Skoda Fabia (2013)

Expert Review by Maxabout

Main

Exterior

Interior

Colors

Dashboard

Skoda India has launched New Fabia in India, 11 variants are on offer - 5 of diesel and 6 of petrol. They have priced New Fabia very competitively with prices starting from Rs. 4,20,000.00 for the base petrol model and Rs. 5,25,000.00 for the base diesel model. Skoda India has been able to price the New Fabia lower than last gen model because of localization of parts which have gone up from 15 percent to 40 percent. Skoda's Fabia is a popular small car among buyers who are looking for good value for money. The car's durability and practicality are very appealing above more subjective attributes. New Skoda Fabia provides good levels of refinement and a decent ride for a car of this size. The car enjoys a loyal following due largely to its practicality, decent driving experience, and affordable price. It has managed to transformation from a modest hatch to something more versatile. The Fabia is a hatchback with much better access and versatility. Skoda Fabia was launched abroad in 2000 and went in for a facelift in 2005 and now in 2010 Skoda has given it another minor facelift to keep the looks fresh and to date.

Variants

Skoda India has priced the New Fabia a tad lower than the last generation model because the main reason of low sales of Fabia from last few months was that the price of Fabia is on the higher side in comparison on Hyundai i20 which is high on features and has more variants on offer. New Skoda Fabia is available in seven variants - 3 of diesel and 4 of petrol.

• Petrol Active
• Petrol Active Plus
• Petrol Ambition
• Petrol Ambition Plus
• Petrol Elegance
• Petrol 1.6 Elegance

• Diesel Active
• Diesel Active Plus
• Diesel Ambition
• Diesel Ambition Plus
• Diesel Elegance

Exterior

As far as the overall design of the New Fabia goes, it is more or less the same but improved and that says a lot because the outgoing Fabia was highly rated. After making a keener observation, one can found that the new headlamp design matches Fabia's sharp edges and makes it look more confident on road with a wider vision. The lower air dam now get horizontal lines while the typical vertically lined upper grille, the signature of Skoda cars, still prevail. The tail lamps are also new with clearer lens. The small and round fog lamps are gone and now the new Fabia gets a larger boxy fog lamps.

Interior

New Skoda Fabia benefits from more headroom and rear legroom. The width is still a bit cozy but the boot is larger and makes for a very user-friendly five-door hatchback. The space is reasonable and with storage areas and cubbyholes logically placed. New Fabia's fold-able rear seats come in very handy, allowing larger items to be loaded with ease. The car's tailgate opens wide but due to the flat load lip loading and unloading can be a challenge. It is not a complex car, and the controls and dials reflect that simplicity. The essential instruments are all adequately represented on the car's fascia. The controls and displays of New Skoda Fabia are all large and easy to operate. The high-mounted stereo's controls are simple to use as well. The car's steering wheel adjusts for both reach and rake. The New Fabia provides a very comfortable ride. The car's seats are supportive and comfortable, but larger passengers may not be as comfortable. Cabin space is good for front seat passengers. Rear space is more limited but will accommodate smaller passengers or children very well. It handles well and provides good grip. It drives well both in town and at motorway speeds. The steering is light but offers enough feel on more challenging roads. It wouldn't be the most practical family car. Rear seating is limited, and may not easily accommodate a growing family. The boot is practically sized though and could easily store a stroller or family-sized shopping. Dash layout is simple and the trim feels robust but it looks basic when compared to rivals, while the air con switches seem old fashioned and the steering wheel feels cheap. It does have a double glove-box and easy to read, attractively lit dials, though.

Engine and Gearbox

Skoda India has launched New Fabia with three engine options - 1.6 litre 105 Bhp Petrol, 1.2 litre 75 Bhp Petrol and 1.2 litre 75 Bhp Diesel. The 1.2 litre petrol generates maximum power of 75 Bhp and maximum torque of 110 Nm, the 1.2 litre diesel generates maximum power of 75 Bhp and maximum torque of 180 Nm and the 1.6 litre petrol generates maximum power of 105 Bhp and maximum torque of 153Nm.

Shades

New Skoda Fabia is available in five shades: Deep Black, Candy White, Flash Red, Brilliant Silver and Cappuccino Beige.

Main Features

Top variant of New Skoda Fabia comes fully loaded with following features: 14 inch matte silver finished alloys, Chrome finish on front grille, Chrome inserts in interiors, Chrome surrounds around instrument cluster, Body coloured bumpers, door handles and ORVMs, Front and rear fog lights, Halogen headlamps with manual leveling, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Dual rate brake assist, Dual SRS front airbags, Security code for the music system, Engine immobilizer with floating code system, Remote central locking with fold-able key, Height adjustable driver's seat, Rake and reach adjustment for steering wheel, Double DIN music system with four speakers and AUX port, Manual air conditioner, Power windows and Power steering and Adjustable rear parcel shelf.

What to expect from New Skoda Fabia?

Overall, New Fabia seems to be the most solid hatchback in India and it enjoys a loyal following due largely to its practicality, best quality interiors and decent driving experience. Also Skoda India has priced the New Fabia very competitively to compete with the likes of Hyundai i20, Ford Figo, Indica Vista, Chevrolet Aveo UV-A and Honda Jazz.