Skip advert
Advertisement

Skoda Fabia (2014-2021) review - Interior, design and technology

The Fabia's plain interior design is nevertheless well-built and includes some standout technology

Interior, design and technology rating

3.9

How we review cars
RRP
£20,410 £26,310
Avg. savings
£1,554 off RRP*
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 latest Fabia sports a sharper-edged design than its predecessor, more in keeping with the Mk1. The large Octavia-style chrome grille is distinctive and the deep, crisp side featureline is smart. We also like the ‘kick’ at the base of the rear side window, a feature seen on other Skodas. The changes to the design in 2018 are subtle to even the keenest Fabia fan: the front grille became wider, the lights slimmer, and the back bumper features some extra reflectors.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Inside, the dashboard design changed little in the 2018 round of updates. A couple of new interior trims and colours were added, the dials feature revised graphics, while those sat in the back benefit from a couple of extra USB ports. The design itself is a little bland: Skoda chooses to focus on simple, user-friendly designs, so swoopy style is substituted for plain layout and coherency. Straightforward heater controls and big, chunky switchgear familiar from other Volkswagen Group models ensures it’s fuss-free to use, if not as interesting as some rivals. It’s well built but the solid, sturdy plastics aren’t as rich as in a Polo.

Neat features such as a rear courtesy light and front reading lights are standard on all, while SE models feature front fog lights, rear parking sensors and 15-inch alloys, instead of the steel wheels offered on the entry-level S version.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Fabia

2021 Skoda

Fabia

69,373 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £8,476
View Fabia
Fabia

2021 Skoda

Fabia

16,666 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £10,584
View Fabia
Fabia

2017 Skoda

Fabia

79,290 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £5,795
View Fabia
Fabia

2018 Skoda

Fabia

46,330 milesManualDiesel1.4L

Cash £7,897
View Fabia

The SE Drive includes larger 16-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors and unique black/grey fabric seat upholstery. SE L ups the technology count with LED running lights, climate control, cruise control, KESSY GO keyless start and an auto-dip rear view mirror.

In Monte Carlo trim, the Skoda gets some sporty styling additions, including black 16-inch alloys (although 17-inch wheels are an option costing about £370), while inside there are more supportive sports seats and a three-spoke leather-trimmed sports steering wheel. From 2018 onwards, the top spec car gained LED brake lights (they're optional on other Fabias), with LED headlights becoming an optional extra.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

From 2018 onwards, the S gained a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen. Bluetooth and a digital radio are included, although the S lacks a built-in navigation system. SE models feature Smartlink + which enables Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while SE Drive and SE L versions include satellite navigation.

The touchscreen system itself is very straightforward to use. The home page presents eight shortcut tiles to the main functions, and physical shortcut buttons surround the screen, so it's always simple to move between sub menus. The slick navigation system offers the driver a choice between the fastest, shortest and most fuel-efficient options. The graphics are clear and bright, too, and loading times are more than good enough. 

SE cars and above also have an upgraded six-speaker surround sound system from Arkamys. For about £35 you can add voice control to make using the system on the move easier, too.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.0 MPI 80 SE Edition 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • RRP
    £20,410
Select car

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.0 TSI Design Edition 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • RRP
    £21,760
Select car

Fastest

  • Name
    1.5 TSI 150 Design Edition 5dr DSG
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £24,975
Select car

New & used car deals

Skoda Fabia

Skoda Fabia

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £1,554 off RRP*Used from £8,800
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,763 off RRP*Used from £11,595
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,792 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025