Name: Skoda Fabia (2021 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Skoda Fabia
Rating: 74

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 January 2024, the Skoda Fabia holds an Expert Rating of A, with a score of 74%. That’s two points shy of the 76% held by the closely-related Volkswagen Polo.

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

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

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
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Auto Express+

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

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)
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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.”
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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.”
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Autocar+

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic Monte Carlo
Score: 6 / 10
“There are plenty of places you could spend this kind of money, then, and get a compact hatchback with a genuinely engaging driving experience to match the visual performance seasoning (Ford Fiesta ST Line, Mini Cooper, Hyundai i20 N, etc.). If you really only want the latter, and you like the Fabia’s practicality, functionality, easy livability and value, this car is clearly worth considering.” (Matt Saunders)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Skoda Fabia excels in some important areas: the ride quality is exemplary, it’s the most spacious car in its class and it makes the most of that space with useful storage solutions. Furthermore, the interior looks modern and is supremely easy to use because Skoda has resisted the temptation to replace buttons with touch-sensitive panels.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SE L
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s much to recommend the Skoda Fabia, especially if you think of it not as a supermini but as a cut-price family car. It has space, comfort and refinement on its side, plus it handles with satisfying poise, while even at the price asked for this flagship SE L, it’s still decent value compared with larger rivals.”
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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?”
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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.”
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Carbuyer+

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

Model reviewed: Range overview
“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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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?”
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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.”
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Parkers+

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

Model reviewed: Fabia Monte Carlo
“If you’re after something sportier, top-spec Monte Carlo trim will do the trick. Disappointingly, unlike SE L trim, Monte Carlo trim doesn’t come with built-in sat-nav as standard.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“A practical, comfortable and good value for money car. One of the best small cars on sale today.”
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. It’s 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

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 102
Average repair cost: £650.80
Last updated: January 2024

Reliability score

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

The Skoda Fabia has an average reliability rating of 54%. This covers both the current model and older (pre-2022) generations, with the caveat that this score is not yet based on a large number of vehicles so it may fluctaute more than normal over time.

The average repair cost of just over £650 is fairly high for this segment of car, and certainly more than the cost of a used car warranty. Fortunately, the Fabia is still very new so cars still be under their new car warranty for some time to come.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	53 mpg	B	48 – 55 mpg	B – C

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	121 g/km	A	114 – 134 g/km	A – A

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	12	A	2 – 20	A – A

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£138	A
Year 2	£399	A
Year 3	£644	A
Year 4	£860	A
Year 5	£1,159	A
Overall	£3,200	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 to comes to service costs, the Skoda is predicted to be cheap to maintain over five years of ownership.