The 2019 Skoda Fabia is an honest car
We’ve always been massive fans of the Skoda Fabia. However, it faces it constantly faces challenges from the likes of the Audi A1, the VW Polo and the SEAT Ibiza. However, even in 2019, we think it can still mix it with the best of them.
Those of you who are unfamiliar with the Fabia, it’s a small, comfortable car with a smart sensible look and provides excellent value for money. Just one of the things we love about the Fabia is that it carries with it some very thoughtful touches such as the ice-scraper that’s neatly hidden in the fuel cap. While the Fabia isn’t going to blow you away when it comes to style its recent facelift has given it a styling boost though aspects such as a new grille, LED daytime running lights and some new savvy tech. What’s great is that while you get all of these nice new additions the price stays roughly the same.
There are four Fabia trim levels for you to choose from. At the top of the range sits the Monte Carlo, which is slightly sportier than the rest with its black alloy wheels, privacy glass and black bottom body-kit. When you sit inside you know that you’re sitting inside the Monte Carlo because its sport seats promote a slightly unusual carbon-fibre effect trim. Although we’re not the keenest fans of this look there’s plenty about the inside of this car that we do like. For example, we love the carbon fibre effect on the trim which certainly works better on the dash than it does on the seats. It really does liven up what is a fairly dull interior especially with the Monte Carlo edition’s sporty steering wheel. An infotainment screen is standard across the range and you’ll find it both intuitive and easy to use. The system links up to Apple Car Play and Android Auto which is extremely useful. However, while the functionality and also the build quality are very good in here there is one thing that lets it all down massively. Unfortunately, a lot of the plastics used around the cabin are just so cheap looking. Not only do they look cheap but they feel cheap too. We feel that scratchy plastics should never be found in the “top of the range” trim in any car especially as you’re spending so much more money over the base model. The cheap plastics used in this car really does let down what is otherwise quite a smart interior.
In terms of spec, the entry level comes with a touchscreen infotainment system, DAB radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity and LED daytime running lights. However, if it were up to us then we would opt for the SE trim as it gets you the best range of functionality and value. The SE trim adds air conditioning along with Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility.
When it comes to the boot it’s a good practical size although it’s not quite as good in terms of size as the VW Polo or SEAT Ibiza. However, it does give you a nice square area with useful storage compartments on both sides. If you fold down the back seats then you get even more load area though what’s quite annoying is that they don’t fold completely flat. Back to those “thoughtful nice touches” and you’ll find plenty of these such as a tread depth gauge in the fuel filler cap and an ice-scraper that doubles as a magnifying glass.
The Fabia is only available as a five-door and while we’re on the subject of doors we just don’t think the back doors open wide enough to make it easy to get children and car seats in and out. You do get IsoFix points for child seats on each outer seat though which is handy. You’ll be able to fit five people in the Fabia but the middle seat is definitely better suited for a child. Leg room in the middle is virtually non-existent because of the transmission tunnel and a small storage compartment. The knee room is OK but it’s certainly not the best we’ve seen. Although the Fabia is a small car the head room is pretty decent due to the high roofline. Overall it’s absolutely fine at the back, it’s not best in class but does the job.
When it comes to engines Skoda have done away with the diesel units and in our opinion they don’t really need one. Although none of the engines are over a litre in size it’s still best to avoid the entry-level models as they don’t have a turbo. In all honestly they just feel as though they’re well out of their depth when they’re fully loaded or when you need a bit more pulling power. The punchier 1.0 litre STI engines feel far more capable thanks to their turbocharged power delivery. In addition to this they actually don’t cost a huge amount more so it simply makes more sense. What you mustn’t do is get carried away with the Monte Carlo badging on the top-spec car. It may share its name with the famous rally but that’s pretty much where the similarities end. You could argue that the Monte Carlo is all show and not very much go and it’s certainly no Ford Fiesta ST! Apparently this car has sports suspension but “sporty” isn’t a word that will spring to mind if you were to drive around a track in it. It delivers 94 brake horse power (bhp) which is slightly disappointing for a car bearing a Monte Carlo badge. Aside from this the Fabia does feel comfortable, refined and actually has plenty of mid-range punch for overtaking. It’s pretty good around town too but definitely not as much fun as a Ford Fiesta but then again not many cars in this class are.
Despite having a lovely flat-bottom steering wheel, the steering itself isn’t that sharp or responsive. You’ll find more than a hint of body-roll if you push hard into a corner. Paired with this engine is a five-speed manual gearbox though you also have the option of a DSG twin clutch gearbox if you go for the top of the range model. It’s generally a pretty click and smooth gearbox and makes for a relaxing drive on longer journeys. As for the manual it feels as though it could really do with a sixth gear but it does actually fit the nippy nature of the Fabia around town – it’s just a shame it’s not the smoothest gearbox. Unfortunately, there’s not going to be a hot-hatch version of the Fabia so hot-hatch fans are going to have to check out the Volkswagen Polo GTI or Fiesta ST if that’s the sort of thing you’re after. You also have to bear in mind that this particular Monte Carlo model isn’t far off Fiesta ST money and we’d know which of the two we’d rather have.
The Skoda Fabia isn’t going to be a car that sets your world on fire. However, if you factor in its impressive safety kit and a full five star Euro NCAP safety rating then what are getting here is a car that’s honest. It’s a car that delivers on what it promises that’s as long as you stick to the less expensive spec. If you’re looking for used Skoda Fabia cars for sale then check out what we have available on DesperateSeller.co.uk right now.
