Name: Skoda Fabia (2021 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Skoda Fabia
Rating: 69.0

Summary

The Skoda Fabia is a small five-door supermini-class hatchback, with the current model launched in the UK in late 2021. Like prior generations of the hatchback, the Fabia Monte Carlo trim sits at the top of the range, which offers sportier exterior styling.

The previous generation also included an estate version of the Fabia, called the Fabia Combi, but Skoda decided to scrap plans to renew the estate version due to concerns that it would not pass European emissions standards.

For this current generation of Fabia, Skoda has updated the exterior design to match its line-up of newer models, extended the wheelbase to allow for more legroom in the cabin, and has updated the interior with more practical features and updated on-board tech.

The Skoda Fabia shares parts with other similarly-sized hatchbacks in the Volkswagen group family, including its range of engine options which are also found fitted to the SEAT Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo.

“It’s a shame there’s no electric version”, says Carwow. The Skoda Fabia has a petrol-only range, with no hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric models.

However, if electrification is not a necessity for your next hatchback, it is hard to ignore the value-for-money that the Fabia offers. Car concludes: “The latest Fabia is another Skoda which beats its Volkswagen and SEAT stablemates at their own game. It’s roomy, handsome, well-built, easy to use and should be cheap to run.”

Despite their structural and mechanical similarities, the entry-level Fabia starts around £3,000 cheaper than either the Ibiza or Polo.

With these prices, an improved practical interior, good levels of on-board tech available as standard and more boot space, Auto Express affirms that the fourth generation of Skoda Fabia “has all the credentials to challenge the very best in the supermini class.”

As of August 2025, the Skoda Fabia holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 69%. It scores top marks for its media review scores, while it also gets good grades for its safety rating, low CO₂ emissions and running costs. However, Skoda’s new car warranty coverage is poor.

Fabia highlights

Impressive levels of standard equipment
Spacious and practical cabin
Plenty of boot space
Good fuel economy
Cheaper than supermini rivals

Fabia lowlights

Interior cheap in places
No electrification across range
Rather buggy infotainment
Rivals are more fun to drive
Road noise at higher speeds

Key specifications

Body style: Small five-door hatchback
Engines: petrol
Price: From £17,990 on-road

Launched: Winter 2021/22
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Featured reviews

“If you’re after an affordable supermini that delivers plenty of space, comfort and on-board technology, the Skoda Fabia won’t disappoint”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 8 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

Ellis Hyde, Paul Adam

“As small hatchbacks go, the Skoda Fabia is a very solid option. But it doesn’t feel as nice as alternatives, or offer an electric version.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 9 / 10

Read full review

Carwow

More reviews

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre (110hp) petrol manual Monte Carlo
“The Skoda Fabia has broad appeal, though solos and couples will find it easier to live with than small families – unless it’s just you and the dog. In that case, it’s perfect.”
Author: Cat Dow
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic Monte Carlo
Score: 8 / 10
“In all forms, the latest Skoda Fabia is a challenger to the very best superminis. Some will certainly see a benefit to the extra power of this 1.5-litre engine over the existing 1.0-litre unit, but don’t let the looks of the Monte Carlo fool you; this is not a remotely sporty hatchback.” (Alex Ingram)
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“If you’re after an affordable supermini that delivers plenty of space, comfort and on-board technology, then the Skoda Fabia won’t disappoint.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SE L hatch
Score: 9 / 10
“The new Skoda Fabia has all the credentials to challenge the very best in the supermini class.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Design changes are minimal but it offers the most space inside, clever storage solutions and a quiet drive. There are four trim levels and five petrol engines on offer.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The latest Fabia is another Skoda which beats its VW and SEAT stablemates at their own game. It’s roomy, handsome, well-built, easy to use and should be cheap to run. Your trade-off is ho-hum dynamics. But that last part isn’t really the point, is it?”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Skoda Fabia is just about everything expected from a modern-day supermini. It’s pleasant and easy to drive, decently equipped and has a well-built interior. It’s also smart to look at, while impressively practical for a small car. It’s largely very good value for money, too, providing you don’t go too wild with additional extras.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.8 / 10
“A size increase serves the Skoda Fabia well, making it an ideal supermini for families.”
Read review

Daily Mail

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol automatic SEL
“For a brand that has built its name on value for money, the Skoda Fabia is getting proper posh, and is not always that cheap.”
Read review

Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SE L
Score: 8 / 10
“The Skoda Fabia SE-L five-door hatchback has more legroom in the back, the boot can now hold 380 litres of luggage, it has USB sockets in clever places and the quality of the interior materials has been improved.”
Read review

Eurekar

Model reviewed: Fabia SE L
“Where the new Fabia has moved on considerably is with its build quality and finish and the cockpit is smart, well designed and very comfortable.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Fabia Monte Carlo
“What the Fabia Monte Carlo does do very well is offer a polished and relaxed driving experience. You might not be able to attack bends as you would do in a proper hot hatch, but the Fabia Monte Carlo is assured through corners and the steering nicely weighted. It’s comfortable too, while motorway driving is nice and refined.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Skoda Fabia has ditched its boxy appearance in favour of a far more sleek and stylish look. Yet it’s as practical and comfortable as ever. Good to drive and with a quality interior, we think it’s one of the best small hatchbacks around. Still want that Volkswagen Polo?”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“The latest Skoda Fabia is a perfect example of how to make the ideal small hatchback. It does everything incredibly well, is cheap to run and even looks good. With cheaper prices than a Volkswagen Polo, this is where the smart money goes.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“It’s bigger, more refined and still up there with the best.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: Fabia Monte Carlo
Score: 8 / 10
“It looks the business but underneath there aren’t enough changes from the likeable standard Fabia to make it involving.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Soft and spacious with much-improved cabin quality and an economical, if rather plodding, range of engines. Skoda’s smallest car is a big step up, but adding options and more powerful engines will likely cost a lot and that roly-poly handling might put a few off.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“If you’re not quite ready to go electric yet then you could do a lot worse than the baby Skoda.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2021
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 85%
Child protection: 81%
Vulnerable road users: 70%
Safety assist: 71%

The Skoda Fabia was crash tested by Euro NCAP at the end of 2021, achieving a five-star rating. Its list of standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and lane-keeping assistance.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 1.0-litre MPI Petrol FWD Manual

Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: October 2022
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 5.8 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 6 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 4.9 / 10

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	54 mpg	B

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	118 g/km	B

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	14	A

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£142	A
Year 2	£409	A
Year 3	£660	A
Year 4	£878	A
Year 5	£1,181	A
Overall	£3,270	A

The Skoda Fabia is a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

The Fabia is one of the most economical models in the small hatchback class, and its insurance premiums are low too. When it comes to service costs, the Skoda is predicted to be cheap to maintain over five years of ownership.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 128
Average repair cost: £625.96
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Skoda Fabia has a reliability rating of 61%, which is about average. This covers both the current model and older (pre-2022) generations.

The average repair cost of just over £600 is fairly high for this segment of car, and certainly more than the cost of a used car warranty. The most common problems relate to the engine, which are also the most expensive with an average repair bill of £1,200.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Skoda Fabia

Overall ratingE17%
New car warranty duration3 years
New car warranty mileage60,000 miles

Skoda’s new car warranty is pretty much the bare minimum offered in the UK, with a duration of three years and a limit of 60,000 miles. Other rivals in the price bracket do better (and in some cases, much better).

If you’re looking to buy a used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.

Buying a used Skoda Fabia

If you are purchasing an ‘Approved Used’ Skoda Fabia from an official Skoda dealership, you will get a minimum 12-month warranty included.
If you are buying a used Skoda Fabia from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
If you are buying a used Skoda Fabia from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.