The all new Skoda Fabia has arrived in February 2022.
The Fabia has always offered plenty of value for its price tag and its latest incarnation is no exception, offering style, comfort and a host of simply clever features and all starting at just under €20k. There is little wonder why over 4 million Fabia models have hit the roads since its inception.
The new version is taller, wider and at over 4m long its a big car in this class. This extra space is very evident in the cabin which is very spacious and accommodating and the boot with over 380 litres gives class leading space. The car is very stylish with sleek lines, the crease lines on the bonnet and the new Skoda family face at the front with the imposing grill coupled with a low down diffuser gives a real sporty look to the car.
So why are people drawn to the Skoda Fabia? The ‘Simply Clever’ philosophy from Skoda Is about providing clever solutions to simple problems that help make driving just that little bit simpler.
Features like an ice scraper clipped to the inside of the fuel flap or the umbrella that stows away into the front door ready for that rainy day, both simple yet clever additions, but that’s not all, Skoda’s trying out a few new ones in the Fabia. Little things like a USB-C charger in the rear-view mirror to plug in your dashcam, and a cover that flips out of the boot to protect your paintwork, a car park ticket holder and pen loop in the little storage area just in front of the gearstick. These features may not be remarkable, but they add something useful and unique to Skoda and are just simply clever.
The range of engines Skoda offers for the Fabia is simple, too. They all run on petrol outputting between 64bhp to 108bhp. It’s not all about the simple though, this fourth-generation model is available with full LED headlights and tail lights, digital instruments, and even a heated steering wheel and windscreen.
We test drove the 1.0 TSI Colour edition in Phoenix orange with the contrasting black roof, mirrors and 16″ alloy wheels.
The car has a sporty look and feel, and that doesn’t stop there. The Fabia definitely drives as good as it looks with sharp handling and responsive performance from the engine. The engine tone changes to a throaty roar as you move up the rev’s and adds to the sporty feel. The 5 speed manual gear box is silky smooth with plenty of low down pulling power and acceleration through the rev range.
Interior comfort is exactly what we would expect from Skoda, the driving position in the Skoda Fabia is excellent, and it’s easy to set everything up just how you like it. The seat’s are comfortable and have plenty of shoulder support, with the SE Comfort trim or above, you get adjustable lumbar support to help with those long journeys.
There are proper buttons and dials to control the air conditioning, so changing the interior temperature is easy and efficient. The ergonomic design of the steering wheel gives a comfortable feel and the controls are very easy to use. Switching between menus is done with ease and all the controls are close to the natural position of the drivers hands.
Colour Edition models come with a digital driver display behind the steering wheel, enabling you to put more information like navigation maps etc. right in front of you. The other trim options have analogue instrument dials.
All models connect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can mirror your smartphone and use selected apps on the touchscreen. You also get a DAB radio and Bluetooth . There are USB-C sockets in the front, and options to have additional in the back and one under the rear-view mirror (for windscWireless phone-charging is available as an option.
There are some nice touches in the back, a unique feature for this class are the rear air vents, there are pockets on the backs of the front seats for maps and mobile devices.
Boot space in the Fabia is really impressive, boasting 380 litres which is similar to cars in the class above.
If you opt for the Simply Clever Package 1, you’ll get nets to stop items sliding around and clip-on boot dividers.
Overall we were really impressed with the new Fabia, it drove really well, looked amazing and is definitely great value for money. Thanks to Western Motors Drogheda for the test drive.