Skoda Fabia wins 2019 carsales Best First Car Award
Five carsales experts whittle down a shortlist of seven sub-$20K models to determine this year’s Best First CarThe 2019 carsales Best First Award has been won by the Skoda Fabia.
Emerging victorious from a shortlist of seven models, the diminutive Czech hatch was deemed to offer the best mix of attributes demanded by today’s first-time car buyer.
To be eligible for carsales’ Best First Car Award, vehicles needed to be a current model, priced under $20,000, fitted with an automatic transmission and awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
carsales’ judges scored the seven contenders independently against metrics including safety, performance, price, equipment, running costs, styling, technology and connectivity.
Aftersales considerations such as warranty, servicing, roadside assistance, running costs, insurance and resale value – compiled by carsales partner, Redbook.com.au – were also major factors.
“Summer is just around the corner and whether Aussies have just finished school or are more mature late-bloomers, it’s a key time to buy a car for the first time,” said Nadine Armstrong, carsales Consumer Editor.
“Buying your first car is a big deal and with so many terrific new models available for under $20,000, we really are spoilt for choice. The decision can be a little daunting, so we’ve really tried to streamline this process.
“This year’s carsales Best First Car Award winner is not only safe, reliable and great value, but also adds sporting spice to the mix,” said Armstrong.
Powered by a peppy 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and also available in 70TSI manual hatch ($16,990 drive-away) and wagon ($18,490 drive-away) forms, the Skoda Fabia 81TSI DSG auto hatch is priced at $19,990 drive-away and comes with a five-year/unlimited-km warranty.
Standard safety features include Front Assist with City Emergency Brake (low-speed autonomous emergency braking, or AEB), reversing camera, dual Front, front side and curtain airbags and electronic stability control (ESC, including ABS, EBD, ASR, Multi-Collision Brake and Hill Hold Control).
Also standard across the range is a 6.5-inch Swing Plus touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, six speakers, MP3 player, Bluetooth audio and streaming, and USB and SD ports.
Rounding out the ‘Simply Clever’ Skoda package are idle-stop and brake energy recovery systems, a three-spoke multi-function leather-clad steering wheel, trip computer, boot net system, flexible storage compartment, air-conditioning, power-adjustable and heated exterior mirrors and a 60/40-split folding rear seat backrest.
“The Fabia is the gift that keeps giving,” said Skoda Australia director Michael Irmer.
“If a single car embodies our ‘Simply Clever’ ethos it is this one: small but somehow spacious, simple and inexpensive yet sophisticated, a car that punches above its weight and size – factors that carsales has recognised once again”.
carsales Best First Car Award 2019 contenders:
Honda Jazz VTi-S – $19,990 (plus on-road costs)
Kia Rio S – $19,090 (plus on-road costs)
Mazda2 Neo – $17,570 (plus on-road costs)
Skoda Fabia 81TSI – $19,990 (drive away)
Suzuki Swift GL Navigator – $18,690 (plus on-road costs)
Toyota Yaris SX – $19,610 (plus on-road costs)
Volkswagen Polo 70TSI Trendline – $21,490 (drive away)
Read the whole carsales Best First Car Award 2019
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