Fab updates give Skoda more appeal

SKODA has upped the ante with this improved version of its thirdgeneration Fabia

The Czech manufacturer has introduced sharper, more assertive styling and clever tech that has been bringing down the average age of its customers.

With plenty of space inside and improved levels of safety and media connectivity, the Fabia seems to be getting the basics spot on these days and further benefits from the introduction of an impressive 1.0-litre TSI entry-level powerplant.

Because this is merely an update of an existing design, this revised MK3 Fabia doesn’t get the Volkswagen Group’s latest MQB platform, as used by its cousins, latest versions of the Volkswagen Polo and the SEAT Ibiza.

Its older chassis is still quite sophisticated though and to it can be bolted the same engines as you’d find in the two rival models just mentioned.

All of these units are now threecylinder petrol-powered engines, with Skoda deciding the market for diesels amongst supermini buyers is now defunct thanks to their fuel efficient figures of up to 65.7mpg.

There are 60 and 75hp 1.0-litre MPI normally aspirated powerplants, but the engine to have, if you can stretch to it, is the 1.0-litre TSI turbo, available with 95 or 110hp. The perkier unit can be matched with 7-speed DSG auto transmission.

Even the base TSI variant gets to 62mph in 0.6s en route to 115mph. The pokier version improves these figures to 9.5s and 122mph.

On the move, Skoda has worked hard to endow the Fabia with a supple ride, decent body control and low-effort steering.

The Fabia’s changed — but not beyond recognition. Front and rear design updates deliver a smarter appearance and there are more stylish wheel designs of up to 18-inches in size. Shaplier headlights and front fog lights with sleeker outlines and state-of-the-art lighting technology also freshen up the look.

As before, there’s a five-door Hatch bodystyle, or an Estate with a class-leading 530-litre boot capacity. With the Hatch variant, the boot is also the largest within the car’s segment at 330-litres and the loading area is 960mm wide. With the rear seats folded down in Hatch models, loading capacity increases up to 1,150-litres.

All passengers get impressive levels of headroom by supermini standards.

Prices start at around the £11,000 mark, with a £1,000 premium if you want the Estate.