Model tested: Skoda Fabia Ambiente 1.4 TDI PD
Price: £9,425
Tested: May 2006
Road tester: Adrian Higgins

Overall Rating - 77%
When it comes to reinventing a brand, Skoda, with a little help from VW, wrote the book. And the first chapter of that book is called Fabia. Here's our verdict.

1. Looks
We like the Fabia's smart lines and that it has its own identity. The five-year-old Fabia was launched at the turn of the Millennium and facelifted in January 2005. Now it looks even better.
8/10

2. Looks inside
Simple, stylish and neat. There's plenty of space for drivers and passengers and everything is clearly visible and within easy reach of the driver. Sit in the Fabia and you won't feel like you're in a cheap car.
8/10

3. Practicality
The hatchback offers 260 litres of storage with the seats up and 1,225 when they're folded down. A low loading sill makes boot access easier.
8/10

4. Ride and Handling
The ride is comfortable but not at the expense of the handling. Skoda has managed to find just the right middle ground which makes the Fabia a good option for urban, motorway or rural driving.
8/10

5. Performance
The Fabia 1.4 TDI PD takes 13.8 seconds to get from 0-62mph and tops out at 105mph.
7/10

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6. Running Costs
The 1.4 TD averages 61.4mpg while its annual tax bill is £110. Fabia buyers get a two-year unlimited mileage factory warranty, plus a third year valid until the car has completed 60,000 miles.
8/10

7. Reliability
Skoda has come on since the days prior to VW ownership. The Fabia doesn't feel cheap and buying one is unlikely to result in lots of costly trips to the garage.
8/10

8. Safety
The Fabia achieved four stars in Euro NCAP crash tests, driver and front passenger airbags are standard across the range along with side impact protection, child safety locks and height adjustable front seats.
7/10

9. Equipment
The entry-level Classic gets air-con with cooled glovebox and drinks compartment, power steering and height adjustable driver's seat. The Ambiente adds tinted glass, trip computer and body coloured door mirrors while the Elegance gets cruise control, leather steering wheel and gearing knob plus rear parking sensors.
7/10

10. X-Factor
It's a good car for a good price. This may not sound like the sexiest X-Factor ever, no vase for your flower or other novelty frills here. But it is what most people are looking for.
8/10