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A Lifestyle Estate Version Of A Skoda? Despite The Progress The Czech Company Has Made, Is This A Concept Too Far For UK Buyers? Andy Enright Decides
Those accustomed to the old-school view of Skoda have had some problems coming to terms with their latest generation of cars. Yes, some of the character has gone, but since that character often meant social suicide few will miss it. Following on from its widespread critical acclaim, the Fabia supermini spawned an estate variant with a level of interior quality that could have come from Audi.
That it isn't becomes obvious as soon as you look at the asking prices (from 8,780). Whilst not the largest estate car around, it certainly offers significant extra utility over the standard Fabia hatchback. The first thing that catches the eye is that rounded rump. Surely this has a catastrophic effect on load space when compared with the more perpendicular lines of something like a Volvo? Actually, no.
Despite its soft angles, the Fabia estate can still manage a load space of 426 litres with the rear seats in place, which is more than apparently larger cars like the Alfa 156 Sportwagon or the Audi A4 Estate. Admittedly, this isnt saying much, as neither of these estates would claim to be the last word in tea-chest transportation, but with the rear seats folded an impressive 1,225 litres of room is freed up. Certainly buyers of larger cars would do well to consider this surprising little Skoda, for five and their luggage can be seated in reasonable comfort. The rather Spartan feel is the only real criticism you could make of an interior that is otherwise a class above most other offerings in this sector.
The Fabia has recently received its most far-reaching set of revisions since it was launched, the visual changes centring on a revised front grille, spoiler and fog lamps, as well as restyled rear light clusters that echo the "C" shape of the latest Octavias rear lights. The interior look is modernised with fresher interior upholstery.
"The Fabia Estate is capable of embarrassing far more pretentious rivals "
Up front only the cabin of Fiat's Punto matches the Fabia for passenger space - but that car doesn't feel as well screwed together, nor can it offer such a spacious load bay as the Fabia Estate. Forget the plasticky feel of previous Skodas: the materials used are of the highest quality, even on the entry-level Classic models. Pricier Ambiente and Elegance variants have lovely Audi-esque touches like a beautifully damped drawer beneath the radio. At this level, you also get lots of extra storage bins - something it would have been nice to see across the range. Still, Skoda make great play of the fact that the soft-feel trims used around the cabin are more expensive than those used in a 75,000 Mercedes-Benz S-class.
The good news doesnt stop there. The estate load bay is packed with practical ideas like the low sill and numerous fixing eyelets, plus it's a useful shape, with little intrusion from suspension hardware. Front side airbags are optional but ABS and twin front airbags are now standard, plus parents get two Isofix mounting points in the rear for the latest child seats. At the front, every Fabia gets rake and reach adjustment for the airbag-equipped steering wheel and the two plusher variants have driver's seat height adjustment. Which means that just about everyone should be able to get comfortable. Dirk van Braekel's chunky styling means a clever shape that offers good headroom, even for those in the rear. And that in turn contributes to a general feeling of spaciousness. Electric front windows, electric heated mirrors, front fog lights, tinted glass and side airbags are standard from Ambiente level upwards, but you have to stretch to Elegance trim for remote central locking, air-conditioning and heated front seats. Under the bonnet, there's a choice between a 64bhp 1.2-litre unit, two 1.4-litre petrol engines (developing 75 or 100bhp), plus a 1.9-litre 64bhp low-boost SDI diesel and a 75bhp 1.
4-litre TDI. Theres also a more potent 100bhp TDI turbo diesel and a range-topping 114bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine lifted from the mkIV Volkswagen Golf GTi. Whilst this engine felt slightly inadequate in the portly Golf, it makes the Fabia Estate capable of embarrassing far more pretentious rivals.
Under the skin, the Fabia is the first car to use the VW Group new small car platform, so for the time being, users can thumb their noses at owners of lower-tech (yet smaller and more expensive) rivals from VW and SEAT. Given that crash tests are becoming ever more stringent, you can bet that this set-up is ultra-safety conscious: if you were to be in an accident in a supermini, youd want to be in a Fabia. It should also stay where you park it, too, having been judged top of a recent What Car? magazines table of most secure superminis. An impressive list of security equipment and the ability to withstand forced break in for over five minutes ensured the baby Skoda did well in the magazines tests. As with all current VW Group products, the body's fully galvanised with 10 years anti-corrosion cover and, as with all Skodas, there's a comprehensive three year unlimited mileage warranty. Oh, and if the residual values of the larger Octavia are anything to go by, this car should fetch more at resale time than virtually anything else in the class. On the road, the handling is tuned to please the family driver rather than the enthusiast - which is understandable given Skoda's likely clientele. Expect it to ride and respond with all the quality of a VW Golf and you won't be disappointed. The 100bhp 16v 1.4-litre engine offers a good all-round package, making sixty in 11.5s on the way to 115mph.