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

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,361 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,733 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,464 off RRP*Used from £10,695
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
* 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: 10k miles a year in Cupra’s Terramar for under £300 a month
Cupra Terramar - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra’s Terramar for under £300 a month

The Cupra Terramar is an appealing family SUV that looks stylish but offers plenty of practicality. It’s our Deal of the Day for July 5
News
5 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025