Skoda Fabia vs Audi S1
What's the difference?

Skoda Fabia

$24,690 - $33,485

2024 price

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Audi S1

—

2015 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Summary

2024 Skoda Fabia

2015 Audi S1

By Chris Thompson

By Peter Anderson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.0L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.0L/100km (combined)

7.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Playful and capable
Ergonomics and ‘Skoda’ touches
Fresh exterior design

Sensational engine
Quattro drivetrain
Great chassis

Dislikes

Interior styling still looks sub-$30K
Low-speed DSG hesitancy
Rear seat space

Price
The interior is a bit dull
Stiff ride

2024 Skoda Fabia Summary

The smallest car in Skoda’s local line-up is also its most affordable, but only just.

When the current generation Fabia launched with the halo Monte Carlo variant at almost $40,000, it was a bit of a surprise for a small hatch from what’s seen as an affordable brand.

Now, there’s a new entry-level version of Skoda’s bub and, while it’s not nearly as cheap as it once was, it offers a choice that’s more within reach for anyone keen on a premium small car.

Can the Fabia Select convince customers looking at the likes of the Mazda 2 or Suzuki Swift to go Euro and cross the $30,000 threshold?

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2015 Audi S1 Summary

Spoilt. That's what we are. If you're in the market for a hot hatch, you can have your pick of German-built and French ones from as little as $27,000. There isn't a dud among them now that the VW Polo GTI has had a bit of an update and you can pick and choose your style. Audi's S1 is aiming to be king of the kids with its stiffly-priced S1.

Set the finances aside and consider for a moment what's on offer. As it turns out, a lot.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Skoda Fabia 2015 Audi S1

Verdict

Once you get past the shock of the Fabia no longer being a sub-$25K car (because let’s face it, what is anymore?), the fact that it remains refreshingly simple to live with and engaging on the road should be celebrated.

It has its downsides if you need space, and you can buy a light (or even small) SUV for the same price, but you’ll be compromising in other areas.

The Skoda Fabia can’t do everything, but what it can, it does well. Plus, it’s certainly less common than the similarly priced Toyota Yaris.

Verdict

Cars this small shouldn't be this fast and useable at the same time, but the Audi S1 is. It isn't without its problems - the ride is harder even than the Fiesta ST which might weary some prospective buyers.

It's also a bit difficult to justify the price - in its basic form it's missing a few creature comforts that you'd expect in a $50,000 car - reversing camera, high-res screen, that sort of thing.

However, in the hot hatch world, those things don't matter. It has the bragging rights, the tech and the outright blinding speed to take on the bonkers Focus ST and equally zany Megane RS. And even the Audi S3.

Skoda Fabia vs Audi S1 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Skoda Fabia vs Audi S1
What's the difference?