Skoda Fabia Review 2024

Skoda Fabia At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The latest Skoda Fabia is a perfect example of how to make the ideal small hatchback. It does everything incredibly well, is cheap to run and even looks good. With cheaper prices than a Volkswagen Polo, this is where the smart money goes.

+Very refined and quiet for a small car. Impressive ride quality. Does everything very well.

-A Ford Fiesta is more fun to drive. No hybrid or electric models.

It's all change for this generation Skoda Fabia as Skoda has ditched the boxy looks of its predecessor for a far more attractive and desirable design. And this is a key thing as Skoda aims to shake off the staid and sensible image of the Fabia that has put off younger buyers who would rather go for a Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa. Of course some things remain... it's still practical, refined and represents excellent value for money, too. Read on for our full review of the Skoda Fabia.

Skoda has a reputation for sensible and practical - and the Skoda Fabia has been the epitome of that in the supermini sector. But style has in the past taken a back seat. But that's changing with the 2021 Skoda Fabia which, shock horror, actually looks good. Finally a Fabia that's actually sleek and attractive.

With styling influenced by the Skoda Kamiq, the 2021 Skoda Fabia is a far better proportioned car that we think has what it takes to give the Volkswagen Polo a run for its money. But being a Skoda this remains a sensible, practical and affordable hatchback.

Its real forte is the ride quality. Few small cars (or even those from the Golf-sized class above) ride as well as the Skoda Fabia. It's great at ironing out rough roads and is just as capable on the motorway where the Fabia is very content - and quiet - cruising at 70mph.

Safe and reassuring to drive, yes the steering could do with more feel (a now common complaint on most small cars) and a Ford Fiesta is more enjoyable to drive, but it's very hard to pick fault with the way the Skoda Fabia goes about its business. It's an incredibly easy to live with hatchback.

It is also cheap to run - although we're surprised there are no hybrid or electric models. But with a range of frugal 1.0-litre engines, all of which can return at least 50mpg, this is a cheap car to run.

There's also more space than before - the Fabia now more than 4 metres in length for the first time. This means better space for both those in the front and back (handy for kids in car seats) plus a huge 380-litre boot. In fact it's the biggest of any small hatchback we know - even the ever versatile Honda Jazz.

With prices starting at around £18,600 for the entry-level Skoda Fabia S (which admittedly doesn't get alloys and has a plastic rather than leather steering wheel) the Fabia is no longer the bargain it once was. But it's also a far better and more generously equipped car than before. And when you consider that a Volkswagen Polo starts at more than £20,000, the Fabia looks great value.

If you're after a high quality and comfortable small hatchback that does everything incredibly well without costing a fortune, you can't beat the latest Skoda Fabia. It's one of our very favourite small cars. 

We lived with a Fabia for six months - find out how we got on with it in our Skoda Fabia long term test. Looking for a second opinion? Why not read heycar's Skoda Fabia review.

Ask Honest John

I need a replacement for a Ford B-MAX that offers better ride comfort?

"My wife currently has a Ford B-MAX. It’s great for grandchildren but she no longer wants to drive at night due to the appalling headlights and she would like something that doesn’t expose every imperfection in the road surface. Budget is low £20,000s. What would you recommended?"
We would suggest looking at cars such as the Skoda Fabia, Honda Jazz and Hyundai i20, all of which have decent ride quality and are available well within budget.
Answered by David Ross

What's the best small petrol car?

"I am looking for a petrol engined small car but preferably not a 3 cylinder and bigger than 1.0-litre (maybe 1.3-litre or 1.5-litre). I have spent hours looking but many new cars only have have hybrid options. Any suggestions?"
How about a Mazda 2? Mazda talks about 'rightsizing' - having the optimal engine size for a car rather than chasing economy with small-capacity turbocharged engines. As such, the Mazda 2 uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, now helped with a small degree of mild-hybrid electrical assistance. Alternatively, consider a Skoda Fabia with the 1.5 TSI petrol engine.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Can I use E10 petrol in my Skoda Fabia?

" I drive a Skoda Fabia 2021, what type of petrol is best to use?"
Your car will be perfectly fine using regular E10 petrol.
Answered by Lawrence Allan

Does the Skoda Fabia have a CD player?

"Having plumped for a Skodia Fabia SE 95/110, where is the CD player?"
Skoda stopped offering CD players on the Fabia when the third generation model launched in 2015. Audio output is done through your phone via Bluetooth, with USB connection or with an SD card. Very few modern cars still come with CD players built-in. However, you can buy portable CD players that play and connect via a USB drive - many electronics stores stock these online.
Answered by Lawrence Allan
More Questions

What does a Skoda Fabia cost?