Skoda's compact load carrier
10/07/08 18:59 Filed in: Road tests
You can see how Skoda is thriving as part of the Volkswagen Group by the way it range of models keeps growing. If you count the Skoda Roomster as a Skoda Fabia (which effectively it is) there are now three distinct model choices at the start of the Czech manufacturer's range.
But, whereas the Roomster turns heads and polarises opinion about its styling, the new Skoda Fabia Estate does not court controversy. It looks good in a restrained, non-controversial way.
Restrained but neat looks for the third member of the Skoda Fabia family
Load carrying is what an estate car is all about, and the Fabia Estate ticks the boxes. Open the tailgate and there is a remarkably large, flat load floor. The price for increasing the load area is just 7 mm added to the total length compared with the Fabia hatchback.
The Fabia Estate scores not just on load space, but it also is quite generous in the passenger department.
The driver and passenger aren't the only ones well catered for. Normally, in a smaller car, I struggle to fit well into the seat behind my preferred low and long-legged driving position. On the Fabia Estate, however, the space in the back is remarkably good.
So lots of points on practicality. How is it to drive?
The road test car was the Skoda Fabia 2 1.9TDi. I have experienced this engine in various Volkswagen Group cars over the years and it has to be said it is not the most refined by the latest standards. Whenever you press the accelerator, you are aware of the diesel drone from under the bonnet and there is some harshness transmitted to the interior.
However it is quite a lively, responsive and willing power unit. Better still, it is remarkably economical. On my daily 54-mile commute along city and country country roads, the Fabia Estate regularly returned over 50 mpg. Sure, diesel now costs more than petrol and, at £12,615, the diesel engined Fabia 2 costs £2,000 more than the cheapest 1.2-litre petrol Fabia 2.
I will leave you to do your own calculations based on the mileage you do.
A word of explanation about the range would not go amiss. Rather than complex initials to denote the extras that come with any particular model, Skoda have opted for a simple Fabia 1, 2 or 3. The Fabia 2 adds alloy wheels, four extra radio speakers, air conditioning, alarm, body coloured bumpers, door handles and wing mirrors, electric heated mirrors, halogen headlights, remote central locking, trip computer and roof rails.
This specification comes at a premium of just over £1,000. Or rather, it would. There is actually no 1.9-litre TDi available on the Fabia 1, where you have to make do with the 1.4 TDi.
With its mix of keen pricing and practicality, the Skoda Fabia 2 Estate 1.9TDi, makes a convincing case for the active family who need maximum space for their money.
But, whereas the Roomster turns heads and polarises opinion about its styling, the new Skoda Fabia Estate does not court controversy. It looks good in a restrained, non-controversial way.
Restrained but neat looks for the third member of the Skoda Fabia family
Load carrying is what an estate car is all about, and the Fabia Estate ticks the boxes. Open the tailgate and there is a remarkably large, flat load floor. The price for increasing the load area is just 7 mm added to the total length compared with the Fabia hatchback.
The Fabia Estate scores not just on load space, but it also is quite generous in the passenger department.
The driver and passenger aren't the only ones well catered for. Normally, in a smaller car, I struggle to fit well into the seat behind my preferred low and long-legged driving position. On the Fabia Estate, however, the space in the back is remarkably good.
So lots of points on practicality. How is it to drive?
The road test car was the Skoda Fabia 2 1.9TDi. I have experienced this engine in various Volkswagen Group cars over the years and it has to be said it is not the most refined by the latest standards. Whenever you press the accelerator, you are aware of the diesel drone from under the bonnet and there is some harshness transmitted to the interior.
However it is quite a lively, responsive and willing power unit. Better still, it is remarkably economical. On my daily 54-mile commute along city and country country roads, the Fabia Estate regularly returned over 50 mpg. Sure, diesel now costs more than petrol and, at £12,615, the diesel engined Fabia 2 costs £2,000 more than the cheapest 1.2-litre petrol Fabia 2.
I will leave you to do your own calculations based on the mileage you do.
A word of explanation about the range would not go amiss. Rather than complex initials to denote the extras that come with any particular model, Skoda have opted for a simple Fabia 1, 2 or 3. The Fabia 2 adds alloy wheels, four extra radio speakers, air conditioning, alarm, body coloured bumpers, door handles and wing mirrors, electric heated mirrors, halogen headlights, remote central locking, trip computer and roof rails.
This specification comes at a premium of just over £1,000. Or rather, it would. There is actually no 1.9-litre TDi available on the Fabia 1, where you have to make do with the 1.4 TDi.
With its mix of keen pricing and practicality, the Skoda Fabia 2 Estate 1.9TDi, makes a convincing case for the active family who need maximum space for their money.
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