2013 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.

If you want a small wagon, a light wagon to be precise, there's only one choice and that is Skoda's Fabia. They have two available, a red hot 132kW RS model and the garden variety 77TSi version subject of this yarn.VALUEIt adds a few grand to the bottom line selling for $23,290 nut the DSG is a worthwhile investment if you want your cake and eat it too. Around town, it's an auto, out on some country road, it's a manual. But there aren't any paddles here, it's stick shift only for the manual mode.The povvo pack spec' means no alloys and a fairly basic features inventory but the necessities are there including aircon', power windows, cruise, heated mirrors and extensive multimedia connectivity. There's Bluetooth phone and a multi function wheel to make you happy.DESIGNNo looker, the rather gawky Fabia wagon does have quite a few redeeming features apart from being the only light wagon currently available in this country. We used the little wagon to transport four tyres and wheels and they fitted no problem once the 60/40 rear seats were folded.TECHNOLOGYThe engine we have seen before in numerous VW products but in this instance and because of the size and weight of the car, there's no performance cringe. In fact, there's a fuel economy bonus with the Fabia wagon as it can sip at a rate of just 5.5-litres/100km.And because the 1.2-litre four cylinder engine is turbocharged and has direct injection, there's plenty of kick from this tiddler when you need it. Skoda only had a five-speed manual at launch but now there's a seven-speed DSG dual clutch manumatic and it makes a world of difference, contributing to the rather sporty flavour of this tiddler size carry-all.DRIVINGThe DSG not only delivers fuel efficiency gains it makes the car seriously more driveable because of the speed of the gear changes. We couldn't detect any jerkiness at idle speeds alleged by other drivers. It was all plain sailing as long as you are judicious with your right foot and didn't show any symptoms of St Vitus Dance. It's a handy little bugger that's for sure and easy to park too.VERDICTGuess we could get used to that kooky face if we needed wagon practicality in a compact, affordable and economical vehicle.

Not quite sure what to make of this car. It offers a startling level of performance in a body that is shall we say visually challenged.Quick off the mark and fast to accelerate it gives nothing away to the hatch in terms of performance. But it's too tall, too short and and too narrow with all the wrong proportions. But beauty they say is in the eye of the beholder don't let my opinion sway you.TECHNOLOGYIt's a 1.4-litre turbocharged four, the same engine as in the Polo GTI. That means it produces 132kW of power and a handy 250Nm of torque.The bad news is that it take 98 Premium unleaded - nothing else. The engine is hooked up to VW's 7-speed double clutch transmission with drive to the front wheels. Rides on sports suspension with 17 inch alloys.Rated at 6.2 litres/100km, we were getting 8.1 after more than 400km according to the trip computer. But remember that's using Premium 98 which is going to cost you another 17 cents a litre. Even though it's a 45 litre tank, at the time of writing that's $66 for a fill ouch.DESIGNThe Euro sportwagon concept is nothing new, but we haven't seen anything this small before now. Maybe it's the start of bigger things? The idea is sound but someone must have dropped the play dough before they popped this one in the oven because it's all out of whack.For two grand more than the hatch you get the same level of performance but a largish luggage space that is going to make it more pratical. It looks like the car it is, a cheapie that has been tarted up. The design is unimaginative and there is plenty of hard plastic in evidence.Glad to see a trip computer that includes a digital speedo but it disappeared after we connected a mobile phone and took ages to find again. Of course there's a trick to it, just as there is in switching between the AM and FM radio bands. Rear parking sensors are also standard.It looks like the car it is, a cheapie that has been tarted up.The design is unimaginative and there is plenty of hard plastic in evidence. Glad to see a trip computer that includes a digital speedo but it disappeared after we connected a mobile phone and took ages to find again. Of course there's a trick to it, just as there is in switching between the AM and FM radio bands. Rear parking sensors are also standard.SAFETYUnlike the Polo this one gets four stars for safety. But it comes with six airbags, electronic stability control and all the usual electronic safety aids.DRIVINGGoes like a startled rabbit. The dash from 0-100km/h takes 7.3 seconds on to a top speed of 226km/h (2km/h faster than the hatch).Peformance is no doubt helped along by the 7-speed DSG box which rips through the gears in quick succession, with sport mode or manual mode available via the shifter or steering wheel mounted change paddles. Giving it too much throttle too soon almost always elicits some wheel spin.VERDICTGoes hard but looks yuck. We're not fans of the hatch either. At $29,990 it is one of the most expensive cars in the light car segment two grand more than the hatch and one grand more than the Polo GTI.

A fiery Czech, with links to Volkswagen's top-rated Polo GTI, is joining Skoda's small-car invasion. But while the 132kW Fabia RS shares the Polo's underpinnings, Skoda broadens its appeal by offering it in two body styles - a hatch and a wagon - and plans a February debut in Australia.It's a fresh face for Australia but its arrival will be eased in September by cheaper Fabias - the 77kW Fabia hatch which has two models; the entry-level for about $18,000 and a special edition Monte Carlo, wearing all the hot-hatch clothing of the RS, for about $22,000.These two arrive only with manual transmissions with Volkswagen's DSG auto following in the new year. The RS, like the Polo GTI, is only available with DSG.VALUESkoda Australia claims up to a 10 per cent discount to a similar product from Volkswagen. Based on the Polo GTI's $28,990 entry, it means the Fabia RS five-door hatch could hit Australian showrooms as low as $26,000 and less than $28,000 for the roomier wagon.That's good buying for a four-seat car that goes like stink and looks the part as well. Knowing it's a GTI under the skin won't affect street cred by those who know, but down the road you have to ask if used car values won't favour the near identical Polo.Regardless, the Fabia looks good, has all the features and is a great drive for the price.DESIGNSkoda says it has the upper edge by delivering the RS in two body styles. True, the wagon adds more centimetres to boot space and will mix it in the wild world of family duties quite well.The wagon also looks less blunt in styling. The extra length over the rear wheels - the wheelbase is the same as the hatch - nicely smooths out the shape of the tail.Inside, cabin treatment is very good though the hard plastic dash top shines in the sunlight and doesn't look properly finished where it meets the dashboard's soft-feel vertical surfaces.Squeeze your eyes almost closed and the cabin is Polo. The difference is in the detail.TECHNOLOGYAgain, like the Polo, the 132kW turbocharged-supercharged engine behind the fluted grille does a stirling job. It's to be expected. The same applies to the DSG, steering and suspension which is Polo, Polo and Polo.Given that Carsguide last year gave Polo top honours as Car of the Year, it's all premium stuff.SAFETYSix airbags, electronic stability control and a five-star crash rating is all great news in a small car. The full-size spare wheel is a bonus.DRIVINGIf all the data says Polo, it drives like a Polo. Yes? No. The car feels less flighty and that can be attributed to the choice of tyres - 205/40R7 Continentals - and perhaps some extra weight, suspension tuning and maybe a bit of tweaking to the power steering unit.The ride is firm but not choppy. It is better in terms of compliance than the Polo GTI which, by comparison, is harsh. This is the RS's biggest surprise - it rides like a bigger car and there's a suppleness that is unlike rival small cars.Yet all this doesn't appear to greatly affect handling. It can, when pushed hard, carry itself into a corner with a bit more understeer than its sibling, the RS hatch. But it is such a controllable car with precise steering so minor errors made when the road curves can be adjusted quickly.Seating is sufficient roomy though some heavier Australians may not initially like the traditional narrow Skoda seats. On the road it is remarkably sprightly. The engine will yell all the way to the 7000rpm redline but never shows malice.It is a smooth, very responsive engine that, if driven with less haste than me, could produce some remarkable fuel economy figures.The street roads in the Czech Republic, where this test was held, contain a lot of cobblestones - both the old stone rounded type and the new-wave blocks of granite. The tyre noise and the jarring is awful and even a Czech-built car isn't immune.VERDICTSharing with one of the world's greatest small cars doesn't hurt Skoda one bit and the price discount will do a lot for the brand name in Australia. But is the price discount worth it?SKODA FABIA RS WAGONPrice: est. $28,000Engine: 1.4-litre, 4-cyl petrol super-turbo, 132kW/250NmBody: 5-door wagonWeight: 1373kgTransmission 7-speed DSG, front driveThirst: 6.2L/100km, 98 RON, CO2 143g/kmWarranty: 3-years/unlimited kmService Interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety: 5-star Euro NCAP