Parts: Škoda Fabia Combi
In this, Škoda is helped by the fact that recently it, like the entire Volkswagen concern, has been selling well. How good, even excellent! For the first time in its history, Škoda sold over a million vehicles last year and, compared to the previous year (920.800 12,7), has refurbished its sales by XNUMX percent. At the same time, Škoda does not rely solely on the Chinese market, sales have also grown significantly in Europe.
New or refurbished models always generate the most revenue. The best-selling Škoda Octavia is sold for honey, and its little sister doesn't look any worse. The refreshed Fabia in a five-door version, which Slovenian readers and listeners also chose along with Slovenian automotive journalists in the Slovenian Car of the Year nomination, offers a better or more modern image that should also appeal to younger customers. It is now followed by the caravan version, which is very good in terms of design, but has different attributes. As its name suggests, the Combi is now really big as the newcomer poses with one of the largest luggage compartments in its class. It basically offers 530 liters, which is a little over 25 liters more than its predecessor, but if we fold the rear seat backs (and raise the poorly finished (un) finished rear seats) the space is 1.395 liters. . Enough for a young family and enough for a self-employed person. Otherwise, the Fabia Combi has grown compared to its predecessor: it is 10 millimeters longer, 90 millimeters wider and 31 millimeters lower, making it more attractive in design than the five-door version. How could it be otherwise when the front end is exactly the same as the five-door version. However, the new Škoda Fabia Combi brings more than just space. The driver and passengers also feel good inside due to higher quality and richer equipment. There are already more of them in the standard configuration, but the list of additional or additional equipment is much longer. In addition to the already proven Škoda special solutions called Simply Clever, it is worth mentioning the proximity key, front and rear parking sensors, a large panoramic roof and a completely new multimedia system. It is based on Volkswagen's MIB (Modular Infoteinment Matrix) and offers options atypical for the segment to which the Fabia belongs. For the first time, the Fabia has a touchscreen that recognizes on-screen scrolling and customers can choose from four infotainment systems, including an integrated navigation device. If you don't have one, Škoda has a special bracket that holds your smartphone and can also be connected to the central system. It then downloads applications from the phone that the driver can use while driving, such as internet radio, trip computer and, of course, navigation. This is provided by MirrorLink technology, which currently only works with HTC phones. Škoda promises that MirrorLink will soon be fully functional on iPhones and Android phones, although they will likely wait for the upcoming CarPlay system (for Apple devices) and Android Auto for Android phones. In the meantime, MirrorLink will take care of the "entertainment", which is basically a good system, but maybe a little underdeveloped and sometimes just freezes.
Of course, the factory takes full responsibility for the engines, which are 17 percent more economical and therefore cleaner than the second-generation Fabia engines. But all of them are more or less known (also from the brands of the concern), as are a number of gearboxes (five- and six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic). Whichever engine you choose, the Fabia rides quite well, with precision and responsiveness. It is clear that the engines do not boil over with power, so the Fabia Combi (at least up to the RS version) is not a racing car, but a worthy and, above all, spatially comfortable car.
What about the price? At least 75 euros will have to be deducted for the cheapest Fabia Combi with a liter petrol engine (11.845 "horsepower") in Slovenia. The choice of diesel starts with a 1,4-liter TDI with 90 "horsepower", from which 16.955 euros must be deducted. If earlier we could safely write that Škoda cars are good and cheap, then we can no longer do this, but they also have a six-year warranty. Before doing that, it also makes sense to think well about what you generally need, because Škoda's selection is really great. So, at the first ball, the Fabia Combi is, of course, intended for those who appreciate the luggage compartment first, and only then everything else.
Text and photo: Sebastian Plevnyak, photo: plant
