written by Newhaven on 02/07/2007
Good Points
Reasonably lively performance given 1.2 3 cylinder engine. Estate body gives much greater load carrying capacity than hatchback - and many apparently bigger cars. For a car of its size very comfortable and feels like a much bigger car to drive. Has been faultlessly reliable and feels very well put together (still no rattles!). Dealer has always been superb.
Bad Points
To achieve reasonable performance fuel performance suffers - achieve approx 58 on a steady motorway run, reducing to 43ish around town. Have averaged 46 overall - therefore not bad - just not outstanding! Due to small engine can struggle a little on steep/long hills whilst maintaining 70mph.
General Comments
The Skoda Fabia was bought following very positive experiences with a Skoda Octavia diesel estate to provide a shopping trolley/car to access dog walks etc. However capabilities of car became apparent quickly and now regularly used for longish runs (up to 250 miles in a day mainly on rural A roads) for work and and personal purposes and always arrive fresh. Very happy with the car and would buy another.