Skoda Fabia Estate (01-07) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Question: What do you call a small Skoda with big Volkswagen input? Answer: Fabia, the Czech firm’s solidly built, value-packed and humourless take on the VW Polo, which has also wiped the grin off competitors’ faces. Launched in 2000, Fabia is now a tantalising option for the used buyer. It’s the first model where the Skoda/Volkswagen integration has shone through and offers a genuine alternative to Polo, Corsa and Fiesta.
3.5 out of 5

Other Skoda reviews

3.5 out of 5

Safety

Volkswagen involvement is obvious here – Fabia achieved a Euro NCAP rating of four out of five, making it one of the safest superminis. Comfort and Elegance models also come with ABS and a passenger airbag. Despite its new found kudos, the Skoda badge is hardly a thief-magnet. An effective immobiliser, plus an alarm and deadlocks on top models, should deter the opportunist thief.

NCAP Test

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5

  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    2 out of 5
4 out of 5

Reliability

Build quality is close to that of the parent Volkswagen products, although owners reporting to www.parkers.co.uk have complained of minor faults on early models such as oil leaks, electrical problems and rattles. Newer cars appear more durable and long-term reliability is not an issue.

Car check problem points

Body

Minor dents and scratches.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported so far.

Other

No problems reported so far.

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