At the Škoda Fabia, the compact definition must now be tightened. In fact, if the name is known, everything else is a surprise because there are no other points of contact between the new Škoda Fabia and the previous one. The latest addition to the Bohemian house is a concentrate of innovations that, in part, it inherits from its more robust relatives and, in part, from the other models of the same category in the group. The evolution of the species is the result of the adoption of the Mqb A0 architecture (the same as the Vw Polo and Seat Ibiza). The personality of the car is authoritative and technological thanks also to level 2 autonomous driving and a suite of nine airbags.
The general upgrading is transmitted by the appearance thanks to the intertwining between the growth in size, in particular the length that reaches 4.11 meters, and the balance of proportions, also favored by the increase in the step of 10 centimeters compared to that of the previous Fabia. The result gives rise to an authoritative line, stylistically inspired by that of the larger and more slender Octavia. A feature that, on its own, betrays the attention paid to aerodynamics. In fact, it is also supported by the complete bottom fairing and electronically controlled bulkheads that seal the front when appropriate. Obviously, to optimize the efficiency of its engines, which are petrol only. In fact, the line-up does not provide for the electrification of any of the three 1-liter cylinders, declined in aspirated units of 65 and 80 horsepower and supercharged from 95 and 110 horsepower.
On board both the amplitude of the interior stand out, remarkable for a compact car even at the rear. Valid the large boot like that of many medium cars.
Interior treated in both versions: Ambition and Style. The presentation does not completely camouflage an uneven choice of materials, but is enhanced by refinements such as the fabric inserts on the dashboard and the manageable infotainment, always connected and with wireless integration for the devices. In the most expensive configuration (the house would have done well to offer only the latter) it offers a touch display that goes from 8 “to 9.2” and numerous online services, as well as the virtual assistant. The hi-tech setting can also be completed by the optional configurable 12.5 ”digital cockpit, but it hasn’t overshadowed one of the Škoda’s most cherished factors: general functionality. The latter is based not only on ergonomics, but also on many clever solutions integrated into the furniture. One of them is a Škoda classic: the umbrella hidden inside the driver’s door panel or the smartphone holders for those sitting in the back.
At the wheel of the 95 horsepower version, the generational leap is clearly perceived by a dynamism that combines reliability and agility. The supercharged three-cylinder engine is up to the situation both in extra-urban use where it proves to be self-confident and in urban use where, in spite of the fractionation and the contained displacement, it is adequately elastic. Precisely this feature makes us regret that it cannot be combined with the dual-clutch gearbox, available only for the more powerful Fabia. The running one is more than appreciable, despite the fact that in the most decisive accelerations the typically unpleasant sound of the 3 cylinders is noticeable.