Published
on 16
Sep 2021
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All rights reserved.
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Skoda
builds a better supermini than Volkswagen did with Polo.
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The 4th generation Skoda
Fabia finally gets the latest MQB-A0 platform to match VW Polo and Seat
Ibiza. Moreover, it is the largest among its stablemates. Actually the
largest in its class, measuring over 4.1m long and 1.78m wide. It
shares the same 2564mm wheelbase with its siblings, which is again one
of the longest in class. Meanwhile, drag coefficient is lowered from
0.32 to a remarkable 0.28, so to help boosting fuel economy. The
exterior design is graceful enough to be rebadged as Audi, if a little
conservative, but that goes well with the core values of Skoda.
The new car also improves markedly in terms of interior build quality,
technology and safety features. Large touchscreen, digital instrument,
advanced infotainment and even voice and gesture control are available.
There is virtually nothing separating between it and Volkswagen, except
ease of use. In fact, the Skoda retains some hardware switches on
steering wheel and center console, making it easier to operate than the
recently facelifted Polo with its touch-sensitive switches. A layered
dashboard, nicer materials (on top trims at least) and round air vents
lend its interior a stylish and an upmarket feel that may shame
Volkswagen of this generation. If I were Herbert Diess, I would fire
the Volkswagen interior guys and replace them with Skoda people.
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The interior is
not only spacious but also feels upmarket.
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While the cabin is not as spacious as Honda Fit/Jazz, it is on the
large side of the class, capable to accommodate 4 six-footers without
complaint. Moreover, its boot volume is a class-leading 380 liters,
better than even many C-segment hatchbacks.
The engine range mirrors that of its German sibling, killing diesel
power under the threat of tightening emission standards and leaving a
full-petrol range. At the bottom is a 1-liter naturally aspirated
3-cylinder with 65hp or 80hp, whose performance is so weak that best to
be
avoided unless you have a tight budget. A lot better is the 1.0 TSI
three-cylinder turbo, no matter in 95hp or 110hp form, thanks to wide
spread of torque hence the ability to cruise calmly or overtake slower
cars with ease, though its response is dampened by economy-oriented
gearing and its monotone noise is quite boring. Volkswagen’s 150hp 1.5
TSI engine will top the range next year and bring GTI-kind of
performance, i.e. 0-60 mph should take 7.5 seconds, and top speed is
140 mph, though I suspect few people would actually opt for a Skoda
warm hatch.
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Driving
dynamics is strongly oriented to the comfort and economy side.
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That’s because the
Fabia is boring to drive. Light and numb steering as well as lots of
body roll prevent it from attracting anyone placing driving fun at
higher priorities. Instead, its core strength lies on comfort and
security. The soft suspension is truly supple for a supermini, dealing
with poor roads better than most. Tire and suspension noises are well
suppressed, while the cabin is well insulated from wind and engine
noises. The handling might lack sparkle, but it feels failsafe, with
plenty of grip and good directional stability on highway.
While the Fabia should satisfy the majority of buyers who pursue for a
well-built, comfortable yet affordable small car, it lacks the driving
pleasure of Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio or Seat Ibiza, nor it has the
style and upmarket feel of Peugeot 208, nor the fuel economy of Toyota
Yaris. However, sales winners rarely top the class in any particular
areas. It is the whole package that counts, and the buying public will
decide.
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Verdict: |
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Fabia 1.0
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2021
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Front-engined,
FWD |
Steel monocoque |
Mainly steel |
4108 / 1780 / 1459 mm |
2564 mm |
Inline-3
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999 cc |
DOHC 12 valves, VVT
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-
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-
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80 hp |
70 lbft |
5-speed manual
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F: strut
R: torsion-beam
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185/65R15 |
1041 kg
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111 mph (c)
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14.5 (est)
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Fabia 1.0TSI
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2021
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Front-engined,
FWD |
Steel monocoque |
Mainly steel |
4108 / 1780 / 1459 mm |
2564 mm |
Inline-3
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999 cc |
DOHC 12 valves, DVVT
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Turbo
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DI
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110 hp |
148 lbft |
6-speed manual
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F: strut
R: torsion-beam
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195/55R16 |
1090 kg
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127 mph (c)
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9.4 (c)
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Fabia 1.5TSI
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2021
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Front-engined,
FWD |
Steel monocoque |
Mainly steel |
4108 / 1780 / 1459 mm |
2564 mm |
Inline-4, Miller-cycle
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1498 cc |
DOHC 16 valves, DVVT
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VTG turbo
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DI, cylinder-deactivation.
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150 hp |
184 lbft |
7-speed twin-clutch
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F: strut
R: torsion-beam
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215/45R17 |
?
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140 mph (c)
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7.5 (c)
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Performance
tested by: -
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