Skip advert
Advertisement

Skoda Fabia 2 1.4

Czech model blends style and practicality in great-value package

The Fabia is well built and offers plenty of practicality. But it can’t match the Fiesta dynamically and it’s not as well equipped or competitively priced as the i20. Too much body roll and an inefficient engine take the edge of the driving experience, too.

Skoda has come a long way since the original Fabia was launched eight years ago. To date, more than 1.5 million have been sold worldwide, and the Czech hatch has earned a reputation for providing quality, interior space and value for money in one package.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The larger second-generation Fabia picks up where the original left off. Despite being taller and longer than its rivals here, it has the shortest wheelbase. That means the overhangs are long, and combine with a high waistline to make the Fabia look a bit dumpy in this company.

But there’s plenty of decent detailing – the black A and B pillars take their inspiration from the MINI, while the large radiator grille and headlights give the Fabia a similar face to the Roomster supermini-MPV.

The lofty body height means interior space is a real strong point. Legroom is excellent, while the 300-litre boot is class leading. Fold the rear seats down and space increases to 1,163 litres. Up front, the seats are mounted high, and there’s a decent range of adjustment for the driver.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Fabia

2021 Skoda

Fabia

31,019 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £10,197
View Fabia
Fabia

2025 Skoda

Fabia

7,303 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,363
View Fabia
Fabia

2021 Skoda

Fabia

25,764 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,001
View Fabia
Fabia

2019 Skoda

Fabia

32,690 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,499
View Fabia

The audio and heater controls are well positioned, while Fabia 2 models have a two-tone finish to the dashboard. Overall, the cabin design is a little uninspiring, but the quality of materials and the robustness of the fit and finish are a step ahead of the Hyundai.

The driving experience can’t match the Fiesta’s, though – the Fabia’s controls aren’t as responsive and the steering isn’t as direct. When cornering, the Skoda has more body roll than the Hyundai, and is some way from offering the same engagement you get in the Fiesta. The handling is best described as safe – there’s lots of grip, but the car leans more than its rivals in corners.

Advertisement - Article continues below

This suspension set-up means the nose tends to pitch under braking, too. Surprisingly, despite the fact it’s not as sporty as the Fiesta, the Fabia’s ride isn’t as comfortable as the Ford’s. It doesn’t crash over rough surfaces, but the lack of body control means it can get bouncy over undulations. However, overall the Skoda does a better job of isolating occupants from rough surfaces than the i20.

Strangely, this impression isn’t backed up by our sound meter: the Fabia recorded louder noise figures than the Hyundai. The Skoda’s 1.4-litre engine has 85bhp, but the 112Nm torque output is 7Nm down on that of the smaller-capacity Hyundai. As a result, while its 11.6-second 0-60mph time is one second up on the i20, in-gear responses are similar. With the highest emissions, the Skoda engine is a disappointment, especially as it’s not as smooth as the Ford’s unit.

The Fabia still has much to offer, as it’s roomy and well built, but it’s more expensive than the Hyundai and not as well equipped. Could Skoda’s domination of the value supermini class be under threat?

Details

Price: £10,470
Model tested: Skoda Fabia 2 1.4
Chart position: 3
WHY: Fabia is roomy, cute and well built, while Skoda has a reputation for quality and value.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Fabia

Skoda Fabia

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £1,885 off RRP*Used from £8,700
Skoda Scala

Skoda Scala

RRP £19,520Avg. savings £2,895 off RRP*Used from £7,795
Skoda Octavia

Skoda Octavia

RRP £21,750Avg. savings £2,549 off RRP*Used from £10,795
KIA Ceed

KIA Ceed

RRP £19,965Used from £7,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale with tiny price and big ambition
Fiat Grande Panda La Prima - front cornering

New Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale with tiny price and big ambition

The newly crowned Auto Express Supermini of the Year is available in hybrid or pure-electric form, with the EV offering 199 miles of range
News
1 Sep 2025
Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval
Skoda Elroq - front cornering

Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval

Despite some models costing over the £37,000 threshold, Skoda has secured the government grant on its mid-size electric SUVs
News
2 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Enjoy Scandinavian style with the Volvo XC40 for just £296 a month
Volvo XC40 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Enjoy Scandinavian style with the Volvo XC40 for just £296 a month

Swedish company’s popular compact SUV is still effortlessly cool, and great value with our Deal of the Day for 31 August
News
31 Aug 2025