Review
/5
- Pros:
- Large boot
- Wide range of engines
- Inexpensive to buy and run
- Cons:
- Styling not to everyone's taste
- No manual gearbox on vRS models
- Diesels can be noisy
reviewed by Carbuyer
"The Fabia Estate offers big-car practicaility in a small package. Buyers can choose anything from ultra-frugal Greenline models to sporty vRS variants."
At a glance
- The greenest
- GreenLine 1.2 TDI CR 75PS 5dr
£14,490 - The cheapest
- S 1.2 12v 69PS 5dr
£11,105 - The fastest
- vRS 1.4 TSI 180PS DSG 5dr
£17,840 - Top of the range
- vRS 1.4 TSI 180PS DSG 5dr
£17,840
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For buyers looking for a dependable and good to drive practical estate car, the Fabia could be the perfect choice. It's compact size makes it ideal for negotiating busy city traffic, but it also manages to squeeze in a maximum boot capacity of 1,480 litres, making it big enough for most carrying needs. Thankfully there's also a wide range of Volkswagen-sourced engines, ranging from an ultra-efficient Greenline diesel model providing the lowest running costs to a sporty turbocharged vRS model offering the best performance. There's even a rugged-looking Scout model that offers hard-wearing seats and chunky bodywork on the outside.
Drive
Impressive blend of performance and economy
The Fabia Estate has a small car feel from behind the wheel, despite its slightly bloated rear. That makes it ideal for negotiating busy traffic and parking in tight spaces. The soft suspension copes with nasty bumps with ease, and the steering is accurate and lightly weighted. The more powerful TSI petrol engines offer the best combination of pace and economy. The 180bhp vRS is fun, but it's only offered with a seven-speed semi-automatic gearbox. Those looking for maximum economy can go for the 1.2 TDI Greenline model, which is one of the most efficient cars on the road.
Comfort
Some engines are noisy
Depending on which engine you choose, there are varying levels of comfort. If you're looking for a quiet drive, it may be best to avoid the 1.2 TDI Greenline model and the entry-level three-cylinder petrol engines, as they're noisy when revved. The firm seats are supportive and it's easy to find a good driving position thanks to the rake and reach adjustable steering wheel. The centre armrest does tend to get in the way when changing gear or using the handbrake, though.
Reliability
Reliable and well-built but could be safer
By coming top of the 2010 Driver Power survey, Skoda cemented its reputation for impressive reliability and excellent dealer service, so Fabia buyers should have no concerns there. The interior isn't particularly eye-catching but it is well built and customers looking for even more durability can always opt for the Scout edition, which has special hard-wearing seats. Front and side airbags come as standard, but some basic models don't get electronic stability control. The Fabia scored four stars out of five in the Euro NCAP safety test.
Practicality
Boot is large and cabin has space for five
Despite its supermini underpinnings, the Fabia Estate actually manages to cram in a surprising amount of space. With the rear seats folded there's 1,480 litres of space on offer, which is 237 litres more than in the hatchback. Even with the seats up there's 505 litres of space available. Four adults can sit comfortably, but there is space for a fifth passenger at a squeeze.
Value for money
Buget price tag, but avoid base S models
All of Skoda's cars offer impressive functionality at budget price-tags, and the Fabia Estate is no different. The most basic models start at just over £10,000, while the range-topping performance based vRS models cost just over £16,000. If you do opt for an entry-level S model you won't get air-conditioning or central locking as standard, so it may be better to go for SE models instead.
Running costs
Extremely low running costs– particularly Greenline models
Every Fabia in the range is cheap to run, but the diesels really excel in this category. The 1.2 TDI Greenline feels sluggish on the move, but it boasts an incredible 83.1mpg combined fuel consumption figure and low enough emissions to make it exempt from Road Tax. Even the sporty vRS performance model claims a combined economy of 45.6mpg.
*Our monthly finance prices are updated on a regular basis, but due to the dynamic nature of the market are not guaranteed accurate. You can always confirm the monthly finance price with FinanceAcar.
