Skip advert
Advertisement

Skoda Fabia Greenline II

A tiny three-cylinder engine, stop-start technology and eco optimised aerodynamics make this the greenest Skoda yet.

It achieved record sales in the UK last year, but Skoda isn’t resting on its laurels. To tap into buyers’ demand for frugal cars, it has been rolling out its second-generation GreenLine technology across the range. 

The latest model to get the eco treatment is the Fabia, and it has the added kudos of being the most environmentally friendly car the firm has ever produced. It’s powered by the same three-

Advertisement - Article continues below

cylinder diesel as in the VW Polo BlueMotion, emits only 89g/km of CO2 and claims an amazing 83.1mpg combined economy.

While the longer estate is the Fabia that arguably has the practicality to rival the Jazz, it’s the bigger-selling hatch that we test here. As with the Honda, the Skoda has an upright stance on the road, but the looks are more conventional. For some people, that won’t be a good thing, and we think the Fabia is starting to appear a little dated. On top of that, the GreenLine II’s bluff rear spoiler, which cuts drag, adds little to the styling and looks like an aftermarket touch. 

From the driver’s seat, the car also feels disappointingly basic. The four-spoke plastic steering wheel rim, abundance of dark trim and flimsy air-con switches leave you with the sense that you’re driving a budget car. There’s no faulting the build quality, though, and in contrast with the rest of the car, the smart £525 touchscreen sat-nav and audio system is bang up to date. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Discovery Sport

2020 Land Rover

Discovery Sport

25,040 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £23,197
View Discovery Sport
A3 Sportback

2024 Audi

A3 Sportback

24,567 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £20,176
View A3 Sportback
Corolla Touring Sports

2022 Toyota

Corolla Touring Sports

57,970 milesAutomaticPetrol1.8L

Cash £16,176
View Corolla Touring Sports
Ceed

2024 Kia

Ceed

31,678 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £15,576
View Ceed

The driving position isn’t bad, offering adjustment for rake and reach, and there’s lots of stowage, including a double glovebox and large door pockets. Plus, despite having a shorter wheelbase than the SEAT, the Skoda provides superior rear legroom. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The deep 315-litre boot is the biggest here, too, but you have to do without a spare wheel (as in the Jazz), while the conventional 60/40 split folding rear seats can’t match the Honda layout for flexibility. 

Under the bonnet, the three-cylinder diesel delivers modest 74bhp power and 180Nm torque outputs. Add tall gearing, and performance is sluggish, with the benchmark sprint from 0-60mph taking 15.2 seconds. 

On the open road, the engine needs lots of encouragement to keep up with other traffic, and overtaking requires forward planning and plenty of empty tarmac. The oil-burner also becomes intrusively noisy at high revs, while it’s gruff and lethargic at low speeds.

Around town, the stop-start system works smoothly, but the unrefined nature of the little TDI engine constantly reminds you of the sacrifice you’re making for its low emissions and consumption.  The driving experience doesn’t lift the mood, either, because the suspension – lowered to optimise aerodynamics – delivers a rigid ride without providing much in the way of cornering fun. 

There’s plenty of roll in bends, while the notchy mechanical action of the five-speed manual box completes a disappointing dynamic package. Some buyers will forgive this when they tot up their fuel bill. The Skoda achieved 53.7mpg during our test. But you pay a high price for this efficiency.

Details

Chart position: 2
WHY: Diesel promises amazing fuel efficiency

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

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

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,600
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £4,463 off RRP*
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,291
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Flawed hybrid car efficiency data to stifle UK EV sales and propagate pollution
Connecting charger to Hyundai Tucson PHEV

Flawed hybrid car efficiency data to stifle UK EV sales and propagate pollution

Half a million extra PHEVs could reach UK roads by 2030 in place of cleaner EVs due to changes surrounding the ZEV Mandate
News
19 May 2025
New Ford Fiesta: latest details on supermini’s potential return
Ford Fiesta exclusive image

New Ford Fiesta: latest details on supermini’s potential return

The Ford Fiesta could be coming back as an electric car, and here’s everything we know so far
News
20 May 2025
Kia is returning to its 'Keeping It Affordable' roots
Opinion - Kia

Kia is returning to its 'Keeping It Affordable' roots

Mike Rutherford thinks new cars are simply too expensive, but some manufacturers are starting to do something about it
Opinion
19 May 2025