Skoda Fabia Review

Skoda Fabia is premium super hatchback from Czech car maker Skoda, and it kind of seats at the top of the small cars market in India. The Skoda engages and makes premium cars for the global market and in 2001 Skoda Auto India operations commenced and they started with plant at Shendra, Maharashtra (and it is the other manufacturing unit for Skoda which is outside of the Europe plant).



Skoda Fabia was rolled on to the Indian roads in 2008 and it is the second generation Fabia which instantly appealed to the upper middle class car enthusiasts. The super hatchback is a 5-doored one and first unveiled in 2007 at Geneva Auto Show. In fact, the first generation of the Skoda Fabia was quite successful with over 15 lakh units sold across many countries in Europe and elsewhere.

Engine
There are two versions of the Skoda Fabia: 1.2 liter engine in petrol with 1198cc displacement and 1.4 liter engine in diesel with 1422cc displacement. The 1.2 liter petrol engine Fabia generates a maximum horsepower of 70 PS at 5400 rpm and produces a maximum torque of 123 Nm @3000 rpm. Fabia comes with McPherson suspension at the front with torsion stabilizer and with lower triangular link and it comes with compound-link crank-axle type of suspension at the rear.

Mileage for petrol versions in city and highways:
1.2 MPI Active: 13 and 15 kmpl
1.2 MPI Classic: 13 and 15 kmpl
1.2 MPI Ambiente: 13 and 15 kmpl
1.4 MPI Elegance: 12 and 14 kmpl

Mileage for diesel versions in city and highways:
1.4 TDI Active: 12 and 14kmpl
1.4 TDI AMB: 12 and 14kmpl
1.4 TDI Classic: 12 and 14kmpl
1.4 TDI Elegance: 12 and 14kmpl

Interior and Exterior styling
The Fabia actually has awesome and the cute styling instantly appeals to anyone. The super hatchback with sharp design looks a class apart in its class. The Skoda Fabia looks compact yet a roomy family car. The headlamps are perfect mixture of elevation to the car as well as aids in great functionality, alloy wheels with wide tyres further accentuate the looks and exterior styling.

As you step inside the car it gives totally comfortable feel and the technology inside with safety features makes one feel thrilled. Dual-tone interiors give a dash of lavishness to the hatchback and the seat fabrics used are also of superior quality. There is an information display that gives seater of current time, temperature (outside), fuel consumption (instant and average), distance traveled, time taken to cover the distance with mean speed range, etc.

A remote keyless entry, single-touch locking and unlocking, electric exterior view mirrors and power windows and power steering just make it all the more loveable.

Comfort and safety features of the Skoda Fabia
Airbags to lower injury risk to driver and the passengers in the front and the rear seats. Seatbelt for rear seat will improve safety of passengers in the rear too and the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with dual-rate brake booster and ASR (Anti-slip regulation and ESP (Electronic Stabilization Program) improve safety design of the car. 6-CD-changer audio system, elbow rest and cup holder for rear seats will let you cozy into comfort zone.

Features that make this car Unique
Elegance and timeless design makes the Skoda so very appealing than other cars in this class. Parktronic and multifunction information display is another feature almost unique for Fabia.

The car also reckons to have superior finish as well as build quality as compared to other cars in the class. The ergonomics and the styling are rave reviewed.


Information about instrumentation/console
The rear view mirrors are electric and come fitted with heat element to enable good viewing during misty or foggy weather conditions. As part of the music system, there comes an auxiliary audio output, which can be used to plug in your iPod. The electric sunroof has both slide and tilt functions. AC vents are present on both front and rear, with climatic temperature control.

Variants available and their prices
The Fabia which boasts of amazing road presence come in even more attractive external colors of candy white, brilliant silver, cappuccino beige, magic black and Corrida red.

Ex-showroom prices (Delhi) of petrol variants:
Fabia Active - Rs. 492,043
Fabia Classic - Rs. 541,001
Fabia Ambiente - Rs. 617,004
Fabia Elegance - Rs. 662,004

Ex-showroom prices (Delhi) Diesel variants:
Fabia Active - Rs. 588,662
Fabia Classic - Rs. 641,001
Fabia Ambiente - Rs. 727,002
Fabia Elegance - Rs. 771,002

Conclusion
However, the diesel engine is quite noisy and it should have been refined at least. Steering is placed so the driver will have no feedback. The Skoda Fabia is quite a comfort vehicle but considering the high price and the poor ASS by the Skoda as well as ah-not-so-advanced engine not many will actually opt for this hatchback.