Skip advert
Advertisement

Skoda Fabia Estate diesel review

Skoda's third-generation Fabia comes to the UK in estate form. But does it deliver for buyers?

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
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 Fabia Estate is even more of a capable all-rounder than the hatch, as there's no real compromise in terms of driving to counter the extra space. A high quality interior, strong equipment list and low running costs are also a bonus. We'd steer clear of the pricey 1.4 TDI unless you do big miles, as there's better value to be found lower down the range.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Supermini estates like this new Skoda Fabia Estate aren't too common these days. Renault and Peugeot won't be replacing the old Clio Sport Tourer and Peugeot 207 SW in the UK, and other than the arguably more budget-focused Dacia Logan MCV and ageing Seat Ibiza ST there isn't much else on offer. That means this third-generation Skoda Fabia estate is almost flying solo in its class.

Skoda has offered a more spacious Fabia since the first-gen model fifteen years ago, and this version is definitely a more grown-up affair than before, in both size and appearance. From the B-pillar forwards it's the spitting image of the latest hatch, but in profile it has the look of a shrunken Octavia Estate. It can be bought in bright paint schemes that help it stand out, but the deliberately boxy styling emphasises practicality over style.

That's proven when you open up the rear hatch to find a huge 530-litre load space. That's 25 litres more than the old car, and significantly larger (with the seats up) than a Ford Focus estate, with a useful 1,395 litres once the seats are folded down.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

CR-V

2023 Honda

CR-V

40,439 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £23,795
View CR-V
CR-V

2023 Honda

CR-V

28,316 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £20,995
View CR-V
CX-5

2023 Mazda

CX-5

37,361 milesAutomaticDiesel2.2L

Cash £22,799
View CX-5
T-Cross

2023 Volkswagen

T-Cross

31,851 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,249
View T-Cross

The longer wheelbase (aided by the new MQB-based platform) also means generous leg and headroom even for six-footers in the back. It's impressive how Skoda can package all that into a relatively small footprint. Our car also came neat little touches, like a £65 'Simply Clever' package that adds useful stowage compartments around the cabin, and a handy bike carrier in the boot for £180.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Like the exterior, the cabin won't knock you senseless with design flair or plush materials, but it's solid, decently classy and is a lot more logically laid-out than some superminis. Look with intent and you'll spot where Skoda has reduced costs over its VW Polo sister car, though, with some cheaper materials.

With a sizeable load bay over the rear axle you could expect a loss in dynamic ability compared to the hatch. But everyday driving you'll quickly forget you're in the load-lugger, and its only in hard cornering that you can feel a little extra body roll and weight transfer.

The ride is still composed and smooth over the worst our roads can throw at it, the steering is light yet accurate, visibility is good and it's a doddle to drive in any situation. There's no noticeable penalty in terms of wind noise either, and only a fraction more road roar from behind.

In fact the only intrusive noise we encountered came from under the bonnet. Our car came with the VW Group's familiar three-cylinder 1.4-litre TDI diesel, which produces a modest 89bhp but a healthy 230Nm of torque. It hustled the Fabia along at a decent speed, proving punchier than the figures suggest and managing over 60mpg in mixed driving. But it isn't the most refined unit out there and at idle, especially when cold, there's an unwelcome and rattly diesel din. It settles down once up to speed, however.

It's also a pity that Skoda is pushing the Fabia away from true affordability. The range starts at a reasonable £12,460, but our top-spec SE-L test car with a few small options costs a faintly startling £18,780 (£17,385 without the kit).

That's well into Octavia estate territory, despite the impressive kit tally on offer such as keyless go, climate control and the MirrorLink touchscreen infotainment system. We'd opt for the 1.2-litre TSI 90 turbo petrol instead, as it offers similar performance, is more refined, delivers decent economy and is £2,000 less spec-for-spec.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,361 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £14,650
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,699
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra’s Terramar for under £300 a month
Cupra Terramar - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra’s Terramar for under £300 a month

The Cupra Terramar is an appealing family SUV that looks stylish but offers plenty of practicality. It’s our Deal of the Day for July 5
News
5 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025