2012 Skoda Fabia Reviews

David Scott has done 25,000 trouble free kilometres in his 2012 Fabia 77TSI manual. He rates it the small car bargain of the year and praises its fuel economy, torque, roominess and boot space.Stephen Spinks says his Fabia RS goes well and handles quite good. He's not keen on the way it rolls backwards after a period stopped on a hill as if the hill-hold releases, but the dealer has told him that there is nothing wrong with the gearbox. He also says it uses a little oil.Hugh Rees is enthusiastic about his 2011 Fabia manual, which he says is fun to drive. He says the 1.2-litre engine is really good to drive once the turbo kicks in, the road holding is good, and interior is comfortable and roomy for its size. He gets 5.8L/100 km on average. His only complaint is of a dash rattle.NEWWhen Skoda returned to our market after a long absence it did so as part of the extended Volkswagen family.The company's cars were based on VW models, but carried less challenging price tags than the models they were based upon. The Fabia, for instance, was substantially cheaper than the VW Polo on from which it was derived.It arrived here in 2011 with the 77TSI hatch, which was joined a year later by the hot RS. At the same time the choice of body styles was expanded to include a wagon.While it's based on the Polo it's not obvious from the outside with its pleasantly chiselled lines and bright highlights that set it apart from its corporate cousin.The cabin is functional with comfortable accommodation for four adults. All have adequate head and legroom given the size of the Fabia, and there's a decent amount of boot space.Power for the 77TSI came from a diminutive 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine boosted by a turbocharger. Despite its size it packed plenty of traffic-busting punch, pulling enthusiastically from low revs, while at the same delivering impressive fuel economy. The downside was that it had a thirst for Premium unleaded.At launch there was only a five-speed manual gearbox available, but the options were expanded in 2012 to include VW's seven-speed DSG automatic. The RS hot hatch shared its underpinnings with the Polo GTi.That meant it was powered by the same 1.4-litre 'Twincharger' engine as the VW hottie with its combination of turbocharger and supercharger.With 132kW and 250Nm on tap the RS's performance was sizzling, the combination of supercharger for low-end grunt and turbocharger for punch at higher revs ensuring there was a strong urge all the way through the speed range.VW's seven-speed DSG self-shifting auto-manual gearbox complemented the Twincharger engine in making the most of its torque.On the road the Fabia felt planted and responsive, it was go-kart-like with direct steering and vice-like grip.Standard equipment included air-conditioning, cruise, Bluetooth, eight-speaker sound, MP3, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel.NOWBeing based on the VW Polo and sharing its mechanical package the Fabia suffers from the same issues as the little VW.There's the well-documented 'false neutral' issues of the seven-speed DSG gearbox, which was the subject of a voluntary recall by VW.Check any car fitted with the DSG gearbox to make sure a dealer has inspected it for proper function.Oil consumption can be an issue with the 1.4-litre Twincharger engine, particularly in the early stages of life when the engine is running in. In some cases an engine will settle down once it has a few kilometres on it, others take much longer. It's not unusual for the engine to continue to use some oil, as long as it isn't too much it shouldn't be a problem, but if you are concerned about it have a dealer conduct an oil consumption test for you and actually measure it.We know of cases of quite high consumption that have lasted for several thousand kilometres before settling down to an amount that VW considered 'normal'. Ask about the previous owner's experience with oil consumption, it's perhaps best not to take on an oil-burner.With the engine's reputation for consuming oil it's important to check the oil level regularly to ensure it doesn't run short and damage the engine.The 1.2-litre engine doesn't suffer the same issues as the Twincharger.Skoda's build quality is generally of a good standard, so squeaks, creaks and rattles are not normally a problem. Take notice of any you hear, they might indicate a car has been in a crash.Ask to check the service record of your chosen car before handing over your cash, maintenance is vitally important to a long trouble-free motoring life.SMITHY SAYS - 3.5 starsSound and solid, but struggles to match the competition for value.AT A GLANCESPECS:Price new: $18,990 to $21,990Engine: 1.2-litre, turbocharged 4-cylinder, 77kW/175Nm; 1.4-litre turbocharged & supercharged 4-cylinder, 132kW/250NmTransmission: 5-speed manual, 7-speed DSG automatic, FWDEconomy: 5.5L/100 km (1.2), 6.2L/100km (1.4TSCI)Body: 5-door hatch, 5-door wagonVariants: 77TSI, RSSafety: Six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, ABS brakes with EBD and Brake Assist. 

The Fabia's looks were a little more challenging than the Polo's, which was an attractive little car.

The Skoda Fabia has a lot to offer over its parent Volkswagen Group’s similar cars. It's cheaper than its Volkswagen cousin, the Polo GTi, by about $1000 and a lot cheaper than Audi's A1 Sport.As well, there's virtually no waiting list, but you wait months for a Polo GTi. Sure it doesn't have the badge cachet of the VW or Audi but don't underestimate Skoda, which is making inroads in Europe and doing extremely well in Australia.National sales are healthy, up 86 per cent for the year from 1418 sales to 2636, with the Fabia third most popular after the Yeti and the Octavia. My first official drive of the brand is the Fabia RS light car hot hatch. Last year I hired a Superb which amazed me with its refinement and room.VALUEThere's lots of gear in the RS, including power steering, six airbags (dual front, front side and curtain airbags) and remote central locking, reach and rake adjustable steering column, height-adjustable driver's seat, electric front and rear windows, 60/40 split rear seat, an integrated CD player with a 3.5mm jack input for MP3 devices, a three-spoke leather steering wheel with radio and phone controls, multi-function trip computer, cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity.The RS also has some extras to give it the edge over lesser models and to justify its $31,500 drive away price tag. It has 17-inch Gigaro silver alloy wheels, Climatronic airconditioning, front lip spoiler, red painted brake callipers, black highlights on B-pillar and door mirrors, chrome trim on the radiator grille, power-heated door mirrors, chrome double exhaust pipe, rear black diffuser and body coloured spoiler, front sport seats, stainless steel pedals and scuff plates.TECHNOLOGYUnder the pert bonnet is the same 132kW/250Nm twin-charged (turbocharged and supercharged) 1.4-litre petrol engine matched to the same slick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with steering wheel paddle-shifters as in the Polo and A1. The 1.4-litre engine is a punchy operator, completely belying its compact capacity and the sort of linearity not generally expected of small, forced induction powertrains, a great combination of the supercharger operating at low revs and the turbo taking over closer to the 7000rpm redline.The engine pulls strongly all the way through the rev band and is an excellent match to the transmission, which offers lightning-fast changes in manual mode and is generally on the mark in auto. It's a pity there's no manual to give the Fabia RS an advantage over the VW and Audi and more of a sporty edge.The DSG tends to hesitate and jerk at lower speeds and when taking off, although activating the automatic sport setting or flicking it to manual mode sorts that out. The firmer shock absorbers, higher-strength springs and a stiffer front axle provide the RS with the right chassis set up to cope with the fizzy powertrain.It is well sorted and the electric steering has more weight and communicates better than most.Wider 205/40 tyres and the XDL electronic differential lock system, which brakes the inside front wheel to negate understeer, add to the driving dynamics, giving the little hatch Skoda high levels of tenacity and grip, plus a fast turn-in. The fun factor is aided by the great front sports seats that offer lots of side bolstering and back support.DESIGN The styling is different, not as suave as Polo GTi or Audi A1, but there's a certain charm to the boxy exterior that gives it a point of difference. Skoda’s been growing an increasing focus on individualising its products, something it admits to have borrowed from BMW-owned brand Mini. The Fabia offers up to 26 colour combinations, contrasting roof shades and various alloy wheel finishes.Then there is the completely unique RS wagon, an extended version of the hatch that combines the same sizzling powertrain with class-leading cargo space. Skoda Australia says half the interest has been for the wagon.DRIVINGIn the twisty stuff, particularly up the Gillies Range and across the undulating and tight corners of the road between Walkamin and Dimbulah; it was a delight, refusing to flick out of line or lose grip even with traction control switched off. It just keeps on gripping with tenacity and plenty of grunt to make the drive a lot of fun.There's a fair bit of noise though from the tyres on coarse bitumen and wind roar through the A pillars, no doubt exacerbated by the door mirrors.When I started last weekend's drive, the trip computer was recording mid-12 litres/100km. By the time I finished on the journey from Cairns to Yungaburra, Atherton, Walkamin, Mareeba, Kuranda, the Northern Beaches and back to Cairns consumption had fallen to 10.2. The spirited drive up the Gillies and on the Dimbulah must be taken into account as well, but there is plenty of room for improvement. I believe it can achieve a lot better than that, particularly with Skoda claiming 6.3 litres/100km. Some have been critical of the RS ride, but I did not find it harsh at all and a lot better than some.FABIA RS VS POLO GTIThere's no doubt the Fabia RS is a fantastic hot hatch and it has just come second to the Polo GTi in Motor magazine's Bang for Your Buck awards. Sure the Fabia is $1000 cheaper and there's virtually no waiting list, but I believe it should be even cheaper.The interior of the Fabia, while well-made and free from rattles, does not feel as tactile as the Volkswagen, with harder plastics and an inferior sound system. But the Fabia RS provides a point of difference, particularly in wagon form, and it won't be as common as the Polo GTi.It has distinctive and charming looks, is practical with a sparkling engine and transmission combination, quick steering and great seats. On the downside, there's too much road and wind noise, the cabin plastics are a bit cheap and there's no manual gearbox.VERDICTOverall, Fabia RS is a charming addition to the tiny hot hatch brigade that provides some driving excitement as well as being a delight to tootle around town in.

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 EquipmentFor $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.TechnologyWith 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.DesignThe 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.SafetySix airbags, Brake Assist, ESC, ABS, ASR, and EBD help this wagon protect your family, and your overpriced furniture.DrivingWhile 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.VerdictFabia is an affordable, practical wagon well suited for young families.

Skoda has approached its return to Australia in a canny European manner. Rather than rushing in with bottom end cars to gain quick sales, and then trying to lift its image by aiming at the medium-premium segments, Skoda started at the top end. By doing so it has gained credibility and is now pushing down into the affordable car area.VALUEThe result is that Skoda, now five years into its revival in Australia, has just sold its 10,000th car downunder. It’s also quickly making its name in the affordable end of the hot-hatch scene with the great little Fabia RS as well as a five-door station wagon should the hatch rear end not supply enough luggage space for your needs. The RS starts at a modest $27,990.TECHNOLOGYSkodas use major mechanical components from Volkswagen – having been controlled by the giant German company since the early 1990s when the communist era ended in the Czech Republic – and the Fabia RS shares a Twincharger 1.4-litre petrol engine, transmissions and suspension with the Volkswagen Polo GTI.We were most impressed with the hot little Fabia’s performance. With 132 kW of power, and a strong 250 Nm of torque all the way between 2000 rpm and 4500 rpm, the Fabia RS is a pocket rocket. It goes from zero to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds.The use of both a supercharger and turbocharger provides strong push throughout most of the rev range. From about 1500 you can feel the torque working, it quickly rises when you get to 2500 revs and pulls in a very linear manner when it’s comfortably over 5500 rpm.This straight-line speed is enhanced by the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox. In flat-out mode the transmission is great to sit behind, switching gears faster than humanly possible.DESIGNThe Polo GTI and Fabia RS have quite different appearances, with the Volkswagen leaning in a mildly conservative direction, while the Skoda has gone for a chunky out-of-the-ordinary look that we love. There’s a hint or two of the cheeky shapes favoured by the British Mini in the character lines of Czech Skoda, these are emphasised by the availability of numerous colour combinations. Letting buyers design their own car by way of accessories is an excellent idea and can result in real fashion statements.Our Skoda Fabia RS road test car came in yellow, which is a bold move in a conservative market like Australia. But, hey this is a sporting model for the young and for the young at heart. Indeed the young at heart could be big buyers of these little cars because in their teenage years bright colours were all the rage in cars, clothes, interior design – you name it.We are currently in the standard Fabia (not the RS) that is a metallic blue and while that shade also works well with the Fabia's lines it doesn’t exactly leap out on the street scene.SAFETYElectronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS brakes with EBD and Brake Assist are standard to minimise the chances of having a crash – as are six airbags should you still get it wrong. The Skoda Fabia has been designed with pedestrian impact in mind, so the front bumper and bonnet are designed to deform on impact and absorb energy.DRIVINGWhile the DSG works well under hard acceleration and deceleration, like many of its type it is a bit of a dog in slow situations. Even worse, it can surprise when parking in first or reverse gears by responding too quickly to any throttle input. For some reasons no two double-clutch gearboxes are identical in the way they perform, which must be so frustrating for engineers trying to make them work to perfection.The Skoda Fabia RS will really suit those who like to ‘drive' cars. It is stable on all but the worst of Australia's roads and feels really sound in hard cornering. There is some steer torque, which is hardly a surprise in a sporty small hatch with a modified engine, but it is manageable and those who like a bit of character in their car will love that gentle tugging on the steering wheel under hard acceleration.We like the chassis, it uses MacPherson struts at the front and a semi-independent read end, is a relatively sophisticated setup for a car in the affordable class. The suspension is on the firm side at times, but on the whole it soaks up most bumps without any banging and thumping. Those who like sporting cars will forgive the hot RS for its actions. At 10 metres the Fabia has a tight turning circle and the all-round driver's view is excellent.VERDICTThe hottest Fabia is a great little hot hatch around town and a superb tourer for steep and winding roads where you can really get stuck into the corners.

The smallest vehicle segment, or light, as it's known, is a bit of a grab-bag. It ranges from the Chery J1, a Chinese import for $10,990 cross-your-fingers-driveaway, to the Fiat Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari at the we-saw-you-coming price of $69,990.But desirable badges are beginning to crack the 4m-long formula. The Audi A1, Mini, Alfa Romeo Mito, Citroen DS3 and Renault Clio all have at least one version with a performance slant.However, they are all three-door cars. If you want five doors and a European pedigree, the options narrow considerably. Until recently there was only one: the Volkswagen Polo GTI. Since it arrived a couple of years ago, it has been almost as critically acclaimed as the Golf GTI, its bigger brotherNow it has been joined by the Skoda Fabia RS, and there are a couple of reasons why the Czech badge might steal a few buyers from Veedub. Chief among them is the fact that Volkswagen owns Skoda and the two share technology. This strategy is known as platform sharing and Volkswagen is its leading exponent.Volkswagen uses essentially the same engineering not only for itself and Skoda, but also for Audi and SEAT, which is not sold here. What that means is that Audis are essentially expensive Volkswagens while Skodas are bargains.VALUEThe RS wagon is $29,990, a $2000 premium over the hatch, and is a rarity at this end of the market if you can live with its dumpy looks. The hatch, on the other hand, has pleasing proportions and pulls the Mini trick of offering different roof colours and other personalisation tricks.Although a Mini-with-the-lot is a lot more expensive, the RS doesn't miss much with LEDs, 17-inch alloys, shiny pedals, leather trim, dual-zone air, six airbags and Bluetooth.TECHNOLOGYBut the engine and transmission are the same as the current model, meaning 132kW from a 1.4-litre four-cylinder that has double forced induction. A supercharger ensures plenty of torque at low revs, then once the engine gets going a turbocharger takes over. So it's drivable without any strain, since 250Nm of torque arrives at just 2000rpm. (Those outputs, by the way, are only slightly shy of the Mercedes E200, which develops 135kW and 270Nm.)DRIVINGThe cabin, even with sports seats, is functional and fairly sombre. There's an absence of the pitch-to-youth design that mars some light cars. But it's a pleasing place to be, just the same. As far as its underpinnings go, it borrows from the previous generation Polo and is slightly narrower, shorter and lower than its Volkswagen equivalent.At just 1.25 tonnes, the RS can reach 100km/h in a respectable 7.3 seconds while burning just 6.2 litres per 100km. Because it's heavier than the Polo GTI, it's also slightly slower and thirstier. But it would still take a long time to recoup the extra $1000 in the GTI's starting price.To drive it's not as engaging and rewarding as some performance hatches, with remote steering and a slightly perched-on-suspension feel to the way it tackles challenging roads.But as the runabout companion to the weekend warrior in your double garage, it's the sort of downsizing that makes sense.Skoda Fabia  RSPrice: from $27,990 (hatchback) to $29,990 (wagon)Warranty: 3 year roadsideEngine: 1.4-litre 4-cyl petrol supercharged & turbo 132kW/250NmDimensions: 4247mm (L); 1642 (W); 1494 (H) / 4029mm (L); 1642 (W); 1492 (H)Weight: 1248kg/1253kgTransmission: 7-speed automaticThirst: 7.7L/100km; 148g/km Co2

The next pieces of Skoda’s longterm plan for Australia have just been put into place with the introduction of a couple of low cost variants as will as a hot little RS number.VALUEA new station wagon body has been introduced. Costing just $2000 more than the five-door hatch it is 250 millimetres longer to provide up to 1460 litres of luggage space with the seats folded down, and a just as impressive 480 litres with all five seats in use.Incidentally, the Monte Carlo also gets the DSG option. Priced at $24,290 this special Fabia will please the commuter who wants to make a styling statement will stationary in traffic.With a price tag starting at just $27,990 for the RS132 manual hatch it’s certainly worth consideration from those looking for fun in an affordable machine.TECHNOLOGYThe range has been expanded to include a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 77 kilowatts of power, and 175 Newton metres of torque all the way from 1500 to 4100 revs.Our initial test drive of this little beauty in the Gold Coast area showed it to be willing to rev and happy to slug along in just about any gear – modern turbo engines with the latest in electronic control are brilliant in this manner. Volkswagen’s are right up there with the best of them.The four-cylinder engine can either be mounted beside a five-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed double-clutch DSG. We sampled both and though the auto is the more sensible bet we liked the feel of the manual and the added control it gives the keen driver.The smallest Skoda is the Fabia, using similar underpinnings to the Volkswagen Polo and even the Audi A1 to give it an extremely strong platform on which to build. So late in 2009 we saw the initial imports of the stylish Monte Carlo versions of the Fabia as well as an affordable hatch in the 77TSI, both were five-door hatches powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder VW engine.The range topping Skoda Fabia RS132 with, you guessed it, 132 kW, has excellent acceleration complemented by a good exhaust note that will please those who think driving is about a lot more than simply going from A to B.The 132 kW is achieved by tuning the same 1.4 engine as in the 77 kW models. The 132 demands to be fed 98 octane petrol and has a torque good torque spread, with its maximum of 250 Nm being available all the way from 2000 rpm to 4500.DESIGNAs in other Skoda models the new Fabia wagon has the superb Varioflex seating system that lets each of the three rear seats be removed individually. The seats unclip in seconds and weigh only 11 kilograms so it doesn’t need a hulking make to convert this small wagon into what’s almost a little van.The cleverest of all the Varioflex features is the ability to remove the centre-rear seat and then slide the two outer seats closer together, or further apart, to accommodate the wishes of the occupants. Cosy and close, or separated and sedate, the choice is yours.DRIVINGWe loved the feel of the RS132 that’s been created by lowering the body by 10 mm and increasing the stiffness of the shocks, springs and bushes. We weren’t so impressed by the noise created on rough road surfaces by the tyres and the way this harshness finds its way into the cabin.VERDICTIt has taken some time for Australian buyers to take Skoda seriously, but these new models give you a solid, sensible car with a good degree of style and we can see them taking off in the sales race any time now.

The small Fabia has punched above its weight for Skoda since arriving late last year. Based on parent company Volkswagen’s Polo – the 2010 Carsguide Car of the Year  -- the little car has helped Skoda nearly double sales, despite having only two versions on sale.But the range is now being filled out, with the current entry level 77TSI hatch and mid-range Monte Carlo being joined this week by a practical 77TSI wagon and the hot Fabia RS in both hatch and wagon bodies.The newcomers arrive at the mature end of this generation’s life span -- with a new one due in 2014 -- but they still deserve a warm welcome for mix of practicality and performance they bring to the Fabia line-up.TECHNOLOGYThe base model carries Volkswagen’s 1.2-litre, direct injection, turbo four-cylinder delivering 77kW of power at 5000rpm and 175Nm of torque across a useful 1500-4100rpm.Official fuel economy is posted as 5.5L/100km – on premium -- with either the five-speed manual or the newly-arrived seven-speed DSG turning the front wheels on both hatch and wagon.But the acceleration is far from blistering, with the manual hatch getting to 100km/h in 10.1 seconds, the DSG hatch 10.2 and the wagon 10.3.Fabia's underpinnings are also straight from the VW parts shelf, with Macpherson strut front and beam axle rear suspension and four wheel disc brakes, where some rivals still sport a pair of drums.The RS ups the ante in a 1.4-litre twin-charged engine with the supercharger kickstarting the action in low revs and turbo tipping in with full boost from 2000rpm.From this, the four-cylinder develops 132kW of power peaking at 62000rpm and 250Nm of torque between 2000-45000rpm, with Skoda claiming a 0-100km/h sprint of 7.3 seconds and fuel economy of 6.2 L/100km.DESIGNAlthough based on the Polo, the Fabia hatch is slightly bigger and puts its signature Skoda boxiness to practical work for loads of room for head and legs, plus luggage space rising from 300 to 1165 litres when the rear seats are folded.That’s about the hungriest capacity for the class, and it becomes almost insatiable in the longer wagon where you get 480 to 1460 litres.The styling is not everybody’s taste, but it has a cheerful character and an endearing determination to shackle form to functionality, which happily means a bright and realistically-designed interior with good ergonomics and easily readable instruments.PRICE AND EQUIPMENTThe entry level 77TSI hatch is $18,990 with the manual and an extra $2300 if you want the DSG, while the DSG-only Fabia RS starts at $27,990. The wagon body for either version claps on another $2000.Standard equipment includes Bluetooth, tilt and reach adjustable steering column, an eight-speaker CD/MP3 audio system, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and phone controls, cruise control, heated mirrors and fog lights.The RS arrives with more bling and some cues from the Fabia S2000 rally car, adding twin exhausts, spoilers back and front – the latter with  integrated LED daytime running lights – and rolling on 17-in alloy wheels with red RS-logo brake callipers.The cabin gets deep-shaped sports seats, a three-spoke steering wheel with paddles for the DSG, and handy rear parking sensors, but some of the plastics and finishes slip back to ordinary quality. The base model undercuts the donor Polo by nearly $1000, but you can spot where the money has been saved in the fit-out and finish. At RS level you’re eyeing off the $28,990 VW Polo GTI at again just $1000 more – but oddly not among the rivals cited at the Fabia RS launch, which benchmarked against the $24,990 Suzuki Swift Sport and $43,050 Mini Cooper S in terms of dollars per kilowatt of power.Fabia is $212 against the Suzuki’s $250 and Mini’s $319 --  in case that’s your gauge. In which case you’ll want to know that shelling out an extra whack for the $36,490 Renualt Clio Sport 200 cost you $248/kW.SAFETYSurprisingly, amid a host of five-star rivals the Fabia gets only a four star Euro rating. Safety equipment includes six air bags, stability control, anti-skid brakes with brake assist and brakeforce distribution.DRIVINGThe fit-out doesn’t quite match up to the VW donor, but the seats are supportive and there’s plenty of room. The 77TSI engine is keen and tractable, making easy work at low revs around city streets and laid-back cruising on the highway, with enough torque for climbing hills.While the standard five-speed manual will still be one gear short of most rivals, the seven-speed DSG – clunky though it is – will win fans in a market that is increasingly shunning self-shifting.But you’ll still want to use the manual mode of the shifter, and that’s about the stage where you’ll take a hacksaw to the annoying fold-down armrest that’s positioned exactly on the trajectory your elbow wants to move through.It rides comfortably and the wide track and long-ish wheelbase polish its road manners to keep it stable and flat. The suspension gives it better grip than most of its competitors, and the accurate turn-in mean it has entertainment on offer even at lower speeds.Step into the RS and a whole world of fun opens up. The ride is much harder and can get unsettled over rough back roads, but in normal driving it’s still compliant – more than the Polo, and much more than most of the competition.But the RS is also noticeably more agile and taut than the entry model. It’s easy to swing through a joyful series of corners, with weightier steering and tighter response than the standard version.There’s a fair bit of noise from both wind and tyres, but it’s never uncomfortable, and cabin conversation never has to reach yelling levels.Take all that, and then extend it into the RS wagon version, and it’s a whole new ball game. Like the legendary Audi RS4 Avant, the combination of sting and space results in a true Jekyll and Hyde car. Take it out on the garage sale round, stuff the boot space – and then time your lap home. That’s what you call a real all-rounder.VERDICTSkoda weighed up 'bang for the buck' but it's also a case of usability for your money. And the standard Fabia is a decent contender there, but the RS would go on our favourites list. 

Small it might be, but Skoda's Fabia hatch is giving the Czech company a big boost. The arrival of the Fabia late last year helped Skoda double its sales for the second year in a row and kick off a flying start this year with sales up by more than 90 per cent for the first two months.There are two models - the $18,990 77TSI and the $21,990 Monte Carlo - and they undercut the Volkswagen Polo on which they are based by almost $1000. The Fabia's strengths are its lively performance, frugal fuel use, equipment and spacious interior. The question is whether that gap will be retained at re-sale or will the Polo hold its value better. Time will tell. Direct rivals on price are the Ford Fiesta and the Suzuki Swift. Agile and energetic, the four-door Fabia looks chunky and feels nuggety and is a lot of fun to drive.TECHNOLOGYIt is powered by Volkswagen's 77TSI engine - a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol which produces 77kW and 175Nm across a useful range of 1500 to 4100rpm.Despite its modest capacity it has enough oomph to launch the lightweight 1120kg Fabia to 100km/h in a respectable 10.1 seconds.Fuel use on the combined cycle is just 5.5l/100km but it prefers premium unleaded. It is mated to a five-speed transmission although a seven-speed direct shift gearbox is on the way.DESIGNThe cheery exterior is carried over inside with a bright dash and clear, easy-to-use instruments and controls, although the quality of the trim is not up to the Polo. Front seats are supportive with plenty of head and leg room, the rear seat has adequate room for its class and the boot is generous.Standard equipment on the base model on test included six airbags, stability control, a four-star crash rating, airconditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth, tilt and reach adjustable steering column, an eight-speaker single CD audio system with MP3, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and phone controls, cruise control, heated mirrors and fog lights.The Monte Carlo adds 16-inch black alloy wheels, sports seats, sports steering wheel, black wheel arches, and alloy pedals. Also on the way this year are a wagon version and a high performance RS 132 hatch.DRIVINGThe engine is eager and flexible, pulls easily from low revs around town and is relaxed on the highway with enough torque to tackle hills in top gear. The gear shift itself is quick and slick and the clutch has a smooth and progressive uptake.With a wide track, longish wheelbase and a stiff body, the Fabia handles like a civilised go-kart. It corners with a taut, flat stance, turns in accurately and has excellent grip. Ride is firm and well controlled and compliant over lumps and broken edges. The steering is direct and well weighted and the brakes strong.

The Fabia represents Skoda's first foray into small hatchback territory. For those who don't know, Skoda is one of Volkswagen's offshoots and offers much the same technology but in a more affordable package. It has a long racing history in Europe where Skoda is viewed as a very sporty brand. Priced from $18,990, the Fabia is a rather tall, boxy design that sits on the same platform as VW's better-looking Polo with which it shares the same 1.2-litre engine.TECHNOLOGY At the moment you can only get a 1.2-litre TSI turbocharged engine that produces 77kW of power. It may sound small but the 1.2-litre engine uses direct injection and turbocharging to deliver a surpringly smooth powerful driving experience. Peak power is reached at 5000 revs and maximum torque of 175Nm is available between 1500 and 4100 revs. The Fabia is fitted as standard with a five-speed fully synchronised manual transmission. An arrow on the dashboard prompts the driver to change up a gear in order to save fuel.VALUE Nothing of any special note. Bluetooth is standard and it comes with steering wheel phone and audio controls, but you only get an AUX socket for your iPod.Multi function display provides a nice, big digital speedo among other features. All the usual stuff like airconditioning, power windows and mirrors and an eight speaker sound system.Cruise control is also standard. For the environmentally aware it's also very green, scoring 4.5 out of 5 stars from the Green Guide (Prius scores five).DRIVING The trick is not to get caught with your revs down, especially coming off a corner. Below about 2500 revs there's not much oomph, not until the boost from the turbo kicks in when the thing takes off. Because it's a manual this translates to changing gears and changing gears often.Claimed fuel consumption is 5.5 litres/100km but we were getting 8.1/100km (bit of a difference eh?) The ride is quite soft for a European car, but not bouncy soft which is a good thing when it comes to our roads.SAFETY Not as safe as we had anticipated. It's fitted with six airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes and all the rest of the stuff that makes cars safe to drive. But Fabia still manages to get only four out of five stars for safety in crash testing. This could be a deal breaker for some buyers, with plenty of five star cars around.WHAT ABOUT THE POLO? The five-door Polo 1.2 TSI Comfortline costs another $860. From what we can see there's not much difference, apart from the fact Fabia is built on the "old" platform.Polo looks better, gets alloy wheels and a full five stars for safety. I'd say that more than justifies the extra outlay. Skoda really needs to drop the price if it hopes to attract many customers.