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Expert Rating

Skoda Fabia

(2021 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

74
%
A

Used car score:

74
%
A

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

76
%
B

Safety Rating:

74
%
B

Eco Rating:

69
%
A

Reliability Rating:

56
%
D

Running Costs:

75
%
A

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

74
%
A

Used car score:

74
%
A

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

76
%
B

Safety Rating:

74
%
B

Eco Rating:

69
%
A

Reliability Rating:

56
%
D

Running Costs:

75
%
A

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


Media reviews


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

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Autocar

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Daily Mail

+

Daily Mirror

+

Eurekar

+

Heycar

+

Honest John

+

Parkers

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

What Car?

+

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

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

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

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

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

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models53 mpgB48 – 55 mpgB – C
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models121 g/kmA114 – 134 g/kmA – A
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models12A2 – 20A – A
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£138A
Year 2£399A
Year 3£644A
Year 4£860A
Year 5£1,159A
Overall£3,200A

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.

Awards


Trophies, prizes and awards that the Skoda Fabia has received

2022

  • Carbuyer Awards – Best Small Car

2022

  • UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Supermini
  • Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Small Car
  • Carbuyer Awards – Best Small Car
  • Parkers New Car Awards – Best First Car

2021

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the Fabia, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Audi A1 | Citroën C3 | Dacia Sandero | Ford Fiesta | Honda Jazz | Hyundai i20 | Kia Rio | Mazda 2 | MG 3 | Mini hatch | Nissan Micra | Peugeot 208 | Renault Clio | SEAT Ibiza | Suzuki Swift | Toyota Yaris | Vauxhall Corsa | Volkswagen Polo


More news, reviews and information about the Skoda Fabia at The Car Expert

Everything you need to know about Skoda

Everything you need to know about Skoda

Five of the safest new small cars on sale in 2024

Five of the safest new small cars on sale in 2024

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Skoda unveils new Fabia Monte Carlo

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Skoda announces pricing and specs for all-new Fabia

Skoda announces pricing and specs for all-new Fabia

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The smallest car in the Skoda family, the Fabia is a practical supermini and stand-out value-for-money package, but rivals have better interior quality.Skoda Fabia