Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo is where the world’s most famous rally is held – and that’s the inspiration behind the top-of-the-range Monte Carlo trim offered on the Skoda Fabia hatchback.

Skoda still competes in rallying but the Fabia hatch is no lightweight race car. Instead, the Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo is the most luxurious supermini Skoda offers.

Available only as a five-door hatchback the Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo is available with either the 1.2-litre TSI (85bhp or 104bhp) petrol or the 104bhp 1.6-litre diesel. It comes in a range of distinctive colours with the potential for a contrasting roof colour.

Opt for the Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo and you’ll get a long line of standard specification, that includes: sat-nav, Bluetooth hands-free calling, 17-inch alloys, sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift lever, front and rear fog lamps, sports suspension and a trip computer.

Running costs for all three engines are low. The least powerful 85bhp Fabia averages 54.3mpg, the more powerful 104bhp version averages 53.3mpg, while the diesel-powered 1.6-litre returns 67.3mpg.

Good points

The Skoda Fabia range has made a strong case for itself for offering a cheap basic supermini that offers decent comfort and low running costs. It’s also good value and practical and comes with a range of quick but economical engines.The Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo improves on the regular car’s handling thanks to its stiffer sports suspension and bigger 17-inch alloy wheels, but the more agile Ford Fiesta remains the better drive for keen drivers.

Bad points

Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you can cope with the Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo's firm ride. The sport suspension’s firmer-than-normal setup might prove uncomfortable over longer journeys compared to the standard car.If you can do without the sat nav and the Monte Carlo’s distinctive look other models in the Fabia range offer better value.

What you get

• Alloy wheels
• Manual air conditioning
• Front electric windows
• Single CD player
• Sat nav

Recommended optional extras

• Multi-function steering wheel
• Curtain airbags
• Parking sensors

Our choice

Choose the 103bhp 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine for a great mix of performance and economy.