Fabia is simply fabulous

Dec 15 2008 Peter Hayward

FROM the very first time I drove it, I loved Skoda's Fabia for its excellent ride and willing nature.

And sales soon showed that many others agree. It is better to drive than some much later designs and more comfortable than most in the supermini class.

Engines are 1.2 54 or 64bhp, 1.4 eight-valve and 16 valve petrol with 68, 75 or 100bhp, and a 2.0-litre with 115. There are also 1.4 and 1.9 diesels with 64 to 130bhp.

The lower powered cars are pretty slow - especially the SDi non-turbo diesel - but all others are good and the VRS 130bhp TDI is a diesel hot hatch to beat them all with superb performance and 50mpg economy.

As well as the standard five door hatch, there is a practical estate and small selling saloon with limited engines.

The handling is hugely safe and great fun, with marvellous power steering and very sticky grip.

Interior

Equipment is good in all except the base models - including excellent seat and steering column adjustment.

It's bigger than average inside and although the dash is quite plain, everything works well and build quality is right up with the very best.

FAST FACTS

Skoda Fabia 1.4

Price : Pay about £2,600 for an '02 52-reg Comfort, £4,600 for an '06 06-reg Ambiente or £6,500 for an '07 07-reg Elegance

Mechanical : 100bhp, 1,390cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 115mph

0-62mph : 11 secs

Combined mpg : 39

Insurance group : 5

CO2 emissions: 170g/km

Marks : 10/10

Main rival : Peugeot 206