2009 Skoda Fabia car reviews (UK version)

2009 Skoda Fabia (UK 1.9 Diesel)
Personality	Impressive economy car
Plus	Space, mileage, ergonomics
Minus	No cruise, slow-ish diesel
Reviewer	Michael LaLouette

The new-shape Skoda Fabia was released earlier this year and is a completely fresh design with no “product carry-over” from the old model. However, the new model continues in the former’s footsteps, providing sure, reliable and comfortable transport for up to four adults, along with adequate space for day luggage, and all for a reasonable price.

Skoda is just one of VW’s impressive line-up of marques: Seat, Bugatti, Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, and Scania trucks, with each of the manufacturers holding a clear identity of its own, along with a loyal following.

Available in six colours, and an optional white roof on all, the Fabia comes in three trim levels - 1, 2 and 3 - with 1 being the entry level, and 3 the deluxe specification. Each trim has a distinct character with the level reflected both inside and out, with the lower level getting silver coloured wheel trims, and the upper model receiving alloy wheels in a slightly larger size, along with the appropriately sized tyres.

The model we tested was the middle of the range, trim-wise, the “2.”’ The car was finished in a particularly nice shade of metallic/pearl red, with a pleasantly contrasting interior cloth of black and dark grey, with the occasional highlighting of red. Although the interior does include plastic panels, as do all modern cars, it’s not too obvious, and those that are there have a good feel. The seats were firm, but comfortable, providing adequate support for the spirited driving achievable with the cars power output. The rear seats fold forward - once the headrests have been removed - providing a flat load-space area for weekend adventures into the country, or occasional load carrying.

The dashboard is easy to read, with clear gauges mounted within the drivers line of sight. Comprehensive call-outs monitor the cars fluid levels, temperatures and engine operation. The front two seats are generously adjustable for height, rake and reach, giving all but the most extreme of adults a comfortable seating position.

The car is available with both petrol and Diesel engines: three petrol engines provide power outputs from 65 HP in the 1.4 litre Classic, through to the 125 HP 1.6 litre RS, Fabia’s equivalent to the GT. The Diesels are restricted to two engines: the 1.4 litre 65 HP Blueline, an economy model, aimed at those trying to do motoring on the cheap, through to the 1.9 litre, 105 HP range topper. All come with five-speed gearboxes.

As mentioned, the tested model was the Fabia 2, the middle-of-the-road trim level, and was equipped with the 1.9 litre Diesel engine and corresponding five-speed gearbox.

Although there is a noticeable power increase over the smaller 1.4 litre model, the biggest change is in the torque available, making for easier driving, with less gear-changes for hills and general acceleration. Mileage, always of interest in these penny pinching times, was a respectable 45 mpg (UK) around town, with nearly 65 on an extended run up to the lake district. Both could be changed, for better or worse, depending upon your driving technique.

For longer journeys, cruise-control would be welcome, but isn’t offered on the Fabia, even as an option.

The ride in the Fabia is pleasant, without either road noise or wind noise being excessive at legal speeds. Handling is nudging on the sporty, and whilst not top of the class, is more than adequate for most situations and drivers. Whilst it doesn’t get there with the speediest of models, the 1.9 Diesel does pick up its skirts and get out of its own way when pushed: 0 - 60 is achieved in an adequate 10.4 seconds.

We were impressed with the Fabia, having not driven any of the Skoda range before. In the three days we had the car, it proved an eager, characterful little run-about, willing to do most things requested of it in an unflustered manner.