The fourth generation of the Skoda Fabia makes a big leap forward in many areas, only with electrification the small Czech car persists. For good reason.
Jiri Dietrich doesn’t talk around the bush for long. “Electrification is too expensive in the A0 segment,” says the head of the small series at Skoda and frankly adds: “That’s why we had to play a little with physics.” The subject of the physics lesson from Mladá Boleslav is: Consumption optimization through aerodynamics. With the Fabia, the chapters come from the modern, well-known textbook and bear the headings: actively adjustable radiator blinds and aerodynamically optimized wheels and exterior mirrors. The variable louvres of the radiator grille alone save up to 0.2 l / 100 km / h or up to five grams of CO2 per kilometer at a constant speed of 120 km / h.
Together with subtleties such as the smoothest possible underbody and the small roof spoiler, the result is a drag coefficient of 0.28, which is 0.04 less than the predecessor and results in an average consumption with the 81 KW / 110 PS engine and the seven-speed dual clutch transmission of 4.7 l / 100 km. We needed 2.4 l / 100 km more on our test drive. As impressive as the wind slipperiness of the new Skoda Fabia may be, when driving you will notice the lack of electrification. Where the electric motor would otherwise help, the inertia of the turbocharger blades and the effects of emissions standards now come into play during rapid acceleration.
Especially when you are out and about in the Eco drive program. You can counteract the phenomenon by pushing the automatic lever down once and setting the gearbox to “S”, as if sporty. The other alternative is the sport driving mode, which increases the basic speed level, but also the background noise and consumption. The fact that the Fabia 1.0 TSI cracks the 100 km / h mark after 9.6 seconds from a standstill and is up to 205 km / h shows that you are anything but a rolling chicane with the little Czech Polo. Anyone who does not constantly challenge Fabia, who weighs 1,339 kilograms, to a full sprint with a hyperactive right foot, is still brisk and relaxed on the way. This is also ensured by the comfortable chassis. Speaking of which: For drivers spoiled by 48-volt starter-generator, the start-stop technology could act a little more smoothly.
But that is whining at a high level, especially since the fourth generation of the Fabia is making significant gains in other areas. With a length of 4.11 meters (plus eleven centimeters), a width of 1.78 meters (pulse 4.8 cm), the Fabia advances into the dimensions of a VW Golf IV. This is not only noticeable in the rear, where larger adults can also find space for a short trip, but also in the trunk, which with a volume of 380 liters holds 50 liters more than its predecessor. If you fold down the backrests of the rear seat, it becomes 1,190 liters.
The fact that the Skoda Fabia IV is an adult vehicle is not only due to the larger dimensions, but also to the modern technology. The digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster leaves little to be desired in terms of variability and information content and the up to 9.2-inch touchscreen informs the driver about everything important and also functions as a communication center. There are also new equipment details such as a heated steering wheel and a heated windshield, while the passengers in the second row enjoy their own air vents. The workmanship of the interior is really neat and so are the materials. However, we are in the top version “Style”, which costs at least 23,390 euros.
This includes helpers such as the front radar assistant including city emergency braking function and Lane Keeping Assist. Whereas the lane change and parking assistant (600 euros) costs extra, as does rear disc brakes (150 euros) and the knee airbag for the driver and rear side airbags (400 euros). The Simply Clever extras, which make life easier for the driver, are a highlight in every Skoda. “We live it”, Jiri Dietrich smiles. The Skoda Fabia IV contains 43 such features, five of which are Skoda premieres. This includes a clip in the center console to hold credit cards and the parking ticket in place, or a foldable sun visor for the panoramic roof.
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