Test drive Skoda Fabia: The third of a dynasty

First impressions of the new edition of one of the leaders in the small car segment in Europe

The first thing that makes a strong impression in the new generation of Skoda Fabia is its significantly changed appearance. On the one hand, the car can be unmistakably recognized as a member of the Skoda model family, and this automatically excludes the possibility of a radical change in design direction. However, the fact is that the appearance of the new Fabia is fundamentally different from its predecessor, and this is due not so much to some cardinal changes in the shape of the body as to changes in its proportions. If the second version of the model had a narrow and relatively high body, now the Skoda Fabia has an almost athletic stand for its class - especially when the car is ordered with one of the additional options for 16- and 17-inch wheels. The ability to customize the car has increased many times over compared to its predecessor - another point in which the model has made significant qualitative progress.

Built on a completely new technological platform

However, the innovation is only just beginning – the Skoda Fabia is the first small class model within the Volkswagen Group to be built on a new modular transverse engine platform, or MQB for short. This means that the model has a real chance to take advantage of a huge part of the latest technological advances that VW has at the moment.

One of the most important advantages of the new design is the ability to make the most of the available interior volume - inside the Fabia is not only more spacious than its predecessor, but also boasts the largest trunk in its segment - nominal volume. The volume of the cargo compartment is a typical 330 liters for the upper class.

Small but mature

Significant progress is also evident in terms of quality - if the previous version of the model was made solidly, but left a feeling of simplicity, the new Skoda Fabia is very close to the representatives of a higher price category. This feeling is further enhanced on the road – thanks to precise handling, stable behavior in many corners and on the highway, low lateral inclination of the body and surprisingly smooth absorption of bumps on the road, the Fabia running gear works very well. tall for the class. The impressively low noise level in the cabin also contributes to excellent driving comfort.

According to Czech engineers, the fuel consumption of the new engines has decreased by an average of 17 percent compared to the previous model. Initially, the model will be available with two naturally aspirated three-cylinder engines with 60 and 75 hp, two petrol turbo engines (90 and 110 hp) and two turbodiesel engines. A particularly economical 75 hp Greenline is expected next year. and an official average consumption of 3,1 l / 100 km. During the first tests of the Skoda Fabia, we had the opportunity to collect impressions of the 1.2 TSI four-cylinder petrol turbo engine in 90 and 110 hp versions. Although they use basically the same drivetrain, the two modifications are very different - one of the reasons for this is that the weaker one is combined with a 5-speed gearbox, and the more powerful one with six gears. Due to their desire to reduce the level of speed and thus reduce fuel consumption and noise levels, the Czechs have chosen rather large gear ratios for the 90 hp version of the gearbox, which in many cases is part of the temperament of an excellent engine. In the 110 hp model. The six-speed gearbox perfectly matches the character of the engine, making it not only more dynamic, but also more economical in real-world conditions.

CONCLUSION

The new generation of Fabia is a clear proof of how mature a small class model can be. With a wide choice of modern engines and transmissions, increased interior space, many useful everyday solutions, significantly improved quality and an even more impressive balance between driving comfort and dynamic handling, the new Skoda Fabia may now deserve the title of the best product in its segment.

Text: Bozhan Boshnakov

Photo: Skoda