Skoda Fabia 2011 Review

Skoda Fabia and Fabia Monte Carlo

Arguably Australians could've already done with another Euro-tooled city car from which to choose -- as evinced by the Volkswagen Polo's popularity (for the record, VW's offering is made in South Africa).

Head of Skoda Australia, Matthew Wiesner, told motoring.com.au it was a case of biding time while the brand (re)gained ground here before the Fabia joined the local range. That time included weathering the GFC and mustering dealership support: the former helped by a strong AU dollar against the crashing Euro; the latter now around 40 outlets nationwide with a view to more, including making a bigger impact in regional markets.

The $21,990 Monte Carlo is expected to grab a decent share of Fabia volume. With blackened headlights, grille, side mirrors, roof and spoiler and wheelarches, 'Monte Carlo' badging and 16-inch alloy wheels, it looks to be a sportier alternative but in fact uses the same 77kW engine and five-speed gearbox without any tweaks to suspension.

The sports theme is continued inside the Monte with special treatment for the interior including red-stitched 'sports' steering wheel, alloy pedals and front sport seats in grey/black trim (red fabric is optional).

In truth, the 'halo' Fabia is the Polo GTI-based RS model now scheduled here Q1 2012.

Otherwise, standard-fit equipment for both 77TSI and Monte Carlo models includes tinted windows, multi-function steering wheel, front foglights, sunglasses holder, cruise control and trip computer, leather-trimmed steering wheel, handbrake and gear levers, MP3-aux input and eight-speaker CD/MP3 stereo... In short, all the right bases covered.

Q1 2012 will also see a twin-charged 1.4-litre (132kW/250Nm) version on offer in the RS. The upcoming RS and Combi (wagon) models round out the Fabia range, which VW Australia anticipates will help double sales of the brand here.

The entry Fabia comes with 15-inch steel wheels which don't quite suit the look of the striking hatch but provide a good ride. Buyers can opt for 16-inch alloys for the base model, while the Monte Carlo version comes standard with attractive black 16-inch alloy wheels. The entry 77TSI (with steel wheels) comes with a full-size spare.

Like all of Skoda's models, the Fabia has strong links with its Volkswagen branded brethren. It's generally stated the smallest Skoda shares its architecture with the current VW Polo (and Audi A1), but it could be argued the other way around. Launched at Geneva's show in 2007, this generation Fabia effectively debuted VAG's latest Light car architecture.

Under the skin, it's par for the Light car course: Mac struts up front; torsion beam rear suspension and disc brakes all round (front ventilated); steering is electro-hydraulic rack and pinion.

Fabia's snubby front end design gives the cabin a wraparound windscreen effect and accompanying good outward vision for the driver and front passenger. The small Skoda also possesses the 'big' chrome-finished face of its siblings, giving it a mature, almost classy appearance as opposed to the many plasticky, one-toned runabouts on offer.

The Monte Carlo version is even more standout: we like the old-school namesake rally badge on its front flanks, and the blacked-out effect for the A-pillars to the rear looks good and makes a statement, albeit in this merely dolled-up version... It's what the Polo GTI should resemble.

For more go to match the show, just wait for the RS Fabia.

The new Fabia has antilock braking system incorporating stability control, emergency brake force distribution and brake assist as standard. Airbag count totals six including dual front, front side and curtain airbags.

It should be noted, however, that the Fabia is still only rated as a four-star car by the Euro crash authority. The last version tested was the pre-facelift 2007 model.

We'll include the VW Polo for obvious reasons, though shoppers should compare the standard inclusions (and available options) and decide what counts more.

Fabia is offered as a five-door only. The Polo is also available in a three-door model; so too the Yaris (due for replacement next month) and i20.

For what it's worth, only the 207 and Fabia are actually Euro-built (Slovakia and Czech Republic respectively). As noted above, Australian-bound Polos are built in South Africa.

The 1.2-litre engine is super quiet at idle and while it might appear meek, there's decent power and it's actually quite torquey which helped to conquer the hills along the route... It even sounds hearty under load.

The five-speed is a good match -- smooth-shifting and well-geared, though we caught ourselves going for another cog over highway stints. Engine speed at cruise (that is, to suit our 100-odd km/h speed limits) is around 2300rpm.

Fabia should be welcome in our cities and suburbs. The squarish windscreens (front and rear) and windows avail good outward vision, and its relatively un-flared flanks keep it narrow and easy to park. Steering feels light but offers enough feedback to enjoy the hatch's dynamic capabilities.

Ride is smooth on the entry model's 15-inch steel wheels but we noticed jarring over surfaces less than perfect while in the Monte Carlo version fitted with 16-inch alloys. It's a shame because in standard form the Fabia could be accused of looking 'under-wheeled' while the up-spec model's bigger alloys suit the form of its oddly good-looking body.

The Fabia's interior is unfussy, almost to a fault. It's a way to keep down costs and a case of guilt by association: VW's offerings are similar, trimmed in grey or black with bland dash styling and soft-touch stuff only where it counts (armrests, handbrake cover, steering wheel)... Otherwise, everything is well-screwed or snapped in place and the cabin is quiet and spacious.

Seating is best left to four but there are three-point seatbelts for five passengers.

The VW Group isn't in the business of building brands to kill off its own but we can't help thinking Fabia is even better than the car generally acknowledged as the light car segment's current best... Given the right spread of engines and options, Polo might need to watch its step.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site