Skoda Fabia hatchback - Practicality & boot space

The Skoda Fabia has long been marketed as the sensible supermini for customers in need of space, and the latest model is a big step up again in that regard. Measuring a considerable 111mm longer than before, with 94mm extra bodywork between the front and rear wheels, you may wonder if you still need that Skoda Scala, Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf.

Skoda Fabia interior space & storage

Even on the outside, the latest Fabia is close to the size of a Golf and with five doors as standard, it's also very easy to get in and out. Rear passengers will find a bench that's easily wide enough for two adults, with three now less of a squeeze than before. Buyers looking to use the Fabia as a family car will be able to make use of the car’s three separate ISOFIX mounting points – most cars in this class just make do with two.

Those in the front will find lots of space, with more shoulder room and good visibility. The driving position should be comfortable for a wide range of body shapes, with good adjustment for the seat and steering wheel.

If you're the sort of person who can't leave the house without armfuls of stuff, the Fabia will also suit you perfectly. There are large door bins, lots of cubbies and the glovebox is able to swallow a surprising amount. We also really like the USB-C socket on the rear-view mirror, which is perfect for powering a dashcam. It’s not perfect, though, with a pair of cupholders between the front seats that are too small for some coffee cups and a lack of dedicated charging ports for rear passengers.

Boot space

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And that's before we've got to talking about the boot, which at 380 litres is something of a star attraction. It matches the volume of the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 from the class above, and is a vast 50 litres bigger than the old Fabia. It also gives the Fabia a serious practicality advantage over rivals like the Toyota Yaris and Ford Fiesta, with boots measuring just 286 litres and 311 litres respectively. 

The Fabia has 60:40 split and fold rear seats but the boot floor isn't adjustable. There are some clever features, however, like an ice scraper tucked in the fuel filler hatch and an umbrella in the front door. You can also specify a folding front passenger seat, which frees up space for particularly long items.