corsa and Clio is even more difficult. Both are talented superminis, closely matched in nearly every area. The Renault offers the edge for driving involvement, but the Vauxhall has the higher-class cabin. It also represents better value for money, beating the Clio’s price, residuals and equipment. So the Corsa takes victory by the narrowest of margins.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,699
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £14,900
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £2,598 off RRP*Used from £7,250
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,115 off RRP*Used from £14,500
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper

The modern-day Super Cinq comes with a super price. It’s our Deal of the Day for 14 May
News
14 May 2025
Want a new small car? You probably can’t afford one and car bosses blame the EU
Luca de Meo - Renault 5

Want a new small car? You probably can’t afford one and car bosses blame the EU

Renault and Stellantis bosses demand changes to the emissions rules driving up new car prices
News
15 May 2025
Best electric cars 2025: the top 10 best EVs you can buy
Best electric cars header

Best electric cars 2025: the top 10 best EVs you can buy

Thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle? Here are the EVs that should be on your shortlist, and why…
Best cars & vans
14 May 2025