Skoda Fabia Estate (2015 – 2022) Review

Skoda Fabia Estate (2015 – 2022) At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
Out of all the cars in the Skoda range, it’s the Fabia Estate that embodies all the values the most that have taken this Czech company right to the top of many buyers’ shopping lists.

+Solid build quality, impressive interior space, good range of small and frugal engines, composed ride and handling.

-Basic 1.0-litre engine can struggle with a full load on board, twin boot floor is optional, materials could be more tactile, hardly exciting...

Insurance Groups are between 3–13
On average it achieves 81% of the official MPG figure

The Fabia Estate is testament to Skoda’s straightforward approach to car design. While other small hatches do their best to eke out the most from their compact cabins or try to be sporty, the Fabia wagon just gets on with delivering the maximum amount of room given its dimensions. This isn’t to say Skoda’s small estate is a one-trick pony and trap or dull, it’s just dutiful and honest and easy to live with. That extends to the way it drives, which is comfortable, smooth and unruffled. Admittedly, the entry-level models are sparsely equipped, but it’s affordable to move up a grade or two and enjoy some luxuries along with the simple life.

A lot of it has to do with the way the Fabia sidesteps all of the one-upmanship that can afflict decisions when picking a car. Instead, the Fabia marks you out as an independent thinker.

On top of this, the Fabia Estate does practicality like no other in its, admittedly niche, sector of supermini-based estates.

Lift up the tailgate and you’re presented with a huge boot of 530-litres with the rear seats still upright and in use. That’s getting on for executive estate dimensions. Tumble them down and the Fabia has 1395-litres to play with.

As well as all this space, Skoda makes it easy to use thanks to a low loading sill height and boot sides that are free from interruptions that might snag a bigger bit of cargo as it’s slid into or out of the car. The optional variable height floor is well worth ticking on the options list as it means the base of the luggage bay is all at one level, again making it less hassle to fit in bulkier items with the rear seats tipped forward.

Throughout the rest of the Fabia Estate, there are all the little touches that make the Skoda such an appealing prospect for anyone who has to live with car day in, day out.

Details such as the large bottle holders in the door pockets and centre console, and even the ice scraper hidden in the fuel filler flap that’s a trademark of the company. It all adds up to a car that fits into your life without asking anything in return

The Fabia Estate won’t ask much of your finances either thanks to a range of petrol engines that are frugal. They come with a choice of 1.0-litre engines in models from the 2018 facelift forward, or you could have a diesel motor by choosing a used version from when this Fabia Estate was launched in 2015.

Whichever engine takes your fancy, the Fabia wagon is very comfortable and glosses its way over bump-battered roads with calm efficiency.

Granted, you won’t feel entertained at the steering wheel of a Fabia in the way you would with a Ford Fiesta, but the Skoda has chosen comfort and quiet over an overtly sportier feel. Still, it deals with twists, turn, motorway and towns with the same relaxed air of competence.

Such an unpretentious approach doesn’t mean you have to wear a hair shirt when driving the Fabia Estate. Base versions are quite Spartan in the amount of equipment they come with, but it’s easy to choose a higher grade version and enjoy all of the luxuries you could want in a small hatch while also lugging large amounts of cargo.

Ask Honest John

What's the best medium-sized automatic car?

"I am looking to buy a medium sized automatic 2015-2017 for under £10,000. I want low mileage and five doors. I currently have a 2013 Peugeot 207SW diesel which is quite an unrefined vehicle but has served me well. I am torn as whether to spend £1500 on it or buy something newer. I think it would be worth about £2000 trade in. I am 70 yrs old which is why I would like an automatic. Most of my driving is on the M5 or A38 about 40miles/week. I am not a high tech person and need space for my large dog. I am unsure about the combination of smaller engines eg 1.2 and auto gearboxes. I have read about the different types of auto gearboxes which hasn't helped. I realise things have changed since the day of 'only big engines have auto gearboxes'"
Take a look at a Toyota Auris Touring Sports. It's a dependable hybrid estate car that I think will suit your needs very well while being reliable and cheap to run. It's popular with taxi (and Uber) drivers due to its versatility and reliability - do look out for signs that any secondhand examples have been used in this way. Alternatively, a Skoda Fabia Estate is a slightly smaller estate car that'll be similar in size to your Peugeot. Its little 1.0-litre (or 1.2-litre) petrol engine and DSG gearbox will be an easy-to-drive and cheap-to-run combination.
Answered by Andrew Brady

What is a good car for dogs?

"What is the best car for dogs getting in the rear?"
If you are looking for the lowest possible entry point to the boot area for your dogs we would suggest looking at cars like the Skoda Fabia Estate or Octavia Estate, the Dacia Logan MCV or Vauxhall Astra Estate.
Answered by David Ross

What's the best estate car for a new driver?

"My son is looking for his first car, preferably a tourer/estate for going camping with all his gear. He has a budget of up to £8000. Which cars might suit him best?"
We'd recommend a Skoda Fabia Estate. It's a versatile little estate car that will be cheap to run. £8000 will get your son a 2017 example with the frugal 1.2-litre petrol engine. If your son needs more space, look at the bigger Octavia - although this will cost more to insure for a new driver so shop around for insurance quotes first. A SEAT Leon ST would be a good alternative.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Best spacious used car?

"I'm looking for spacious, reliable used car with either fold down seats or a large boot. I do a lot of town driving with occasional long runs. I am looking for fuel economy but I am worried about the diesel particulate filter sooting up problem. If it is to be petrol, please suggest an economical, roomy, cheap but comfortable used car."
Without knowing your budget it's difficult to give you a clear answer. We'd gravitate towards a Skoda Octavia estate as an all-rounder, but the Fabia Estate might work for you depending on if it's big enough - it'll certainly be economical. Other recommendations include the Honda Accord Tourer, the Mazda 6 Tourer and the Toyota Avensis estate.
Answered by Lawrence Allan
More Questions

What does a Skoda Fabia Estate (2015 – 2022) cost?