Skoda - Fabia |
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2000-06
Fabia is an excellent small family hatchback and estate: roomy, well built, comfortable and good value. It feels like a much bigger car - not a sporty drive, but a mature, comfy one.
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Excellent value, roomy and refined |
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Good to drive, reliable and cheap to run |
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1.9 vRS is a surprising diesel hot hatch |
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Saloon looks frumpy and is not popular |
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Interior has lots of grey plastic surfaces |
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1.9 SDi is underpowered and lethargic |
Beneath Fabia's smart bodywork is a Volkswagen Polo; and that should give you some idea of just how good this car is. The build quality is not in question; everything feels solid and well-finished.
Fabia may look small outside but the interior is cleverly designed to maximise space. Four adults fit in easy, while the large doors help access front and rear. Drivers and passengers appreciate the big car feel, and good quality materials are used throughout, contributing to generally excellent fit and finish.
The suspension easily copes with rough roads and external noises are kept to the bare minimum, making the whole experience very refined.
The Volkswagen petrol and diesel engines are very economical, contributing to low running costs. Fabia is cheap to insure and service, as well giving good fuel economy for its size. It also retains its value far better than the majority of similar small hatchbacks and estates.
1.4 16v, 1.9 TDi
Basic 1.2
Citroen C3
Nissan Micra (2003-)
Volkswagen Polo (2000-02)
