Skoda Fabia 77TSI DSG wagon 2012 review

The furniture shop assistant was doubtful we could take a large cabinet with us. Scratching his head, he asked, ‘So you have a van, then?’ ‘No sir. We have a Fabia.’

After clearing up any misconception we were talking about cover model Fabio’s less-handsome brother, the assistant ended up impressed by the capacity of the relatively unknown Skoda Fabia. It removed any doubt Skoda’s little Fabia wagon is practical, with plenty to offer a growing - and shopping -family.

Price and Equipment

Explore the 2012 Skoda Fabia range

• Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo 2012 review
• Skoda Fabia 77TSI hatchback 2012 review
• Skoda Fabia hatchback 2012 review
• Skoda Fabia RS and 77TSI 2012 review
• Skoda Fabia wagon and RS 2012 review
• Skoda Fabia RS 2012 review
• Skoda Fabia 77TSI DSG wagon 2012 review
• Skoda Fabia 2012 review

For $23,290 the Skoda Fabia 1.2-litre 77TSI DSG comes with 15-in steel wheels, tinted windows, multi-function leather steering wheel, Bluetooth, multi-function trip computer, cruise control, ESC, ABS, ASR, EBD, roof rails, air conditioning with pollen filter, eight speakers, heated door mirrors, 12-volt socket, auxiliary input socket, three-year unlimited km manufacture’s warranty, full-size spare wheel, and a cooled glove box.

Technology

With outputs of 77kW and 175Nm -- and 0-100km in 10.3 seconds -- the front-wheel drive Fabia wagon won’t make revheads swoon. But for a wagon, the turbocharged, 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine has plenty of pep. The seven-speed DSG transmission gives smooth gear changes -- though the vehicle has a surprisingly loud idle. Official fuel combined is 5.3L/100km, and we came fairly close, reaching 6.7/100km combined, and 9.1/100km urban with a full load.

Design

The versatile Fabia can fit your family, your friends, or the large wooden cabinet that took our eye. By easily dropping the 60/40 split-fold rear seats, the already large 480 litres of boot space extends to 1460 litres. The back seats are a bit rigid for adults, and the front passenger seat would fold back more easily with a lever rather than having to slowly grind the large dial.

The dash is easy to use and the cabin has a nice feel, helped by the optional, partial leather seats that give a more upscale look. Visibility is reasonable except for some rear blind spots – taken care of in our test car by the optional rear parking sensors.

The cargo area is easy to load, and luggage restraint hooks, heaps of side storage, and roof rails make for plenty of options for carrying gear, although, having just one cupholder in the rear may cause some battles for territory. And it’s as handy for play as for work. After slogging away on our weekend renovation project, we slid our surfboards into the back of the Fabia and escaped to the beach.

Safety

Six airbags, Brake Assist, ESC, ABS, ASR, and EBD help this wagon protect your family, and your overpriced furniture.

Driving

While not nearly as fast as the 132kW/250Nm Fabia RS, this wagon isn’t dragging. If you want to zip in and out of school drop offs, Fabia may be your ride. If you want to fly through drop offs, making the kids duck and roll on exit, perhaps you should consider the RS. There is a bit of tyre and cabin noise but nothing too obnoxious, so -- don’t count on that to drone out the kids squabbling over that single cupholder.

The 77TSI’s handling is surprisingly sharp, brakes are solid (even with a heavy load) and acceleration is great. Little trouble handling turns, McPherson suspension on the front axle, and a smooth ride for all passengers - the Fabia 77 TSI is a family friendly package.

Verdict

Fabia is an affordable, practical wagon well suited for young families.