Skoda Fabia Estate proves big things fit in small packages

If you want a lot of space from a small car, the Skoda Fabia should be on your shortlist. But if maximum carrying capacity is your priority, then there really is only one model worth considering – the all-new Fabia Estate.

Over the years, Skoda has led the way as a pioneer in the supermini-estate class, and its latest model sets new benchmarks for this type of car.

It combines all the Simply Clever features you’d expect of a Skoda with the sort of carrying capacity you wouldn’t think possible from such a compact model.

Bootspace checks in at an astonishing 530 litres – 200 more than the Fabia hatchback. Fold the rear seats down, and the maximum capacity increases to 1,395 litres, a figure that shames some family car estates from the class above.

And loading your shopping has never been more straightforward, as all this boot space is easy to access, with the tailgate opening to a height of 1,900mm and 1,028mm wide. Plus, a low sill of 611mm means you should never struggle to lift items into the boot. 

However, it’s not simply the fact that the 2015 Fabia Estate has practicality in abundance that makes it such a compelling choice. Like the hatch, it cuts a stylish figure, with cues from the company’s striking Vision C concept car – which wowed the Geneva Motor Show in 2014 – very much in evidence.

It’s larger than its predecessor, too, with more headroom in the front and a wider and longer cabin for passengers (by 21mm and 9mm respectively). Impressively, though, it’s achieved this – and boasts a stronger construction, too – in tandem with losing weight, as it’s up to 65kg lighter than the previous model.

This has obvious benefits, of course, in terms of fuel economy and emissions, with the all-new Fabia Estate now 17 per cent more efficient than its predecessor.

The great news for buyers, too, is that there is plenty of choice in the range, with five engines and three trim levels available. Petrol fans can choose between the 74bhp three-cylinder 1.0-litre MPI and 1.2-litre TSI (with either 89bhp or 108bhp), while those who prefer diesel can opt for the 1.4 TDI, which comes with either 89bhp or 103bhp. Manual and DSG automatic transmissions are both offered.

Like plenty of equipment? With three trims on offer – S, SE and SE-L – buyers are spoiled for choice. All S models come with six airbags, DAB digital radio, Stop-Start and Bluetooth as standard, while SE adds air-con, alloys, Skoda’s clever MirrorLink set-up – which shows your Android smartphone’s screen on the Estate’s infotainment screen – and black roof rails. SE-L models add such luxuries as climate control, keyless entry and cruise control.

But the best news of all is that you can have a Skoda Fabia Estate for only £12,460, ensuring that it is that rarest of beasts – a car that’s big on space, but with a small price tag.

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