Škoda Fabia Combi 1.4 Atmosphere
Test Drive

Škoda Fabia Combi 1.4 Atmosphere

A similar story continues with the new Fabio Combi. As usual, it has already occurred to us that every new model that enters dealerships is a few centimeters larger than its predecessor, offers more space inside and provides more comfort.

Fabia Combi is no exception. This one has also grown, it has become more comfortable and more spacious (the trunk is already 54 liters more), and if you look from the point of view of its shape, it is more mature. But this, unfortunately, does not always mean only good. The smallest Škoda van has matured so much in terms of design that it has become completely uninteresting for most (young) buyers.

Well, you can't forget something. Škoda has another model for them (for younger buyers). This one sounds like a Roomster, sits on a chassis with a 15cm longer wheelbase (although the Roomster is 5mm shorter than the new Fabia Combi) and boasts almost the same dimensions (even a little more reassuring!) On the inside, and especially with a shape that can attract.

Of course, if you like modern design approaches. If you don't, you will be left with the Fabia Combi. In a sense (although this is not visible in the sales prospectus) Škoda also envisioned a circle of its customers. Younger and bolder will choose the Roomster, while the more restrained and traditional values ​​will follow the Fabia Combi.

This is a van with a classic design in every way. It is based on the Fabia limousine, which means that the first half of both cars is exactly the same. This also applies to the front seat. Those who have already entered the interior of the new Fabia will agree that it looks nicer than the exterior.

The lines are aligned, the switches are where we expect them, the indicators are transparent and nicely (green) illuminated at night, the monotonous gray is enhanced by hooks and plastic parts reminiscent of metal, and although the materials do not achieve the same quality as we are used to in models more well-known brands, well-being is still well taken care of.

Also thanks to the good adjustability of the driver's seat, a medium quality audio system (Dance) with large and easily accessible buttons, reliable air conditioning and an informative on-board computer, which are available as standard in the Ambiente equipment package.

The biggest advantage of most Škoda models has always been spaciousness, and this can also be attributed to the Fabio Combi. But still, don't expect the impossible. Two passengers of average height will still feel best in the back seat. The third one will more than not interfere, which also applies to luggage.

The boot capacity is large (480L) for this class of car, but still suitable for a family of four who can easily go on vacation. Even longer. Of course, the rear can also be enlarged if necessary. Namely, in the most classic way known to us.

This means that you first need to raise the seat and then fold the back of the bench in a 60:40 ratio, which also made things a little easier.

The seat parts are not attached to the bottom by hinges, as we see elsewhere, but by thin metal rods. The solution, although we believe it has been rigorously tested, does not seem to inspire any overwhelming confidence, but it is true that it is precisely because of this seat attachment that it can be completely removed and thus get a few extra liters. in the rear. There is no limit to originality.

At the rear, you'll find hooks to hang your shopping bags, a 12V socket and a side drawer to prevent small items from rolling down the back, as well as a mesh partition that divides the interior. from the cargo compartment, and, in addition, the drawers in the front door are designed to accommodate 1 liter bottles and are equipped with elastic straps. who make sure that newspapers and the like (car maps, magazines ...) fit snugly against the wall of the door.

The range of engines is much less original. From the rich reading found on the shelves of the concern, only a few of the simplest engines were included in the list, three of which (base gasoline and the smallest diesel) have already been shown at an international presentation that they do not fully meet the task. ... Only the engine on which the test Fabio was installed was the first (in terms of performance) acceptable engine.

The well-known 1-liter petrol four-cylinder with 4 kW and 63 Nm of torque in the heavy 132 kg Fabia Combi does not conjure up unexpected characteristics, but we can still say that it allows you to easily navigate the city centers, satisfyingly overcoming (slightly ) longer distances, overtaking when it is (really) necessary, and quite economical. He drank an average of 1.150 liters of unleaded gasoline per 8 kilometers.

Is it something else? The base on which the Fabia Combi stands is also not designed for more powerful engines. Loss of traction on wet (too) soft suspension and non-communicative steering servo make it clear which target group this Fabia is targeting. It's just a shame that this is so clearly visible in the design.

Matevz Koroshec, photo :? Aleш Pavleti.

Škoda Fabia Combi 1.4 Atmosphere

Basic data

Sales: Porsche Slovenia
Base model price: 12.138 €
Test model cost: 13.456 €
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Power:63kW (86


KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h): 12,3 with
Maximum speed: 174 km / h
Mixed flow ECE: 6,5l / 100km

Technical information

engine: 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - gasoline - displacement 1.390 cm? – maximum power 63 kW (86 hp) at 5.000 rpm – maximum torque 132 Nm at 3.800 rpm.
Energy transfer: front wheel drive engine - 5-speed manual transmission - tires 195/55 R 15 H (Dunlop SP Winter Sport M + S).
Capacity: top speed 174 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h in 12,3 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 8,6 / 5,3 / 6,5 l / 100 km.
Mass: empty vehicle 1.060 kg - permissible gross weight 1.575 kg.
External dimensions: length 3.992 mm - width 1.642 mm - height 1.498 mm - fuel tank 45 l.
Box: 300-1.163 l

Our measurements

T = 13 ° C / p = 999 mbar / rel. vl. = 43% / Odometer Condition: 4.245 km
Acceleration 0-100km:12,8s
402m from the city: 18,7 years (


120 km / h)
1000m from the city: 34,3 years (


151 km / h)
Flexibility 50-90km / h: 10,7 (IV.) S
Flexibility 80-120km / h: 22,8 (W) p
Maximum speed: 174km / h


(V.)
test consumption: 8,3 l / 100km
Braking distance at 100 km / h: 46,2m
AM table: 41m

evaluation

  • Škoda has never gone beyond the high or higher price range with its models, and this also applies to the Fabio Combi. If you need to quickly list its pros and cons, then it's true that the smallest Škoda van will impress you with its space, comfort and price, not its shape and driving capabilities.

We praise and reproach

comfort by price range

spaciousness and flexibility

ease of use of the back (hooks, drawers ()

sophisticated luggage roller shutter system

favorable fuel consumption

reasonable price

(also) soft steering wheel and suspension

loss of grip on wet roads

average engine performance

motor sump (weak motors)

the bottom of the back is not flat (folded bench)

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