Skoda has kept its facelifted Fabia in the ball pool of great superminis with its latest update, which has made the car safer and smarter, but has retained the same fantastic value as before.
We love it, and so should you. Here’s five reasons why you should test drive one.
It’s safer than ever
While many manufacturers only offer safety assists on higher spec models, Skoda has taken the bold move to offer autonomous emergency braking – or ‘Front Assist’ as it’s known at Skoda towers – as standard. It should ensure the Fabia scores well in Euro NCAP safety tests, too.
A range of safety optional extras are also available – including a driver fatigue alert, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection and rear traffic alert to assist when reversing out of parking spaces.
It offers excellent value for money
As cars have steadily gone upmarket, so have their prices. Thankfully, Skoda has kept its prices affordable, and the latest Fabia is no exception. Prices start from £12,840, which means it undercuts the price of the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo and Seat Ibiza.
Factor in the fact the Fabia is comfortable, good to drive and relatively practical, and it seems even more attractively priced.
An estate version is available
Most manufacturers are shying away from small estate cars – particularly with the rise of crossovers – but Skoda is one of the few firms still making them.
It’s not hugely bigger in size, but does offer a larger boot than the five-door hatchback. It’s also not much more expensive than the hatch. If you need a lot of space, but don’t want a huge car, the Fabia Estate is ideal.
There’s more standard equipment than before
Skoda hardly scrimped on the equipment front on the pre-facelift model, but the 2019 car gets a lot more extra kit than it did before. Entry-level cars now come with LED daytime running lights, the aforementioned emergency braking and a trip computer.
SE cars gain 15-inch alloys front fog lights over the previous car, while SE L now come with satellite navigation, 16-inch alloy wheels and access to internet through the car’s infotainment system for a year. Range-topping Monte Carlo models also now have LED rear lights, climate control and rear electric windows.
It also features a stylish new look thanks to the daytime running lights and daytime running look, which help to keep to keep the Fabia looking fresh.
The 1.0-litre petrol engines are gems
Skoda has decided to not offer a diesel engine on the updated Fabia, leaving the option of three-cylinder petrol engines. There’s a 74bhp naturally aspirated engine, alongside a turbocharged TSI unit, which can be had with either 94bhp or 108bhp – the latter available with a DSG automatic transmission. All are commendable, but the most powerful engine is our pick because it’s punchy, but remains impressively efficient.
