The Fabia->ke1347 is Skoda’s best-selling model next to the Octavia->ke1949 and has sold more than 3-million models as of 2015. To keep a ball that large rolling at full momentum, Skoda->ke82 found it necessary to redesign the Fabia for the 2015 model year. For the third generation, the Fabia has evolved into a car that sits lower and wider and has shed even more weight compared to its predecessor. On the outside, the car has wider headlights and a wide air dam to go with a sleek side profile and a more squared rear end. Inside, the car has a wide feel to it, with more passenger space and increased cargo room. There is a new infotainment system based on VW’s->ke94 MIB technology that brings smartphone connectivity via Mirrorlink and SmarGate connectivity protocols – a first for any Skoda. Under the hood, there is a choice of 2 gasoline engines tuned to deliver between 59 horsepower and 1098 horsepower and one diesel engine that delivers 88 horsepower or 103 horsepower. Not bad for a small hatchback.

We would like to see better interior materials as well as a better fit and finish, but the car starts out below $17,000 so at that price point, you can only expect so much. The competition is strong too, with models like the Ford Fiesta->ke1170, Volkswagen Up->ke3151, and a handful of other tiny hatchbacks->ke304 that anxiously compete for the title of best seller in this competitive segment. As the story goes, Skoda hopes that the new Fabia will continue to be a big seller like the first- and second-gen models, from an initial standpoint, it looks like it Skoda might be in some luck. Be that as it may, check out the full review below to see how it competes in its very competitive market.

Read on to learn how Skoda has kept the Fabia fresh.

2015 Skoda Fabia

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Skoda Fabia
  • Engine/Motor: inline-3
  • Horsepower: 59 @ 5000
  • Torque: 70 @ 3000
  • Transmission: 5-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

As the third generation of the Fabia line, Skoda felt it necessary to imbue the hatchback with new design language that’s “sportier and emotionally rich.”

“For the first time, a Skoda vehicle incorporates design elements of the VisionC design study,” says Dr. Frank Welsch, Skoda Board Member for Technical Development. “We also transferred some of the genes from our rally cars to create the most emotionally rich Fabia ever,” says Dr Welsch.

Dimensionally, the new Fabia is 0.3 inch shorter, 3.5 inches wider, and 1.2 inches lower than the outgoing model. The width allows for wider headlights and a lower front air dam that’s bookended by foglights. The headlights have black interior housings, updated from the crystal housing from 2014. The hood has a more distinct crease running lengthwise from the front badge towards the windshield. This crease is echoed in the flanks, where the shoulder line sees visual enhancement running back from the headlights. The pillars are slimmer, while the C-pillar is a bit more raked as well. Overall, the car looks much less humdrum, with sharper angles and more muscular lines.

This is also the case in the back, where the rounded rear end has been squared a bit with several horizontal design features. The taillights are reshaped and come with a contrasting black surround. “In the style of the Czech glass-making tradition, every detail has been polished in order to achieve brilliant luminosity,” according to Skoda.

Customers can choose to customize a Fabia with four different paint options for the roof, mirror housings and wheels, while 15 different colors are available for the body.

Exterior Dimensions

Length

3,992 MM (157.16 Inches)

Width

1,732 MM (68.18 Inches)

Height (at curb weight)

1,467 MM (57.75 Inches)

Wheelbase

2,470 MM (97.24 Inches)

Clearance (at kerb weight)

133 MM (5.23 Inches)

Height of the loading sill (at kerb weight)

659 MM (25.94 Inches)

Track front

1,463 MM (57.59 Inches)

Track rear

1,457 MM (57.36 Inches)


Interior

Inside, there’s even more emphasis on horizontal design, as well as a choice of several different color combinations. The larger exterior dimensions also mean there’s more space inside – the rear features a claimed best-in-class trunk capacity (11.65 square feet, which expands to 40.61 with the rear seats folded). The passenger compartment is 0.83 inch wider in the front and 0.31 inch longer. Even though the new model is lower overall, front passengers also get a little more headroom.

For infotainment, the new Fabia features MirrorLink and SmartGate connectivity, a first for Skoda. These are based on Volkswagen’s->ke94 modular infotainment matrix (MIB) technology, and opens up a wide range of accessible applications using a 6.5-inch touch display with “swipe operation.” There are also three radio systems to choose from.

MirrorLink enables quick pairing with smartphones to allow display and operation of select apps on the Bolero infotainment screen. SmartGate allows the display, storage and use of select vehicle data, such as with the Drive app, which tells drivers how efficiently they have been driving on a given trip. The MFA Pro app mirrors display of onboard computer functions and multifunction display content on driver’s smartphones. Skoda says it will make additional apps available in the future. The design is based on VW’s MQB technology, which includes influence in the electrical architecture, ECUs, instrument cluster, infotainment and assistance systems.

Another Skoda first is KESSY (Keyless Entry Start and Exit System), which automatically locks/unlocks the doors and starts the engine. There are also new front and rear parking sensors, with the front sensors making their debut with the new model. A reversing camera is also available.

Rain-Light Assistant integrates sensors for the windshield wipers and headlights for optimum wiper frequency and automatic on/off for the headlights. There’s a new C-EPS (Column-Electric Power Steering) system that saves weight and fuel by replacing the electro-hydraulic power steering found in the previous model. Up top, there’s an optional panoramic glass roof.

Skoda says the new Fabia comes with 17 “Simply Clever” features that add additional functionality. These include: an ice scraper in the fuel filler flap, a cradle in the cup holder up front for your smartphone or media player, an extra storage compartment for a high-visibility vest, a trash bin situated in the door, storage nets to hold random items on the inside edges of the front seats, bottle holders in the rear doors, and a dedicated bottle holder in the glove compartment. The trunk also comes with holders, hooks and nets to keep whatever you’re hauling in place.

Drivetrain

Even with the additional tech, the new Fabia is up to 143 pounds lighter and 17 percent more efficient than the outgoing model, with the lightest trim for 2015 (including the 1.0-liter MPI three-cylinder engine) pushing curb weight to only 2,261 pounds.

Less weight means the engine can do it’s job much more efficiently, with economy rated at 76 mpg and emissions rated at 82 g/km for the GreenLine package. These improvements are also helped by the next-generation engine lineup and improved aero efficiency.

Fabia buyers can choose between four gas engines and three diesel engines. Each comes with an integrated start-stop system and braking energy reclamation systems. Power outputs range from 59 horsepower to 108 horsepower for the gas units, and between 74 horsepower and 104 horsepower for the diesels. Transmission options include either a manual or automatic DSG gearbox.

Using the new electro-mechanical steering, redesigned engine mounts, slightly longer wheelbase (0.2 inch), and wider track, the new Fabia strives to strike a balance between comfort and ride stability. There’s also an enhanced electronic differential lock that comes standard for better cornering traction.

The new Fabia has enhanced safety features. There’s an optional Front Assistant with integrated City Emergency Braking Function to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions, a Multi-Collision Brake System to automatically slow the vehicle and prevent further collisions after an accident, a Driver Activity Assistant that detects driver fatigue, and a new Speedlimiter that prevent velocities above a specific preset value. There’s also a new Hill Hold Control to prevent rollback on an incline. Finally, up to six airbags are in place for further protection.

Drivetrain Specifications

Petrol Engines:

Type

1.0 MPI/44 kW

1.0 MPI/55 kW

1.2 TSI/66 kW

1.2 TSI/81 kW

1.2 TSI/81 kW

Cylinders

3

3

4

4

4

Displacement

999

999

1,197

1,197

1,197

Bore × Stroke

74.5 × 76.4

74.5 × 76.4

71.0 × 75.6

71.0 × 75.6

71.0 × 75.6

Max. engine performance/revs

59 HP @ 5,000–6,000 RPM

73 HP @ 6,200 RPM

88 HP @ 4,400–5,400 RPM

108 HP @ 4,600–5,600

108 HP @ 4,600–5,600 RPM

Max. torque/revs

70 LB-FT @ 3,000–4,300

70 LB-FT @ 3,000–4,300 RPM

118 LB-FT 1,400–3,500 RPM

129 LB-FT @ 1,400–4,000 RPM

129 LB-FT @ 1,400–4,000 RPM

Compression ratio

10.5 : 1

10.5 : 1

10.5 : 1

10.5 : 1

10.5 : 1


Diesel Engines:

Type

1.4 TDI/66 kW

1.4 TDI/66 kW

1.4 TDI/77 kW

Cylinders

3

3

3

Displacement

1422

1422

1422

Bore × Stroke

79.5 × 95.5

79.5 × 95.5

79.5 × 95.5

Max. engine performance/revs

88 HP @ 3,000–3,250 RPM

88 HP @ 3,000–3,250

103 HP @ 3,500–3,750 RPM

Cylinders

169 LB-FT @ 1,750–2,500 RPM

169 LB-FT @ 1,750–2,500 RPM

184 LB-FT 1,750–2,500 RPM

Compression ratio

16.2 : 1

16.2 : 1

16.2 : 1


Trim Levels

The new Skoda Fabia is available in three different trim levels: the S, the SE, and the SE L. Standard equipment for the S includes electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, DAB digital radio, and Bluetooth. The SE adds Mato 16-inch alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, and Radio Bolero (telephone control, MirrorLink, USB, SD card). The SE L throws in LED daytime running lights, a three-spoke multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio and telephone controls, and cruise control.

Prices

Available now, the new Skoda Fabia starts at $16,146 for the S trim, while the SE is $19,436, and the SE L is $20,731 (at current exchange rates, 4/27/15).

Competition

Ford Fiesta

While some entry-level hatchbacks have better standard equipment and some have better practicality, the Fiesta’s->ke1170 claim to fame is a chassis and handling package made for fun. The top-range 1.6-liter turbo EcoBoost ST model can hit 60 mph in under seven seconds and continue on to a top speed of just under 140 mph. It also gets nearly 50 mpg, comes with 17-inch wheels, a DAB radio, USB inputs, and a heated windscreen. Prices for the Fiesta start at $15,452 and get as high as $29,541.

Read our full review here.

Volkswagen Up

Boasting premium German fit and finish, this VW->ke94 is bit pricier than its rivals but backs it up with refined engines and an excellent ride quality. The materials used in the interior have a feeling of higher quality than the Skoda, and while standard appointment may be lacking somewhat, the glossy panels, chrome trim, and top-shelf plastics give the interior a feeling of plush classiness by comparison. Prices start at $13,350, but you’ll be paying more for similar equipment appointments, up to $37,355 for the top-range e-up 82 BEV model.

Read our full review here.

Conclusion

To many, the Fabia represents excellent value for money. In fact, the car has collected numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the Red Dot Design Award, the Golden Steering Wheel, Company Car of the Year, Most Affordable Small Car at the AutoTrophy, Best Small Car below £16,000 at The Caravan Club and Small Car of the Year at the Scottish Group of Motoring Writers.

This new generation appears to solidify that position. The new dimensions and exterior design are a clear improvement, shucking some of that dowdy commuter-lug looks for something a little hotter. The interior comes with better equipment, and the lower curb weight makes the drivetrain shine a bit brighter.

The only clear omission I can see is a bit more available performance under the hood. With Skoda’s rally->ke191 heritage, it would be nice if we got a nod in that direction instead of being limited to just hyper-efficient powerplants. Taking on the venerable Ford Fiesta is a big task, but considering the price range Skoda is looking at with the Fabia, I don’t think it’s completely out of line.

Still, all things considered, this is a practical, well-equipped, solid choice for the money. We’ll have to see if it can continue Skoda’s winning streak in this segment among a field of scrappy competitors.