Skoda Fabia Estate (08 on) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Last Updated: 30 June 2009
The Fabia Estate is a great choice for young families. It’s roomy, good to drive and cheap to run. The estate model offers additional practical benefits to the hatchback - namely a bigger, versatile boot - and it meets the needs of families with smaller children with a well thought-out design. The bigger load space results in a longer body, so it isn’t as ideally suited to city life as the hatchback. But buyers in need of a roomy family car with a reasonable price tag should give this estate serious consideration. A Greenline model is available which, thanks to low emissions, is cheap to tax and returns impressive economy. There's also a Scout version which has a more rugged look along with chunky bumpers and side protection.
4 out of 5

Other Skoda reviews

3.5 out of 5

Safety

The Fabia Estate hasn't been crash tested by Euro NCAP but the hatchback version was awarded a rather disappointing four stars out of five. Other small cars like the Renault Grand Modus and Peugeot 207 SW have received five stars. There are four airbags and ABS as standard. All models also come with an immobiliser and central door locking, while higher equipment models get an alarm, remote central locking and curtain airbags. For an additional anti-theft measure, the under seat storage trays are great for hiding valuables from prying eyes.

NCAP Test

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4 out of 5

Reliability

The new Fabia borrows elements from the previous model - which has a good track record for reliability. The new estate shouldn’t be any different and since 1996, Skoda has benefited hugely from Volkswagen’s involvement in this area: the engines are dependable, interior plastics feel durable and the overall finish is of a high quality.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.