Skip advert
Advertisement

Skoda Fabia Estate diesel review

Skoda's third-generation Fabia comes to the UK in estate form. But does it deliver for buyers?

Find your Skoda Fabia
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Fabia Estate is even more of a capable all-rounder than the hatch, as there's no real compromise in terms of driving to counter the extra space. A high quality interior, strong equipment list and low running costs are also a bonus. We'd steer clear of the pricey 1.4 TDI unless you do big miles, as there's better value to be found lower down the range.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Supermini estates like this new Skoda Fabia Estate aren't too common these days. Renault and Peugeot won't be replacing the old Clio Sport Tourer and Peugeot 207 SW in the UK, and other than the arguably more budget-focused Dacia Logan MCV and ageing Seat Ibiza ST there isn't much else on offer. That means this third-generation Skoda Fabia estate is almost flying solo in its class.

Skoda has offered a more spacious Fabia since the first-gen model fifteen years ago, and this version is definitely a more grown-up affair than before, in both size and appearance. From the B-pillar forwards it's the spitting image of the latest hatch, but in profile it has the look of a shrunken Octavia Estate. It can be bought in bright paint schemes that help it stand out, but the deliberately boxy styling emphasises practicality over style.

That's proven when you open up the rear hatch to find a huge 530-litre load space. That's 25 litres more than the old car, and significantly larger (with the seats up) than a Ford Focus estate, with a useful 1,395 litres once the seats are folded down.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

A-Class Saloon

2022 Mercedes

A-Class Saloon

21,484 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £20,500
View A-Class Saloon
Leon Estate

2024 Cupra

Leon Estate

11,622 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £20,497
View Leon Estate
Tiguan

2020 Volkswagen

Tiguan

31,223 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £19,897
View Tiguan
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

18,650 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £17,497
View Puma

The longer wheelbase (aided by the new MQB-based platform) also means generous leg and headroom even for six-footers in the back. It's impressive how Skoda can package all that into a relatively small footprint. Our car also came neat little touches, like a £65 'Simply Clever' package that adds useful stowage compartments around the cabin, and a handy bike carrier in the boot for £180.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Like the exterior, the cabin won't knock you senseless with design flair or plush materials, but it's solid, decently classy and is a lot more logically laid-out than some superminis. Look with intent and you'll spot where Skoda has reduced costs over its VW Polo sister car, though, with some cheaper materials.

With a sizeable load bay over the rear axle you could expect a loss in dynamic ability compared to the hatch. But everyday driving you'll quickly forget you're in the load-lugger, and its only in hard cornering that you can feel a little extra body roll and weight transfer.

The ride is still composed and smooth over the worst our roads can throw at it, the steering is light yet accurate, visibility is good and it's a doddle to drive in any situation. There's no noticeable penalty in terms of wind noise either, and only a fraction more road roar from behind.

In fact the only intrusive noise we encountered came from under the bonnet. Our car came with the VW Group's familiar three-cylinder 1.4-litre TDI diesel, which produces a modest 89bhp but a healthy 230Nm of torque. It hustled the Fabia along at a decent speed, proving punchier than the figures suggest and managing over 60mpg in mixed driving. But it isn't the most refined unit out there and at idle, especially when cold, there's an unwelcome and rattly diesel din. It settles down once up to speed, however.

It's also a pity that Skoda is pushing the Fabia away from true affordability. The range starts at a reasonable £12,460, but our top-spec SE-L test car with a few small options costs a faintly startling £18,780 (£17,385 without the kit).

That's well into Octavia estate territory, despite the impressive kit tally on offer such as keyless go, climate control and the MirrorLink touchscreen infotainment system. We'd opt for the 1.2-litre TSI 90 turbo petrol instead, as it offers similar performance, is more refined, delivers decent economy and is £2,000 less spec-for-spec.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,908
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,866 off RRP*Used from £17,400
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £6,795
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,025Avg. savings £3,033 off RRP*Used from £11,900
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs
New baby Land Rover Defender render - watermarked

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs

The new Land Rover Defender Sport is set to sit below the existing Defender in the Land Rover range, with our exclusive images previewing how it could…
News
12 Oct 2025
Manufacturers aren’t selling enough electric cars, and that’s excellent news for buyers
Opinion - EV sales

Manufacturers aren’t selling enough electric cars, and that’s excellent news for buyers

Editor Paul Barker explains why serious EV discounts are now starting to appear on the market
Opinion
9 Oct 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Jump in a £280 per month Mazda CX-60 before they’re gone
Mazda CX-60 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Jump in a £280 per month Mazda CX-60 before they’re gone

Mazda’s impressive CX-60 SUV is a worthy Car Deal of the Day on a two-year deal at £280 per month
News
12 Oct 2025