Skoda Fabia VRS Review: Performance and Style in a Hatchback

Skoda Fabia VRS Review: Performance and Style in a Hatchback

Any car that comes from the Volkswagen family (with Skoda being a part of Volkswagen) typically promises high quality. While their cars may not always be the best, they certainly know how to deliver exactly what people want. However, I doubt anyone would get excited hearing about a hatchback with a 1.4-liter engine, but after my experience with the Fabia VRS, I can confidently say: don't judge a book by its cover.

Style

In terms of appearance, the Fabia's shape doesn't do it any favors. It resembles a large ball on small wheels. Despite its Czechoslovak roots, the car reminds me of a small French man wearing a beret.

However, the car's black color, dubbed "Black Magic," is striking, and the black accents on the front grille and wheels are appealing. The only clues that indicate it's more than just a city car are the VRS badges (one on the front grille and one on the rear hatch) and some red brake calipers.

Materials and Cabin Quality

Open the car door, and while I have always appreciated Volkswagen's beautiful interior design, you'll see where the Fabia stands in terms of importance to Volkswagen. There’s plastic everywhere. I was a bit disappointed to find no soft-touch materials; just ask my right knee, which is sore from bumping against the center console.

Aside from the quality, the cabin layout is decent. They haven’t cluttered it with too many buttons since most controls are through the touchscreen (which is strange for a car in this price range).

The seats are comfortable and hold you well during sharp turns. However, they are fabric seats (the only leather in the car is on the steering wheel).

Visibility and Cabin Space

As a small hatchback, space expectations are modest. However, the boxy structure allows for decent room. Four people can fit comfortably, and there are plenty of storage pockets. The trunk, contrary to our expectations, has very good space.

Visibility is not an issue, and parking is easy, with rear parking sensors included.

Technology and Cabin Features

Yes, this section is titled "Technology and Features," but the technology and features of the Skoda Fabia VRS are what we would expect to find without them being "options." LED headlights, cruise control, a touchscreen, and parking sensors have become standard expectations in all cars. Although our car had a navigation device, its maps were not set up for the Gulf, so we didn't use it to assess its quality.

Safety Mechanisms

The Fabia is equipped with ABS and ESP along with some other functions, but it only has two airbags! This will certainly deter families from considering this car.

However, to be honest, many cars in this category are known for lacking good safety mechanisms, so we can't say Skoda is any worse than them.

So, it's an ordinary hatchback, but let's talk about the power...

Power and Transmission

Even though it has a 1.4-liter engine, it’s turbocharged and supercharged! It delivers 180 horsepower. Its weight is about 1,300 kg. It produces 250 Nm of torque to the front wheels with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Torque

Although turbo engines are known for lag, the Skoda accelerates at 1500 rpm. There might be a slight delay, but it won’t bother you. The torque aids in a comfortable drive, and the dual-clutch transmission performs well. You won't benefit much if you reach 7000 rpm, but between 5500-6000 rpm, the driving experience is solid. However, the engine noise is bothersome. It would be better if there were an exhaust system.

0-100 Acceleration

We accelerated from 0 to 100 in 7.5 seconds, which is just slightly above the stated 7.3. We drove the car in 35-degree heat, yet it didn’t cool down as expected.

Transmission

The transmission is smooth and quick for city driving. You can manually control it via paddles or the gear. I prefer manual transmission, but with DSG, the experience is different.

Handling and Suspension

I have to be honest; the suspension of the Skoda Fabia VRS is the worst I have ever experienced! It's extremely harsh for daily driving to an unreasonable degree, and you'll feel every little bump on the road.

The alloy wheels assist the car during cornering, and you won’t feel the absence of limited-slip differential.

The Fabia handles well on corners and is enjoyable to drive. Push hard, and it remains stable; push lightly, and it will turn easily. It allows you to maneuver without the fear of finding yourself in a tree on the road. Good.

Brakes

These red brake discs are not just for show. When you accelerate in the Fabia, it won't let you down and will stop you effectively. Although heavy braking gradually reduces their effectiveness, they won’t affect daily driving.

Conclusion

Priced at 80,000 AED, the Skoda Fabia VRS is the cheapest way to get a car in this category. It has no real competitors. While the low price is evident in the cabin, its driving experience and engine performance are commendable. But honestly, the only reason I wouldn’t recommend it is the existence of the Ford Focus ST. Not only is the ST larger and more powerful, but its interior is also far superior, and its price is not much higher than the Skoda at 95,000 AED. The Skoda is a good car, but if I had the money, I wouldn’t buy it.