Fabia’s success story

Some serious competition for the likes of the Renault Clio and Fiat Punto has just entered the supermini market in the shape of the new Skoda Fabia 1.4TDI 5-door hatchback

ENGINE:    1.4-litre, 3-cyl
POWER:    80bhp turbo-diesel
TOP SPEED:    107mph
0-60MPH:    13.2secs
CO2:        120g/km
BIK tax:        15%
MPG:    61.4mpg
PRICE:    from £7,990 - £13,015

Skoda launched the first-generation Fabia back in 2000 to great acclaim. To date, Skoda has sold over 1.5 million Fabias worldwide, setting new standards for size, comfort and versatility in the highly competitive supermini segment.
   
In the UK, it won awards including the title of What Car? and Auto Express ‘Car of the Year’. Not only was it highly decorated by the motoring press, but the Fabia also acted as a catalyst for Skoda, helping to transorm the fortunes of the brand. Most importantly of all, Fabia captured the loyalty of over 130,000 satisfied customers – a whopping nine out of 10 of whom say they’d recommend their Fabia to a friend.
   
The Fabia has come a long way since the first generation model wowed the press and public seven years ago. Not only has it helped Skoda become one of the fastest growing car brands, it also provided the springboard for a new range of exciting designs including the recently launched Roomster.
   
In keeping with this success story the new Fabia takes all that is great about the original model and makes it even better - huge amounts of space, excellent quality and outstanding value – and adds more practicality and improved comfort.

Interior
New Fabia is the most spacious car in its class. Not only does it offer the most headroom and knee space in the segment, it also has the biggest boot. With the rear seats folded, it provides 1,163 litres of luggage space and 300 litres of space is on offer even with all five seats occupied.
   
To maximise the available space, the Fabia’s parcel shelf can be set at two different heights, varying the boot capacity and ensuring that delicate objects can be protected during transit. It can also be stowed behind the rear seats. The removable plastic retainer that attaches to the side of the boot offers further protection for vulnerable items of luggage.
   
Cabin storage options have improved too. In addition to a shelf to the right of the steering wheel, the door pockets can now hold large 1.5-litre drinks bottles. Smaller integrated storage spaces can be found on the dashboard, while the centre console features a decently-sized cubby with a non-slip base. All models also feature large map pockets in the front seat backs.