COMPACT PACKED WITH POLISH

Increased asking price comes with lengthy features list and accomplished performance

CONJURE images of the French Riviera and its typically breathtaking vistas. Cheap? Not really. Skoda’s new special edition compact Fabia hatch is aptly named after Monte Carlo. The brand entered the Australian market as the European value proposition under parent company Volkswagen, yet average Skoda prices pushed past $50,000 courtesy of a strong lineup of sporty SUVs.

Sitting in the same segment as the bargain-priced MG3, Suzuki Baleno and Kia Rio, the Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo Edition 150 sits at the other end of the small car spectrum.

Sporting flair inside and out comes with a price-tag of $37,990 drive-away.

WHAT ARE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KEL: Classy and European, I thought it looked awesome.

GRANT: With 18-inch alloys, body kit and glossy black grille, diffuser, skirts and mirror backs, this version of the Fabia epitomised what you’d expect from a top-shelf model.

KEL: That asking price is reasonably high for a compact hatch, although I feel like car bargains are few and far between now.

GRANT: Used cars are still dictating lofty money due to new car supply shortages. At least the Fabia Monte Carlo looks expensive … our test car looked even better courtesy of the $500 velvet red metallic paint job (auto parking for $1000 is the only other option available).

WHAT DID YOU LIKE?

KEL: Those external good looks translated inside. The three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminium pedals, along with the colour-coded seat trim as well as the glossy red, black and carbon dash finishes were nice.

GRANT: Tech inclusions were also top-class. The 9.2-inch central touchscreen has impressive clarity along with smartphone mirroring apps Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

KEL: I’ve become a fan of the digital driver’s display, which has a range of configurations, and switching views between various instruments or satnav can be done via a button on the steering wheel.

GRANT: Not forgetting our favourite Skoda inclusion, the umbrella hidden in the driver’s door. Rain can creep up on you in Queensland. There was also the small bin that can sit in the front door wells. Other cool kit included wireless phone charging, four USB C ports, rear aircon vents and push-button start.

KEL: Boot space was impressive for a small hatch. Our weekly shop of about 10 bags fit without spilling into the back seat.

GRANT: The rear seats also folded, although there is a step that can make loading awkward-size items challenging.

WHAT DIDN’T YOU LIKE?

KEL: Among my top priorities is commonsense cabin planning. There were no cupholders – how am I supposed to survive without coffee on my travels? GRANT: A removable tray featuring a pair of holders is an accessory and all Fabia Monte Carlos will feature it as standard production from this month. KEL: Lucky, otherwise it would have been a no-deal for me immediately.

GRANT: It’s pushing premium pricing at this level, although Skoda has thrown a lot of extra equipment at this model, which the brand estimates to be worth more than $15k … that offsets the price rise of about $6700.

KEL: For nearly $40k, my expectation would be leather trim.

GRANT: Agreed. I’d also like to see the return of two buttons or a knob to control the dual-zone aircon fan. Having to press a button and then go through the main touchscreen menu is more complicated than required.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: Quick enough off the line, I felt there was more show than go.

GRANT: The 0-100km/h time is eight seconds which is quicker than most mainstream hatches. Something like a hardcore Hyundai i20N with a manual gearbox will do the same job in 6.2 seconds.

KEL: I still found it fun to drive around town and it never struggled uphill or on the highway. GRANT: The 18-inch rubber offer sticky performance in the corners and the ventilated discs front (solid at the back) offer reliable braking power.

KEL: The drive mode button didn’t seem to change the driving characteristics a great deal between normal, sport and economy. GRANT: Acceleration response and steering weight can be altered via various drive modes. Ride quality can be firm, courtesy of the sport suspension. Our average fuel consumption was 6.5 litres of premium unleaded for every 100km. We managed to get close to the claimed 4.9L/100km only with highway travels.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: The more time I spent in the Fabia Monte Carlo the more I liked it, and even transporting two growing boys we had no issues with space. With the cup-holder insert, I’d happily spend the money to have one in our driveway.

GRANT: Great looks inside and out, it’s an appealing version of the compact hatch. For my money, I’d likely side with something more of the hot hatch variety like the i20N or a Ford Fiesta ST – even if they don’t quite match the European flair and have only manual gearboxes.