Interior
When it comes to car interiors, the Skoda Fabia is a model that stands out for its sleek and stylish design. With a variety of shapes and surface finishes, the Fabia’s interior keeps things interesting and pleasing to the eye.
Even the hard plastics on the tops of the doors and the dashboard are textured, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of the car. The flowing interior door handles and smart two-spoke steering wheel with controls for the car’s infotainment and safety features make it easy to stay connected while on the road.
Unlike touch-sensitive controls found in some other vehicles, the Fabia’s buttons are proper and easy to use. The entry-level model comes with a 6.5-inch display screen, and higher-spec models are fitted with an 8.0 or 9.2-inch display screen. All display screens are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to stay connected on the go.
The centre console has proper ventilation buttons, which are much easier to use than having to navigate through infotainment menus just to adjust the temperature. From mid-range level and above, all Fabia’s come with a digital dashboard display, which makes the interior feel even more modern than basic versions that have analogue dials with an analogue dial with a tiny LCD display squeezed in between them.
Practicality and comfort
Skoda has always been known for providing practical and spacious cars at an affordable price. The Skoda Fabia is no exception to this, offering plenty of space and comfort for those sitting in the front and back seats.
One of the standout features of the Skoda Fabia is its driving position. All Skoda’s have a decent driving position, and the Fabia is no different. It offers loads of adjustment for the steering wheel and the driver’s seat, so getting a comfortable driving position is not an issue.
The Skoda Fabia’s interior is also designed to keep things tidy and organized. There are plenty of smaller storage areas scattered around the cabin, including storage space under the front centre armrest with a 12V charging socket. Additionally, there are two cupholders in the centre console and a tray for a phone with two USB-C plugs and optional wireless charging. All mid to higher spec models get interior lighting and have Skoda’s handy trademark feature – an umbrella hidden in the driver’s door for emergencies. The glovebox is an average size, but all four door bins are huge, capable of holding a large bottle of water. There’s also a small, lidded cubby below the steering wheel which is perfect for hiding keys and change.
In the back seats, the new Skoda Fabia is surprisingly big for a small car. It’s around 100mm longer between the front and the rear wheels than the previous Fabia, which creates plenty of leg room for passengers. But perhaps the most impressive feature of the Skoda Fabia is its 380-litre boot, which is the biggest you’ll find in this size of car. For comparison, a Polo’s boot is 350 litres, while a Ford Fiesta only offers 311 litres. Skoda has also sprinkled the boot with handy features like hooks for keeping your shopping upright and a smaller storage space that’s handy for smaller items like a bottle of screen wash.
Performance and visibility
When it comes to small cars, there are often compromises to be made. The ride can be bumpy, the visibility can be poor, and manoeuvrability can be a challenge. However, the Skoda Fabia seems to have found a way to tick all the boxes and provide a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable driving experience.
One of the standout features of the Skoda Fabia is its ability to absorb bumps and uneven road surfaces. Even in towns, where potholes and speed bumps are common, the Fabia provides a smooth ride that feels more like a larger car than a small one. This is thanks to its well-tuned suspension and sound insulation that keeps road noise to a minimum.
Another notable aspect of the Skoda Fabia is its excellent visibility. The large windows and wing mirrors offer generous views of the surroundings, making parking and navigating through traffic a breeze. The windscreen and middle pillars are also thinner than those of its rivals, providing a clearer view at junctions and roundabouts. This feature is especially helpful for driving instructors, as the speedometer is visible from both the driver and passenger sides.
While the Skoda Fabia is great for city driving, it also holds its own on the motorway and back roads. The seats are comfortable, and the vehicle handles well, with plenty of grip and responsive steering. On the motorway, the sound insulation and lack of wind noise make for a pleasant and stable ride. And on twisty back roads, the Fabia is brisk and confident, without being too sporty or aggressive.
In terms of practicality, the Skoda Fabia offers a decent amount of space for a small car. The rear boot area is larger than many of its competitors, making it easier to load and unload. Additionally, all trims of the Fabia come with rear parking sensors as standard, which is a helpful feature for anyone who struggles with reversing.
Overall, the Skoda Fabia is a well-designed and versatile compact car that offers a comfortable ride, excellent visibility, and impressive handling. Whether you’re driving in the city or on the open road, the Fabia is sure to provide a safe and enjoyable experience.
Features
Škoda Fabia Hatch Colour Edition
Wheels
- 16” alloy wheels silver plated
Exterior
- Privacy glass
- LED rear lights
- LED headlights
Interior
- arm wrest
- Manual handbrake
- Ambient lighting
Entertainment
- 2x USB
- 10.25” virtual cockpit
- 9.2” navigation display
- Voice control
Convenience
- Rear parking sensors
- Lane assist
- Front assist
- Keyless start/stop
- Standard seats
- Dual zone climate control
- Electric windows
- Umbrella in drivers door
- Hill hold control (only 1.5l)
- Cruise control with speed limiter
- Door mirrors same colour
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