Skoda Ireland has experienced a steady growth over the last few years and by the end of 2014 it expects to hit a sales peak, resulting in a 6.7 per cent market share. The company has doubled its worldwide volume in the last 10 years.
The Fabia first made its appearance in 2000 and since then the Czech car manufacturer has sold in excess of 3.4 million Fabias. The all-new third-generation Fabia officially goes on sale across Ireland on December 1st, with prices starting from a low of just €13,895.
To put the car through its paces we didn't just put a few hundred kilometres on the clock. We drove the new Fabia from Lisbon, Portugal to Cherbourg, France, a distance of almost 2,000 kilometres.
This new Fabia is available with a choice of four petrol engines and one diesel engine. The key seller will undoubtedly be the entry-level 1.0-litre three-cylinder MPI petrol engine that delivers 60hp and has CO2 emissions of 106g/km. This replaces the 1.2-litre 60hp engine that powered the previous- generation Fabia.
There is also a 75hp variant of this engine, along with a 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine, with two power outputs on offer, a 90hp and 110hp unit. The diesel engine is 1.4-litre TDI, it produces 90hp and can achieve an impressive 3.4L/100km (83 mpg) on a combined run.
The new car is 8mm shorter than its precursor, yet has an increased wheelbase of 5mm and a luggage capacity of 330 litres, an increase of 15 litres. It’s also 65kg lighter, which improves fuel efficiency across the range.
Little road noise
On the road, the new Fabia excelled on the motorways through Portugal,
Spain
and France. Despite our test car running on winter tyres, there was little road noise directed into the cabin. The interior itself has a good sense of spaciousness and the seats are particularly supportive and comfortable.
Driving for six to seven hours in a day will throw up any minor faults a car may have; thankfully, the Fabia just got on with the job in hand, and the kilometres clocked up effortlessly. The additional power of the 1.2-litre model was appreciated on long stretches of motorway: in sixth gear, with cruise control engaged, the Fabia felt more like an Octavia than a city car.
There are three trim levels in the new Fabia, the entry-level Active, Ambition and Style. Standard features on the Active model include front electric windows and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. The step up to Ambition benefits you, with the addition of front fog lights and heated electric door mirrors.
The range-topping Style Fabia has air conditioning and rear electric windows. For €150 customers can add 16in alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and keyless entry.
Multitude of apps
Our test car was the 1.2-litre 110hp variant, which had the optional MirrorLink system installed. This enables you to connect your mobile phone to the car and access a multitude of apps including maps, navigation, music and weather reports. You can view the various apps and menus through the colour touchscreen. It took us some time to configure our navigation for the journey ahead; once on our way we discovered that we were unable to listen to the car’s radio when the navigation was in use. It seems the MirrorLink system has some way to go before we would be confident in using it full-time.
This new Fabia is unquestionably improved over its predecessor; it’s grown up in size, along with giving a superior driving experience. Skoda won’t have an easy ride, though, as competition in this sector is fierce. The Fabia’s main competitors include the Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio, Opel Corsa and the Toyota Yaris. The left-hand-drive Fabias we drove are visiting Skoda dealerships around the country so potential customers can view them prior to the first right-hand-drive models arriving early next year.
Composure
If you are in the market for a small car then it’s worth popping along for a look. We were impressed with the Fabia’s composure, the “big car” feel to the cabin and its proper handling characteristics. This is a serious car and a real rival to the big name brands. It may not have the most exciting styling but with its relatively low price it can certainly lure quite a lot of car buyers returning to the market after several years away.
Engine 1,200cc three-cylinder petrol putting out 110hp with a six-speed manual transmission
Performance
0-100km/h: 9.4 seconds; max speed 196 km/h
Economy
Combined 4.8l/100km (58.8mpg)
Emissions
(motor tax) g/km (
€190)
Specifications
Standard features on the Style model include air conditioning, led daytime running lights, 16” alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, front fog lights, touch screen radio, Bluetooth connectivity.
Price
Starting from €13,895
Our verdict High levels of refinement for a city car
Engine 1,200cc three-cylinder petrol putting out 110hp with a six-speed manual transmission
Performance 0-100km/h: 9.4 seconds; max speed 196 km/h
Economy Combined 4.8l/100km (58.8mpg)
Emissions (motor tax) g/km (€190)
Specifications Standard features on the Style model include air conditioning, led daytime running lights, 16” alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, front fog lights, touch screen radio, Bluetooth connectivity.
Price Starting from €13,895