Skoda Fabia vs BMW I3
What's the difference?

Skoda Fabia

$24,690 - $33,485

2024 price

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BMW I3

—

2020 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Summary

2024 Skoda Fabia

2020 BMW I3

By Chris Thompson

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.0L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

5.0L/100km (combined)

Electric range

270 km

Energy consumption

14.6 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

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

Design
Dynamics
Tech

Dislikes

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

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

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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2020 BMW I3 Summary

It’s easy to forget BMW was paddling into the growing electric vehicle wave when it was only a gentle swell. It took off early with the i3 city car, which believe it or not has been in the Aussie new car market for six years.

While the German maker has long been developing the concept of electrified powertrains in existing models, the i3 was the result of a dramatically different approach, showcasing the use of exotic materials and innovative packaging.

Like its i8 supercar sibling, the i3 won’t be replaced with a new-generation version, but BMW says it will continue to develop this high-tech hatch before it departs, and we spent a week in the sporty i3s to see how it stands up in 2020.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Skoda Fabia 2020 BMW I3

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

Yes, it’s pricey for a small hatch, but this little BMW is a city car like no other. The i3s is tailor made for the urban environment, and six years on retains the quirkiness and charisma that stood it apart at launch, and it can still hold its head high among the current EV crop.

Skoda Fabia vs BMW I3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Skoda Fabia vs BMW I3
What's the difference?