Skoda Fabia hatchback - Engines, drive & performance (2015-2021)

The Skoda Fabia has never been the most entertaining car to drive and the latest model is no different. There’s a fair amount of body lean in corners and the steering doesn’t have the same sporty feel as a Ford Fiesta’s. The Fabia is comfortable on the move and the engines feel nicely refined at high speeds, though the suspension can make things a little bouncy over poor roads, and the Volkswagen Polo feels even more polished. It’s worth going for the TSI petrol if you want to make reasonably swift progress, though. The Monte Carlo edition looks a lot sportier than the other trim levels, but it's focused on style rather than substance, and despite its sports suspension, it actually feels very similar to drive to the rest of the Fabia range.

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Skoda Fabia petrol engines

The standard 1.0-litre MPI model is very slow so it’s best avoided unless you spend all your time around town, and there's also an annoying rhythmic throb at a steady speed. We’d recommend the turbocharged 1.0-litre TSI engine, which is not only faster but just as economical too. It has a great blend of comfort, refinement, power and economy, but it’s the old 108bhp petrol that best pushes the Fabia along; 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds is very respectable. If you’re looking for something slightly quicker without expensive insurance premiums, the SEAT Ibiza has a similar engine and manages 0-62mph in under nine seconds.

Unfortunately for performance-car fans, there’s no super-quick Skoda Fabia vRS this time around. Those looking for a hot version of the Fabia will need to consider the Volkswagen Polo GTI or Ford Fiesta ST.