Skoda Fabia Combi 1.4 16V Comfort
The sequence of expanding or creating a family is a bit pointless as the usual sequence is: limousine, extending the rear to a limousine, and finally upgrading the trunk to a van version. But we don't take such little things too personally. At Škoda, or rather Volkswagen, they probably already know what they are doing. Well, let's forget about all the connections between the individual factories and focus on the latest Škoda acquisition. Fabii Combi.
The sedans have lengthened the rear end, or more specifically the overhang above the rear wheels, by 262 millimeters, thereby increasing luggage space from the class average of 260 to a much more useful 426 liters. Of course, the absolute volume has also increased - 1225 liters of luggage can be loaded into the van (1016 liters in the station wagon), but, of course, it is necessary to lower the third divisible rear bench. But when using the entire volume of the trunk, the bottom is not completely flat. The folded bench breaks the bottom with a step about seven centimeters high, which slightly reduces the basic enthusiasm for the convenience of using more liters. Many storage spaces in the cabin and on the sides of the luggage compartment are designed for small items of luggage and other small items.
The conversion of the limousine into a van is also visible from the outside. The first change is, of course, a longer rear end, but that's not the only change Škoda engineers have made to the Fabia. The side line, which in the shorter version extends to the C-pillar and ends at the tailgate with a slight step, works dynamically and is therefore more pleasant. However, for the older sister, the sideline ends at the last pillar and is therefore not visible on the five doors. Due to the absence of this detail, the rear end looks more rounded and less attractive to many observers.
In contrast to the exterior, the interior remained equally pleasant or unpleasant (depending on the person). The dashboard and the rest of the cabin are still quality and substandard materials. The densely padded seats are upholstered with quality upholstery, but on longer trips, due to insufficient lumbar support, they tire the spine and do not provide the best lateral grip when cornering.
But otherwise, the ergonomics are top notch, making for a car-friendly feel for both the driver and other passengers. Almost every driver can set a comfortable driving position, as it is widely adjustable in height and depth, and the seat height. There is also plenty of room for taller adults. There is plenty of room fore and aft in the front seats, while there will be no room for rear passengers' knees if the front seats are moved further back. All switches are within reach and light up, including the switch to turn the anti-skid device (ASR) on or off.
The latter, in combination with a 1-liter four-cylinder engine, is already standard equipment. On paper, the 4-valve engine develops a promising 74 kW (100 hp). But in practice it turns out that due to the lack of volume and only 126 Newton-meters of torque, flexibility is poor and the result in most cases is the redundancy of the built-in ASR system (expressed on a wet basis). ... The lower flexibility is much more noticeable even with a heavier vehicle. At the time, I would have liked to have had a more powerful 2-liter petrol or 0-liter TDI engine under the hood.
Poor maneuverability is also reflected in slightly less favorable fuel consumption. The average consumption on the test was 8 liters per 2 kilometers, but this figure can be reduced by a liter without much effort, and maybe a deciliter more, if only the right leg itches less. During driving, there is no direct connection between the throttle and the accelerator pedal, which is carried out by means of an electronic connection (by wire). The result is poor motor response to fast foot movements. Poor responsiveness or flexibility is also noticeable in the electro-hydraulic power steering mechanism. Namely, it does not harden enough with increasing speed, and as a result, responsiveness deteriorates, which also affects the overall impression of handling.
Aside from some drawbacks, there are even more good parts in the car that luckily prevail. This certainly includes the chassis, which, with a stiffer suspension, still absorbs bumps comfortably and reliably. Resilience is also reflected in the slight tilt of the body in the corners and good positioning. Under increased load (four passengers are enough in the cabin), the rear seat is more rigid, which limits rearward visibility. The upper edge of the rear window is lowered so that the view behind the vehicle is impossible or severely impaired. Outside mirrors help too, but the right one is ridiculously small.
Since there are often various obstacles on the road today, due to which we have to brake or dodge them, Škoda has already installed ABS as standard. The braking force dosage is just as satisfying as the braking feel, but with ABS, the road is always under control.
A good one and a half million tolars is the amount of money that sellers will ask you if you want to hand over the keys to the base Škoda Fabie Combi 1.4 16V Comfort. Many will say: hey, that's a lot of money for such a machine! And they will be right. Such a pile of money is definitely not a cat cough for most Slovenian households. It's true that the car still has some flaws, but it's also true that the latter outweigh the many other features that make the Fabia Combi one of the best examples in this class of car, which justifies the money required.
Peter Humar
PHOTO: Uro П Potoкnik
Skoda Fabia Combi 1.4 16V Comfort
Basic data
| Sales: | Porsche Slovenia |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 10.943,19 € |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Power: | 74kW (101 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 11,6 with |
| Maximum speed: | 186 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 7,1l / 100km |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - petrol - transverse front mounted - bore and stroke 76,5 × 75,6 mm - displacement 1390 cm3 - compression 10,5:1 - maximum power 74 kW (101 hp .) at 6000 rpm - maximum torque 126 Nm at 4400 rpm - crankshaft in 5 bearings - 2 camshafts in the head (timing belt) - 4 valves per cylinder - electronic multipoint injection and electronic ignition - liquid cooling 6,0 .3,5 l - engine oil XNUMX l - variable catalyst |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | engine drives front wheels - 5-speed synchromesh transmission - gear ratio I. 3,455 2,095; II. 1,433 hours; III. 1,079 hours; IV. 0,891 hours; v. 3,182; rear 3,882 - differential 185 - tires 60/14 R 2 T (Sava Eskimo SXNUMX M + S) |
| Capacity: | top speed 186 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h 11,6 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 9,7 / 5,6 / 7,1 l / 100 km (unleaded gasoline, elementary school 95) |
| Transportation and suspension: | 5 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, leaf springs, triangular cross rails, stabilizer bar, rear axle shaft, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers - dual-circuit brakes, front disc (with forced cooling), rear disc, power steering, toothed rack steering, servo |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1140 kg - permissible total weight 1615 kg - permissible trailer weight with brake 850 kg, without brake 450 kg - permissible roof load 75 kg |
| External dimensions: | length 4222 mm - width 1646 mm - height 1452 mm - wheelbase 2462 mm - track front 1435 mm - rear 1424 mm - driving radius 10,5 m |
| Inner dimensions: | length 1550 mm - width 1385/1395 mm - height 900-980 / 920 mm - longitudinal 870-1100 / 850-610 mm - fuel tank 45 l |
| Box: | normally 426-1225 liters |
Our measurements
| T = 4 ° C – p = 998 mbar – otn. vl. = 78% | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 12,6s |
|---|---|
| 1000m from the city: | 33,5 years ( 155 km / h) |
| Maximum speed: | 182km / h (V.) |
| Minimum consumption: | 7,1l / 100km |
| test consumption: | 8,2 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 49,5m |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear | 58dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear | 58dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear | 57dB |
| Test errors: | unmistakable |
evaluation
Skoda has packed a large trunk into a rather small car. Combined with the more powerful version of the 1,4-liter engine, this is a pretty good combination, but chances are it is somehow out of breath in doing the job it was designed to do.
We praise and reproach
ABS is standard
amount of luggage space
ergonomics
chassis
comfortable car
boring ass design
lower upper edge of the rear window
flexibility
steering servo
Accelerator pedal "Drive-by-wire"
