Engineering, value and practicality: those are the qualities Skoda believes to be behind its success. Successful it is too, with recent record sales driven by the launch of its pair of SUVs, the Kodiaq and smaller Karoq. A full electrification strategy is around the corner too, with four plug-in hybrid and six fully electric cars due to join the range between 2020 and 2025. However, none of that is to say Skoda has forgotten the role that’s to be played by its smaller, more conventional cars – which is precisely how we find ourselves behind the wheel of the freshly revised Fabia. THE COMPETITION It’s no longer Skoda’s smallest offering (the Citigo takes that honour), but the Fabia is still easily compact enough for city driving. This is helped by excellent visibility and light, predictable controls. It also feels roomy inside, particularly when it comes to boot space where the Skoda isn’t terribly far behind some cars from the class above. And if you’re still not satisfied there’s an estate version that, while perhaps not the coolest car around, is amazingly practical and has a solid following, accounting for 25 per cent of Fabia sales. WHAT’S NEW FOR 2018? Among the improvements, all models now come with a touchscreen infotainment system and autonomous emergency braking, while new additions to the options list include LED headlights (impressive both for their performance and the fact they are even available on a car of this size), 18-inch wheels and blind spot monitors. It’s not just the things that you can now have, however, but also what you can’t. For with this facelift comes the news that Skoda is no longer offering the Fabia with a diesel engine. Instead there’s a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol unit with three possible power outputs. In its cheapest, non-turbocharged form you get a modest 74bhp, which is fine for town driving. However, most will no doubt benefit from having one of the turbocharged engines with either 94bhp or 109bhp, particularly if any motorway driving is on the agenda. Those needing an automatic gearbox are restricted to the most powerful engine too, although that’s pretty standard practice with cars of this size. THE DRIVE For a car with such a forgiving ride (comfort levels are excellent by small car standards) the Fabia also handles well, with a connected feel to the steering that makes it easy to place. Yes, the body leans in corners and no, it doesn’t change direction as keenly as a Ford Fiesta, but nor does the Skoda disgrace itself. If you want a more dynamic version the Monte Carlo with its optional sport suspension might appeal, but bear in mind Skoda no longer offers the Fabia in full vRS hot hatch guise. THE VERDICT SKODA FABIA HISTORY Skoda Fabia Mk2 Skoda Fabia Mk3 In the market for a used car? CarGurus makes it easy to find great deals from top-rated dealers. CarGurus compares price, detailed vehicle data and dealer reviews to give each used car a deal rating from great to overpriced, and sorts the best deals first. Find out more and begin your used car search at CarGurus The content above is for informational purposes only and should be independently verified. Please see our Terms of Use for more details. Small Change: 2018 Skoda Fabia Driven posted first on http://www.cargurus.com/blog/ via Blogger Small Change: 2018 Skoda Fabia Driven
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April 2018
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