Skoda Fabia shows hardly any weaknesses at TÜV
It has no alternative drive systems, but is equipped for everyday tasks: the Skoda Fabia, built from 2014 to 2022, is an old-school small car that is also available as an estate. It often shows little wear and tear during the general inspection at the TÜV.
The brand is Czech, the interior is from the Volkswagen range: the Fabia rolls on the platform of the VW Polo. And Skoda's small car model performs similarly to its corporate brother in the general vehicle inspection (HU). Does that bode well? In any case, the inspectors observe a shortcoming that has a lot to do with the nature of this type of car.
Model history
The third-generation Fabia in question has been on the used car market since 2014. Between 2017 and 2019, it was successively upgraded with model upgrades that included three-cylinder engines, LED headlights and improved infotainment.
In the late summer of 2021, the fourth edition, which had grown significantly beyond the standard small car size of up to four meters in length, was introduced.
Body and variants
The model is available as a hatchback in the classic small car format and as an estate. The latter is called a Combi at Skoda and has a larger and more usable load compartment. The rear seat bench can be folded forward.
Unlike its predecessors, the third Fabia was no longer offered in the Scout variant with an off-road look. The estate was also discontinued with the current fourth generation.
Dimensions (according to ADAC)
- Hatchback: 3.99 to 4.00 meters x 1.73 meters x 1.45 to 1.48 meters (L x W x H); trunk capacity: 330 to 1150 liters
- Estate: 4.26 meters x 1.73 meters x 1.47 to 1.48 meters (L x W x H); trunk capacity: 530 to 1395 liters
Strengths
The "Auto Bild TÜV-Report 2024" emphasizes that the steering and drive shafts excel at the HU, and the brake lines and hoses are also exemplary. Axle suspensions, springs and dampers as well as most parts of the lighting system also rarely give cause for complaint.
The model has no problems with the emissions test (AU). The exhaust system proved to be solid at the first test date.
Weaknesses
According to the report, the "central weak point" is the dipped headlights, which cause negative results at the first and second HU, but are less frequently complained about at the third appointment - after defects have presumably been repaired.
The second point that interested parties should pay attention to is the function of the foot brake. This is criticized more often than average right from the start. And there is also a shortcoming that is observed in many cars driven in cities: too often worn brake discs, detected at the second check when the vehicle is five years old.
At seven years old, i.e. at the third general inspection, the exhaust system can also cause problems.
Breakdown behavior
With regard to its breakdown statistics, the ADAC writes that vehicles from all years of first registration perform well. The club did not notice any major breakdowns, but cars from the previous generation often had problems with the spark plugs.
Engines
- Petrol engines (three- and four-cylinder, front-wheel drive): 44 kW/60 hp to 92 kW/125 hp
- Diesel (three-cylinder, front-wheel drive): 66 kW/90 hp and 77 kW/105 hp
Market prices according to "DAT Marktspiegel" of Deutsche Automobil Treuhand with statistically expected kilometers in each case
- Fabia 1.0 MPI (estate) Active (2022); 44 kW/60 PS (three-cylinder); 19,000 kilometers; 14,000 euros
- Fabia 1.0 TSI Ambition Green tec (2017); 81 kW/110 PS (three-cylinder); 75,000 kilometers; 9775 euros
- Fabia 1.4 TDI (estate) Monte Carlo (2016); 77 kW/105 PS (three-cylinder); 124,000 kilometers; 10,200 euros
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When purchasing used Skoda Fabia models, it's important to inspect the dipped headlights during the TÜV check, as they have been identified as a potential issue.
Interested buyers might also want to look into the condition of the foot brake and the brake discs, both of which have been noted as problem areas in some used Skoda Fabias, especially those driven in cities.
Source: www.ntv.de
