Skoda Fabia - in Estate flavour

Introduction

Compact on the outside, big on the inside and with an efficient, punchy small turbodiesel rngine, this Skoda Fabia Estate is more versatile than Dr Who's Tardis.

What is it?

Simply put, this is the wagon version of Skoda's fine Fabia supermini. However, as a load hauler, the Fabia punches well above its weight thanks to the sort of cargo space normally associated with estates from the class above, such as the Ford Focus. There's also plenty of room for people in the front and rear, and all but the most basic trim are well appointed. The dash and interior are not quite as stylish as some rivals', but the Skoda is well screwed together and made from good quality materials. Superb economy and low emissions don't come at the expense of performance or everyday usability either, which makes the Czech estate car one of the soundest small family cars there is. There's also the anti-snob appeal of the Skoda badge that also holds its value very well in the used market.

How does it drive?

The three-cylinder 1.4-litre turbodiesel engine may not sound like it will have the force to pull along a fully loaded estate car but it's a gutsy little performer. While acceleration is acceptable, the engine shows its real strength on the move where it keeps the Fabia moving with the flow of traffic without hesitation or strain. There's an audible hum from the engine inside the cabin at all speeds, but it's not wearing and the Fabia seals out wind and road noise effectively. The five-speed manual gearbox keeps the engine on song and, like all of the controls, has a light, precise action.

Skoda has firmed up the ride of the Estate compared to the hatchback model, but the wagon is still very accomplished when it comes to battle scarred tarmac. In town, the occasional rut makes itself known, but at a faster pace the Fabia Estate is composed and comfortable. It also handles nimbly and is unfazed when the rear seats are occupied and the boot is loaded up.

Planet hugger or planet mugger?

The 1.4-litre turbodiesel in its more powerful 79bhp is more economical and cleaner than the slightly less potent 68bhp version. It's also makes for the cleanest and most frugal car in the Fabia Estate range, so is the one to pick if you want a load lugger and planet hugger. The characterful three-cylinder turbodiesel emits 120g/km of carbon dioxide to put it in the £35-per year road tax bracket. It's also good for 61.3mpg combined economy (which is the best of any engine in the Fabia Estate range) and it's an achievable figure too thanks to the engine's strong mid-rev shove.

Skoda has managed to make the new Fabia Estate marginally lighter than its predecessor, which helps with economy and emissions. The savings are small, but the new Estate is taller and slightly longer, so the savings are even better than they appear on paper. Skoda also offers a particulate filter as an option for diesel-powered Fabias, to reduce the amount of soot in the exhaust's gases, though this pushes emissions up to 127g/km and lowers economy to 58.7mpg.

Verdict

Skoda has done it again with the Fabia Estate. Just when some were beginning to think the Czech firm was forgetting its affordable, practical roots, along comes the latest Fabia wagon to put things right. The 1.4 TDI 80 is the pick of the range and even the better equipped version comes in at under £12,000, which is good value for a car that offers so much space for people and luggage. Look on it as a rival to the likes of the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra estates rather than other supermini-based load haulers and the Skoda is a serious bargain. It's also green enough to warrant low-rate road tax and provide excellent economy, yet the Fabia Estate doesn't demand you make any compromises in driving competence, comfort or practicality.

Alisdair Suttie