Skip advert
Advertisement

Skoda Fabia vRS

Skoda's hottest ever hatch now comes with a twin-charged petrol engine, but has some of the personality of the old Fabia been lost?

Find your Skoda Fabia
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The vRS no longer has its unique selling point of diesel power, and with handling that’s engaging rather than thrilling, it’s no match for hardcore opponents such as the Renaultsport Clio. But the 1.4-litre twin-charged engine delivers punchy performance and the seven-speed DSG transmission brings paddleshift performance at a competitive price. Add five-door practicality and subtle styling, and the Fabia is a great hot hatch.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s the hottest hatch Skoda has ever made, and it’s hit the UK!

We gave an early verdict on the new Fabia vRS when we drove a European-spec model – and as we reported then, it’s all change under the bonnet.

See the Polo GTI take on the SEAT Ibiza Cupra and Skoda Fabia vRS here:

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"68536","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

The 1.9-litre TDI diesel, which was so popular in the previous car, has made way for the VW Group’s supercharged and turbocharged 178bhp 1.4-litre TSI petrol unit.

This also powers the SEAT Ibiza Cupra and VW’s new Polo GTI and, like these models, the Skoda comes exclusively with a seven-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox. Setting it apart on the outside is a small rear spoiler, tinted glass and 17-inch wheels. But with its tall stance, the vRS doesn’t look fully at home as a hot hatch.

Inside, it’s simply laid out and feels well built, if slightly uninspiring. The standard sports seats blend support and comfort, while the three-spoke leather steering wheel and metal-effect pedals add a sporty feel.

On the road, the twin-charged engine revs freely and delivers strong performance. The steering wheel paddles and smooth shift action of the DSG make the car engaging to drive, although the box can kick down too readily.

The steering is accurate if a little numb, while the traction control works hard to curb wheel spin. Despite sports suspension, there’s still some body roll, but the ride is good for a hot hatch.

The fact it’s £3,175 cheaper than a five-door Polo GTI and £1,320 less than the Ibiza Cupra makes it great value, too.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Fabia

Skoda Fabia

RRP £19,965Avg. savings £1,844 off RRP*Used from £10,050
Skoda Scala

Skoda Scala

RRP £19,535Avg. savings £3,226 off RRP*Used from £9,650
Seat Ibiza

Seat Ibiza

RRP £15,560Avg. savings £4,164 off RRP*Used from £6,250
Hyundai I20

Hyundai I20

RRP £16,775Avg. savings £2,878 off RRP*Used from £8,799
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Jaecoo 5 SHS-S finally means hybrid power for this compact SUV
Jaecoo 5 SHS-S - front tracking

New Jaecoo 5 SHS-S finally means hybrid power for this compact SUV

Chery’s latest hybrid powertrain brings the Jaecoo 5 SUV bang up to date
News
15 Apr 2026
New Nissan Juke revealed with sharp origami-inspired design and EV power
New Nissan Juke unveiled in Japan - Auto Express editor-at-large Phil McNamara stood next to the car

New Nissan Juke revealed with sharp origami-inspired design and EV power

“No compromise” design for Leaf’s baby brother, which is bigger and more spacious than today’s combustion-engined Juke and goes on sale in a year
News
15 Apr 2026
New Volkswagen ID.3 Neo: EV hatch gets massive update, Golf-a-like look and lots of buttons!
Phil McNamara with the Volkswagen ID.3 Neo

New Volkswagen ID.3 Neo: EV hatch gets massive update, Golf-a-like look and lots of buttons!

The new Volkswagen ID.3 Neo EV banishes the quirkiness of its predecessor with a less cartoonish look and smarter tech
News
15 Apr 2026