Skoda Fabia 2007–2010 car dimensions: 3992 mm long, 1642 mm wide and 1498 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,015 kg. Braked towing is 800 kg.
The Fabia 1 cabin has a simple layout with a Dance 2DIN CD radio that plays MP3s, four speakers and an aux socket. Manual air conditioning is optional. Higher trims add Climatronic automatic climate control, cruise control and rear parking sensors. Soft-touch surfaces and ergonomic controls make daily driving straightforward, with good headroom and storage like door drinks holders.
Boot space is 300 litres with seats up, expanding to 1163 litres when folded. A two-position cover helps with taller loads without blocking the view.
Towing capacity is 500 kg unbraked and 800 kg braked on the base 1.2 engines typical of Fabia 1, with payload around 490 kg. A factory towbar is available as an accessory. The hatch suits light work and family duties with its practical boot and full-size spare wheel as standard.
The cabin feels practical and roomy for a small hatch, with strong headroom and knee space for adults in the rear. Height-adjustable driver's seat and reach-and-rake steering wheel make it easy to find a relaxed driving position. Door pockets hold 1.5-litre bottles and there is a ticket holder plus aux socket. Manual air conditioning is standard from Fabia 2 grade upwards, with Climatronic available as an option on higher grades. An electric sunroof is optional on top grades. Seats are cloth as standard with partial leather optional. heated front seats are a cost option.
Official combined fuel consumption ranges from 37.7 mpg to 61.4 mpg across the petrol and diesel engines
CO2 emissions from 120 g/km to 180 g/km
Euro NCAP adult occupant rating of four stars, child three stars, pedestrian two stars
Standard safety includes driver, passenger and side airbags plus ABS with brake assist
ESP with ASR available on most engines and grades, standard on some higher ones
Full-size spare steel wheel standard
Fuel use varies by engine. The official combined figures cover 37.7 mpg on thirstier petrols up to 61.4 mpg on the more efficient diesels. CO2 sits between 120 and 180 g/km depending on the unit chosen. Expect real-world economy to sit close to these numbers with careful driving.
Servicing follows the schedule booklet supplied with the car. Fixed or flexible/long-life regimes are available so intervals depend on how the car is used and the oil specification. Present the service book at every visit to a Škoda partner to keep records complete.
Safety kit starts with driver, passenger and side airbags on every car, plus ABS. Curtain airbags are optional. ESP is widely available and fitted as standard on selected higher-powered versions. The car scored four stars for adult protection in the 2007 Euro NCAP test.
Living with the Fabia is straightforward. The 300-litre boot expands to 1,163 litres with the seats folded, and the cabin offers useful storage. Regular maintenance through the official network and use of the correct oils keep it reliable and help retain residual value.
Length 3992 mm, Width 1642 mm, Height 1498 mm, Wheelbase 2462 mm (Fabia 2007–2010)
Sources: manufacturer data, Škoda UK brochure The new Škoda Fabia, edition NEWFAB004.