I don't understand why Ford still insists on building cars with a dashboard design, that looks similar to 1990s ghettoblaster. On no telephone that I ever had in my hand, I saw the number keys so awkwardly shaped. There is a reason why most German manufacturers keep all the lines within the cabin horizontal, it's because the car looks more mature and more spacious inside.
Exactly. Ford has a nasty habit of over designing the controls. I much prefer the simple layout of german and korean cars. It's much calmer to look at and easier to use at a glance.
I recently changed my car in this supermini class. Having owned 4 Ford Fiestas already, I opted to try the new generation Skoda Fabia hatchback with the 1.2 TSI 110ps engine with 7 speed auto DSG gearbox. What a revelation! Very powerful engine, fantastic auto box and more space inside than the Fiesta. Got to say the fit and finish on the Skoda is impeccable and the interior very solid and practical with a more modern radio/computer setup than the Fiesta. The boot on the Skoda is very much bigger than the Fiesta, which for me is important. I have a full sized spare wheel too. The big area where the Skoda scores for me is the fuel economy and performance on the road. My Fabia is returning between 46-54mpg with just 1100 miles on the clock. This should improve further according to my garage. There is no doubt that my Fiestas where not as comfy or roomy inside as my Skoda Fabia. The Fabia is tireless over long journeys. The same journeys in my Fiestas became tiresome with a much more crashy ride over the bumps, whereas the Skoda glides over them without the same drama or discomfort giving the impression of riding in a bigger car. Handling and roadholding are in my mind completely on par with the Fiesta, although I concede the Fiesta is just the tiniest bit sharper in the handling department. Frankly, for most folks this just doesn't matter as you need to be on the cornering limit to experience the small difference between the two. The Skoda is not quite so twitchy when pushed hard over rough roads, with the steering being light and offering plenty of feedback. I'd say the video above is pretty accurate. As has been said in other posts, both cars are very good but for me the Skoda has it!
Just bought myself a 2017 plate Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo 1.2 110 DSG and can't wait to get my hands on it even more now! thanks for this insightful comment. Its nice to hear from someone who has been using the car.
Skoda for me, I have just bought one and my last car was a Skoda too. An Octavia 1.6 estate which was a brilliant car, very economical and comfortable.
+jazzyb88 you've obviously done your due diligence and considered customer satisfaction data and reliability figures, you would probably never just pull such claims out of thin air...
I don't think I could live with that small button-heavy Fiesta centre console, it looks a mess and is obviously awkward and distracting to use on the move. I would probably get tired of the hard ride as well, however dynamic the car feels. I think Skoda have managed to hit the right balance for everyday use and the crowning advantage is the roomier interior and boot which, although not used in full everyday, would be really useful when those few times do arise.
The Fiesta dashboard is cluttered and dated now. Nobody want loads of buttons. The more simple design interiors are the way forward, and Ford just cant see it. The ride is hard as well. My girlfriend had a new zetec Fiesta about 4 years ago. When I drove it I could feel every bit of road surface, it was very uncomfortable because of it. I have an Abarth 500, the new version, and even with 17inch wheels and sports suspension it ride bette than the Fiesta. Id never buy a Ford ever again. Overpriced mass produced cars for people with flock mentality
palusisko do you really believe a Polo is so much more comfortable than a Fabia? I've just replaced my 2014 Octavia with a brand new Audi A4 which has soundproof glasses and I can tell you the Octavia was nearly as comfortable as the Audi... and overall quality was not so distant either. Considering how much cheaper the Octavia was I can easily say it was excellent value for money. And I also think there's still a lot of badge snobbery about Skoda which I believe is a bit unfair
as someone who has owned fiestas, clios, 206s and done all my own servicing etc i would say skoda build quality and reliability gets it for me, the germans use far superior materials in my opinion, my fabia just hit 210 000 miles and still going strong
I have just bought the Fabia Estate 1.0L tsi and I was surprised at how well the flexible engine goes, handling is so like the Fiesta (I have owned 5 fiestas) that I chose the Fabia this time around.
I was driving Fabia for 4 years, now I have Fiesta and I would not go back - the 'fun factor' of driving a Fiesta is really something other cars in this class don't have. Fabia is a safe choice, Fiesta is the fun choice but still practical.
Skoda Fabia all the way. I have a fabia SE 1.2 tsi 90hp and definitely seems like the car to go for over the ford fiesta. The ford fiesta is a cracking car and has amazing feel for on the roads but fabia, as he says, is stunningly made inside and out.
The fiesta may look younger but its as comfortable as a box cart. If I wanted a car with a feeling of no suspension then I would buy one. The fabia is a more grown up car for those that go for comfort, practicality, fuel economy and refinement over image. Its clear the fiesta has met its match.
Top gear rates the Fiesta as the top car in it's class, and so do I! The suspension in the Fiesta is a little harder than the Skoda, but that is because it has a sporty suspension, designed for performance. The Fiesta has incredible road holding, and is a dream to actually drive. The Skoda is a good car, but it is dated in it's looks, a bit square, and to me, 'is an old mans car'! My opinion, and you are all allowed your own opinion, of course!
+David Wood I drove both and I have to say I wasn't impressed with the Fiesta's ride and visibility. The skoda was excellent but I bought a Vauxhall city car instead lol
No contest - All Skodas have far superior build quality to Fords & are much better value for money which is why they win all the awards when stacked against the opposition in group tests .Also you can soon have an ESTATE version - not so with the Fiesta. This is what you need for your buggy or dog Chris! .By the way I think your camera work could be better..
Vincent Demarest agree. i just cant get over the shitty motors vw uses.. the only thing i d buy from a vw would have to be a tdi. and they are just way overpriced
I personally love the Fabia - I'm getting the 1.4L 105hp TDI SE L later this year, and on test drives it feels beautiful - plus the addition of android auto makes the infotainment really easy to use :-)
I'm afraid I can't agree with your opinion of the fiestas ride, I've had one now for almost 3 years through motability with my dad who has a very bad back and he thinks it's one of the comfiest cars he's been in. Although this could be related to different road surfaces etc but in my opinion it's actually pretty comfy.
Agreed, mine is almost three years old and I feel the ride is very comfortable. I've heard a lot of reviews saying the suspension is hard, but I don't find that in mine.
Ford 100%.. folks don't buy these cars for lots of space. Its a great drivers car, great comuter car and excellent gas mileage. The stiffer suspension of the Fiesta is part of what makes it more fun. Plus the Fiesta looks FAR better. Not to mention the aftermarket world for the Fiesta is huge!! With that maybe the ford fiesta there doesn't have a touchscreen but here in the US it does and its quite nice
I've just done this comparison for myself, as I now only do less than 5k miles per year now I decided to downsize to a supermini. It came down to the fabia vs the fiesta and first thing to say after my test drives in each, is both are the best two cars in the class.So the fabia is more practical and has a more logical and slightly more premium interior, but it looks a bit like a shed on wheels (in my opinion) and it's fine to drive, though nothing special either.The fiesta however is not quite as practical and it's button heavy dash is dated compared to newer rivals, however I think it's looks great and with the eco boost engine it's fabulous to drive.So I think which ever I bought I'd have be a very happy man now, but in the end as either car was able to accommodate my carry requirements (I am childless and single though) the combination of how great to drive it is and the over £4.5k discount I negotiated on the Ford swung it for the fiesta and after the first 2 weeks with it I'm a very happy man.I suspect though if I'd got children I'd have gone for the more practical fabia.So in summery both are great cars and as long as each is big enough for your needs, like me it will come down to which has the sweetest deal attached to it.
I just test drove a 2012 fiesta and felt car sick driving it - very skittish ride. Banged my elbows on the door moudlings and felt it was hideously underpowered. 3dr 82bhp model. A lot of people complained about the reflection of the dash in the windscreen and I noticed this too - it really is quite noticably distracting in bright sunshine. I also drove for 16 km and the km range displayed dropped from 60km to 28km so wasnt that impressed there. I'm test driving a Skoda Fabia next week. I'll let you know which one I preferred.
I own a Fiesta that is almost three years old now, a lot of people keep going on about the hard suspension, but mine is very smooth and comfortable, so I'm not really sure what these people are talking about. Unless they're comparing it to other cars. But I love the Fiesta, it is so comfortable to drive and it is an absolute pleasure. I'm not sure about the Fabia, I know a few people who own one and they've sung praises about them. But each to their own I guess, not every car will tick everyone's boxes.
Ashley Ellis yes, the Fiesta is a good car. But if you drive the Fabia (I've had the 110ps version for over a year now after trading my Fiesta), you would notice a pleasant difference in the ride comfort of the Skoda. It makes for a much more relaxed & comfortable ride over a big distance than you get in the Fiesta. Yet you can still experience the thrill of a 'spirited' drive in the Fabia which has equally good road holding and handling.
The big challenge for the Skoda Fabia is, that it is not really a cheaper alternative any more. 10 years ago a Ford Fiesta cost significantly more than a Skoda Fabia. But not so today, where their pricing is pretty similar. And at the same time the Koreans are attacking from below. For the same sort of money, where Skoda will give you the 1,0 liter 3-cylinder with 75 hp from the VW Up, in the Kia Rio or brand new Hyundai i20 you already get a much more usable 1,25 liter 4-cylinder with 85 hp and a lot more torque. And its not like the koreans are behind in design any more. The Kia Rio in particular is a downright pretty little car. So really you have to be prepared to spend more on a Skoda Fabia with the 1,2 liter turbocharged TSI engine, because you consider it a more premium choise than the koreans. And live with a shorter warranty. Thats where it gets just a little bit tough for the Skoda, because the brand still does not really signal anything premium to most people. So good as it might be, I dont predict, that this new Fabia will go to the top of its class sales wise. At least not here in Denmark, where I am based.
If I needed another new car, on the cheap, I would look at the Rio with the 1.25 engine. I would also look at the skoda with the 1.0 75 bhp engine, as it is great round town, or on the motorway, it can keep up with traffic. Who needs to do 0-60 in 5 seconds or something? Avoid the TSI engines. Well known for problems.
I'm a former owner of a fabia I. And I'm waiting to my fiesta VI. Fabia III looks like a Fabia I which is a good think for me. But not even close to fiesta in terms of beauty. I didnt even think to buy fabia III. Fabia has a quality but not a charm.
Why did you show us such a basic model of the fabia? We bought the 1.2 TSI with Xenon Headlamps, 17" alloys, Fog lights and dual zone climate. This is exactly what the Fiesta has but the Skoda you showed us was clearly more basic.
skoda defo looks flatter, slicker, bigger, sportier better quality. The fiesta looks has that feminine roundish short bonnet shape. how the fiesta is so popular I really wonder... but to they own I say fabia all the way
The Ford is looking very old mainly because so many other manufacturers have gone a way towards copying it. The test was a little unfair to the Skoda by presenting the car in "Nightmare Blue" when they could have rolled out a silver one. The Fiesta still has more image than the Fabia. If you roll 6 years down the line, the Fabia will represent great value but the Ford will be decomposing if you care to look at the 6 year old ones about today.
I actually don't love the look of the fiesta, it would be cool if I didn't see them absolutely everywhere, but it just seems a bit mainstream and boring. I don't see quarter as many Fabias, and the look is pretty unique and you seem like a bit of a boss driving it, and everything else about it is sound and you don't have to make any hard sacrifices like you do with the fiesta
I say the fiesta would be cheaper to maintain, both cars are reliable if serviced regularly. I must say that the DSG 7 speed of the Fabia is superior than Fords version called Powershift 6 speed.
I'm surprised a Ford is being compared to a Skoda! For those that are saying the Skoda looks old fashioned and boring, yes the color, not the car, I would have it in red, yellow or green, not old man blue. The Ford, well its the usual Ford Showroom appeal, badly laid out ergonomics and dating looks. I'd take the Skoda for quality and reliability or the Ford every time, in fact my Wife is on at me to get a Fabia, albeit a Monte Carlo spec car for her. Changing from her BMW 1 Series Junk she drives now.
The badge more upmarket? Does it matter what the badge is? Makes me laugh because this is how brainwashed the general public are, and judging others on the car they drive. I buy cars because I like them for what they are. i couldnt care less what make it is, and neither does my sexy girlfriend.
I do own one and I have no complaints about noise whatsoever. In my opinion it is really nice to drive and I didn't notice any noise that would bother me :)
OMG, what a shock, the newly released Fabia (2015) is better in a few areas than the Fiesta, which came out in 2008. A shock indeed. Let's think a bit. When the new Fiesta will come out it will destroy the small segment again. So Fabia, Polo, 208 and company, enjoy while you can. It'a a surprise though that after all these years Fiesta is still top (ot almost top) of its class
Tudor Moldovan It is not quite also. I think, it is only in the UK, that the Fiesta is the best selling car. In other european markets, it is outsold by other models. In Denmark for instance the best selling car in the B-segment is the Peugeot 208, and the best selling overall is the VW Up. The Fiesta just only manage to stay in top-10 in a generally very competitive market for A- and B-segment cars. Also the Fiesta got completely new engines a few years ago in conjunction with a major facelift. And the 1,0 liter Ecoboost is really, what has kept the Fiesta alive. So its a bit of an exaggeration to claim, that the model is 7 years old. By that standard the brand new Corsa is 9 years old, because its build on the same platform and has the same dimensions as the Corsa launched in 2006. When Ford eventually launch a new Fiesta, it will have carry-over engines, and they wont be able to take a huge leap forwards in design, like they did in 2008. It will be an evolution rather than a revolution, just like this new Fabia, and the major improvements will likely be in interior design as well as the option of even more modern electronics like collission mitigating system and whatever else. So in short it will hardly be anything, which will make anybody want to rush out and replace their current Fiesta with a new one.
I think I'd have the Skoda. Although the Ford is very good, i find the Fabia more to my taste. That said, if both of them do a sporty version, like a Fiest ST vs the Fabia vRS, I'd go for the Fiesta ST. But only then.
+Aristotelis Mitsiou (tkk7406) I must admit, going away for a few days with luggage is a squeeze, although not bad boot size. I also dont have kids, so i guess I dont really think about practicality much. I would buy the Skoda though, looks a good solid car that would last.
does look kinda cute and playful on the outside, but the cockpit is a nightmare of the "look, I figured out how to use Illustrator, I'm a designer now" variety :D
how can anyone say that fiesta looks great? It has the same old design like cars from 90'. Boring, overdesigned, heavy, bulky, i dont see anything modern or sexy there. it just looks new and fashionable now but in few years it will get boring and ugly. Fabia looks decent and will look good even in 20 years. 1st gen. fabia is actually 17yo and it still looks good.
The Fiesta is insanely expensive for what you get and everyone has them, so it's painfully generic. The normal engines suck and you have to get the EcoBoost, which piles on even more money and the insurance is stupid. The Fabia feels very solidly built and holds the road very well. The engines also outperform the regular Ford ones and even the EcoBoost isn't that much better.
Michał Majewski clio is nice.. got a friend who owns one, bery nice looking, but i dont know about plastics... the keys like a battery cell phone made out of plastic
Only thing I dont like is it pipes that fake sound through the speakers. What is that all about? Can Ford not make it sound good naturally? My Abarth 500 is less power, but its lighter, more unique and costs a lot less. And has a tuned exhaust system that makes a real proper sound.
If motoring journalists reviewed the Ford Ecoboost 1.0 in an urban environment then they would come to a different conclusion. To say that this engine suffers from turbo lag is an understatement. For example when at low speed in 2nd gear turning a corner this car feels as if it wants to stall and has no power to pull away. This lack of power is evident in all gears. The dealer says that the car is performing to specification. The reason for this lack of power is that it is only a three cylinder, one litre engine pulling a substantial size car (hence the need for a turbo). This is the worst engine that I have driven in 43 years. I compare the eulogies from the press for this engine to the fairy tale of 'The Emperor's New Clothes'.
Fiesta seems rather small in the backseat, that guy isnt even tallest and it seems kind of cramped there. BTW you should add how tall you are when you make these videos back seat to give people better idea.
Want a really good quality grown up car -get the Fabia ..Fiesta is for teenagers and people who value style and engine thrum over real value quietness and class .I had a mad moment and bought a Fiesta ,but that love affair lasted just 2 weeks ,couldnt wait to get back into a Fabia ..
Skodas steering wheel is awful, slick and feels like plastick. No match for fiestas real soft leather wheel. Fiesta is also much better to drive and gas pedal feel on skoda is weird, hard to keep wanted speed. There is also a big delay on skodas cruise control, about 2s. Also the interior is in my opinion better in fiesta, only the touchscreen is better on skoda (not available in fiesta). Auto gearboxes are quite even, skoda has one more gear and bit longer gear ratio. I was little disapointted on skoda, but its not bad, just targeted a bit different audience i think... Engines and gearboxes (100hp powershift/ 110hp dsg) are close, maybe skoda even better? Close call. Skoda felt narrower and higher than fiesta and that gas pedal + bad steering wheel made driving not top notch.
usb stick do not get detected easily on the fiesta. Takes ~ 10 attempts until detected. Total Rubbish. Had the same problem with the previous fiesta i rented. No issue with the same usb stick in the i20, Corsa, Astra, class B, Camry, i40 or Toledo i've rented
It has bigger capacity more comfortable on long journeys actually has an amazing invention called a touch screen looks nice enough more economical. Ford has tech that don't look out of place if it was in the late 90s rarely ever changes anything about they're car couldn't pick out a new one from old but it's fun to drive -.- bloody hate ford sort your tech out make it more competitive you not hard
+Tom Jardine the Skoda is made in it's home country-the Czech Republic.I don't know how well the Czechs build compared to the Germans,but they are at least owned by Volkswagen.I'm pretty sure they use the same tech in both factories as a result.I think the Skoda is just fine
Now that the Peugeot 208 finally has an Turbo petrol engine to choose from I think that is the class leader. Nice design, class leading interior and materials, class leading fuel economy. Can't see how the boring Fabia and the outdated Fiesta can compete.
Personally, I associate anything from the VW group partially excluding Seat as old fashioned and boring. I know it would be a better car for some people but I personally prefer the Fiesta.
Ford Fiesta is overpriced. Ive just looked on Auto Trader, and there is a brand new fiesta with 138hp from the 3 cylinder engine, at a cost of £16,495! What??? O-60 is 9 seconds. My Abarth 500 is quicker AND I paid £12700 new 2 months ago. Also worth noting on that website, there are 11,564 Fiestas for sale in the UK, compared with just 279 Abarth 500s. More stylish, more individual. Life too short to be a sheep that follows everyone else
Seriously. How much did Skoda pay for this 'review'? The car looks like it's from an Eastern block Country in the 1990's. Ecoboost engine has won the accolade of International Engine of The Year 3 years in a row for good reason. Zetecs are under specced, get a Titanium Ecoboost 125 bhp and you are seriously laughing.
MegaVector2011 In my country the best Fiesta is roughly the same price as the best Fabia but you get so much less, a weaker (less horsepower and torque) and more fuel hungry engine. Comparison: FORD SKODA 1.6L 1.2L 105 HP at 6300 RPM 110 HP at 4600-5600 RPM 15.29 KG/M at 4000-4500 RPM 17.8 KG/M at 1400-4000 RPM 184 KM/H 196 KM/H 10.5 S to 100 KM/H 9.4 S to 100 KM/H 8.4/4.5 Liters per 100 KM 5.8/4.1 Liters per 100 KM Double clutch 6 speed Double clutch 7 speed Emission level 6 Emission level 3 Also the Fabia offers xenon headlights and LED backlights, a more modern media system and many other things the fiesta doesn't. I think the choice is pretty obvious by now, I wish they imported the fiestas with newer engines.
Well Sir, I think we have just achieved something all the politicians in the world have consistently failed to do since time immemorial.. We have come to an agreement.. I raise my glass to you and yours!
Finally! One reviewer who does not bang on about handling being the most important factor for a car. Good review - Thank you.
I like this guy, very calming way of presentation!
I don't understand why Ford still insists on building cars with a dashboard design, that looks similar to 1990s ghettoblaster. On no telephone that I ever had in my hand, I saw the number keys so awkwardly shaped. There is a reason why most German manufacturers keep all the lines within the cabin horizontal, it's because the car looks more mature and more spacious inside.
Exactly. Ford has a nasty habit of over designing the controls. I much prefer the simple layout of german and korean cars. It's much calmer to look at and easier to use at a glance.
European manufacturers also understand that heating and ventilation controls need to be easy to use wearing gloves. Try doing that in the fiesta!
***** It's designed in the US!
I own a fabia and I love it. 5 stars.
I recently changed my car in this supermini class. Having owned 4 Ford Fiestas already, I opted to try the new generation Skoda Fabia hatchback with the 1.2 TSI 110ps engine with 7 speed auto DSG gearbox. What a revelation! Very powerful engine, fantastic auto box and more space inside than the Fiesta. Got to say the fit and finish on the Skoda is impeccable and the interior very solid and practical with a more modern radio/computer setup than the Fiesta. The boot on the Skoda is very much bigger than the Fiesta, which for me is important. I have a full sized spare wheel too. The big area where the Skoda scores for me is the fuel economy and performance on the road. My Fabia is returning between 46-54mpg with just 1100 miles on the clock. This should improve further according to my garage. There is no doubt that my Fiestas where not as comfy or roomy inside as my Skoda Fabia. The Fabia is tireless over long journeys. The same journeys in my Fiestas became tiresome with a much more crashy ride over the bumps, whereas the Skoda glides over them without the same drama or discomfort giving the impression of riding in a bigger car. Handling and roadholding are in my mind completely on par with the Fiesta, although I concede the Fiesta is just the tiniest bit sharper in the handling department. Frankly, for most folks this just doesn't matter as you need to be on the cornering limit to experience the small difference between the two. The Skoda is not quite so twitchy when pushed hard over rough roads, with the steering being light and offering plenty of feedback. I'd say the video above is pretty accurate. As has been said in other posts, both cars are very good but for me the Skoda has it!
Just bought myself a 2017 plate Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo 1.2 110 DSG and can't wait to get my hands on it even more now! thanks for this insightful comment. Its nice to hear from someone who has been using the car.
UPDATE: I love it, its a joy to drive on motorways and small roads. Fun nippy little car. Recommended to anyone who might still be on the fence.
I'm deciding between fiesta and fabia thanks for the comparison I think I'll go for fabia. Greetings from Ireland
Skoda for me, I have just bought one and my last car was a Skoda too. An Octavia 1.6 estate which was a brilliant car, very economical and comfortable.
Skoda all the way for me - more space and economy and that VW factor cannot be ignored...
Still prefer the Fiesta, have one and it is so nice to drive you actually want to go out in it even if you have nowhere to go!
Mike Valiandes lol yeah
Alexis Hadjisoteriou what vw factor, shitty motors and expensive equipment?
*****
there really is no surprise
+jazzyb88 you've obviously done your due diligence and considered customer satisfaction data and reliability figures, you would probably never just pull such claims out of thin air...
Solid Skoda over a Fragile fiesta every day of the week.
I don't think I could live with that small button-heavy Fiesta centre console, it looks a mess and is obviously awkward and distracting to use on the move. I would probably get tired of the hard ride as well, however dynamic the car feels. I think Skoda have managed to hit the right balance for everyday use and the crowning advantage is the roomier interior and boot which, although not used in full everyday, would be really useful when those few times do arise.
The Fiesta dashboard is cluttered and dated now. Nobody want loads of buttons. The more simple design interiors are the way forward, and Ford just cant see it. The ride is hard as well. My girlfriend had a new zetec Fiesta about 4 years ago. When I drove it I could feel every bit of road surface, it was very uncomfortable because of it. I have an Abarth 500, the new version, and even with 17inch wheels and sports suspension it ride bette than the Fiesta. Id never buy a Ford ever again. Overpriced mass produced cars for people with flock mentality
Dont think one could be taken seriously in a Fiesta. The Skoda looks much more classy and grown up looking.
The Fabia is overall a much better car and also excellent value for money
fabian78 LOL :-DD
But Fabia has really hard plastic interior, it is not pleasant, Polo is more comfortable....
And also more expensive :D
Yes :-D But if you use a car for everyday, better is to buy more comfortable interior to feel good :-) :-)
palusisko do you really believe a Polo is so much more comfortable than a Fabia? I've just replaced my 2014 Octavia with a brand new Audi A4 which has soundproof glasses and I can tell you the Octavia was nearly as comfortable as the Audi... and overall quality was not so distant either. Considering how much cheaper the Octavia was I can easily say it was excellent value for money. And I also think there's still a lot of badge snobbery about Skoda which I believe is a bit unfair
We need more reviews from Telegraph cars and especially from this guy.
Thanks for a great review 👍
as someone who has owned fiestas, clios, 206s and done all my own servicing etc i would say skoda build quality and reliability gets it for me, the germans use far superior materials in my opinion, my fabia just hit 210 000 miles and still going strong
I have just bought the Fabia Estate 1.0L tsi and I was surprised at how well the flexible engine goes, handling is so like the Fiesta (I have owned 5 fiestas) that I chose the Fabia this time around.
I think your right there because I used to own a mk1 fabia and it was excellent.
I was driving Fabia for 4 years, now I have Fiesta and I would not go back - the 'fun factor' of driving a Fiesta is really something other cars in this class don't have. Fabia is a safe choice, Fiesta is the fun choice but still practical.
Skoda Fabia all the way. I have a fabia SE 1.2 tsi 90hp and definitely seems like the car to go for over the ford fiesta. The ford fiesta is a cracking car and has amazing feel for on the roads but fabia, as he says, is stunningly made inside and out.
I own the fabia 3 and it's a great little car. Old vw technology is still better than 90% of what other companies offer
i know cars have sensors these days, or can have, but i prefer the better natural
rear vision of the fabia
The fiesta may look younger but its as comfortable as a box cart. If I wanted a car with a feeling of no suspension then I would buy one. The fabia is a more grown up car for those that go for comfort, practicality, fuel economy and refinement over image. Its clear the fiesta has met its match.
Well said, the voice of reason.
Top gear rates the Fiesta as the top car in it's class, and so do I! The suspension in the Fiesta is a little harder than the Skoda, but that is because it has a sporty suspension, designed for performance. The Fiesta has incredible road holding, and is a dream to actually drive. The Skoda is a good car, but it is dated in it's looks, a bit square, and to me, 'is an old mans car'! My opinion, and you are all allowed your own opinion, of course!
+David Wood I drove both and I have to say I wasn't impressed with the Fiesta's ride and visibility. The skoda was excellent but I bought a Vauxhall city car instead lol
No contest - All Skodas have far superior build quality to Fords & are much better value for money which is why they win all the awards when stacked against the opposition in group tests .Also you can soon have an ESTATE version - not so with the Fiesta. This is what you need for your buggy or dog Chris! .By the way I think your camera work could be better..
Vincent Demarest agree. i just cant get over the shitty motors vw uses.. the only thing i d buy from a vw would have to be a tdi. and they are just way overpriced
I personally love the Fabia - I'm getting the 1.4L 105hp TDI SE L later this year, and on test drives it feels beautiful - plus the addition of android auto makes the infotainment really easy to use :-)
I'm afraid I can't agree with your opinion of the fiestas ride, I've had one now for almost 3 years through motability with my dad who has a very bad back and he thinks it's one of the comfiest cars he's been in. Although this could be related to different road surfaces etc but in my opinion it's actually pretty comfy.
Agreed, mine is almost three years old and I feel the ride is very comfortable. I've heard a lot of reviews saying the suspension is hard, but I don't find that in mine.
You are comparing a 2008 interior with a 2015 interior, and you complain that the Fiesta doesn't have a fancy touchscreen?
@@jackgallagher437 Yes, because that model was between 2008-2016.
Ford 100%.. folks don't buy these cars for lots of space. Its a great drivers car, great comuter car and excellent gas mileage. The stiffer suspension of the Fiesta is part of what makes it more fun. Plus the Fiesta looks FAR better. Not to mention the aftermarket world for the Fiesta is huge!! With that maybe the ford fiesta there doesn't have a touchscreen but here in the US it does and its quite nice
My family owns 4 Škoda’s. And for good reason! ( 2 Octavia’s,Octavia Vrs and a Fabia)
Both look very smart actually, good new look for Skoda 😊
I get my brand new skoda fabia within 2 weeks then need to pick it up from the dealership can't wait
I've just done this comparison for myself, as I now only do less than 5k miles per year now I decided to downsize to a supermini. It came down to the fabia vs the fiesta and first thing to say after my test drives in each, is both are the best two cars in the class.So the fabia is more practical and has a more logical and slightly more premium interior, but it looks a bit like a shed on wheels (in my opinion) and it's fine to drive, though nothing special either.The fiesta however is not quite as practical and it's button heavy dash is dated compared to newer rivals, however I think it's looks great and with the eco boost engine it's fabulous to drive.So I think which ever I bought I'd have be a very happy man now, but in the end as either car was able to accommodate my carry requirements (I am childless and single though) the combination of how great to drive it is and the over £4.5k discount I negotiated on the Ford swung it for the fiesta and after the first 2 weeks with it I'm a very happy man.I suspect though if I'd got children I'd have gone for the more practical fabia.So in summery both are great cars and as long as each is big enough for your needs, like me it will come down to which has the sweetest deal attached to it.
I think your observation is correct, it does look like a shed on wheels! It is square, boxy, and looks like a 1970's vehicle!
I just test drove a 2012 fiesta and felt car sick driving it - very skittish ride. Banged my elbows on the door moudlings and felt it was hideously underpowered. 3dr 82bhp model. A lot of people complained about the reflection of the dash in the windscreen and I noticed this too - it really is quite noticably distracting in bright sunshine. I also drove for 16 km and the km range displayed dropped from 60km to 28km so wasnt that impressed there. I'm test driving a Skoda Fabia next week. I'll let you know which one I preferred.
I own a Fiesta that is almost three years old now, a lot of people keep going on about the hard suspension, but mine is very smooth and comfortable, so I'm not really sure what these people are talking about. Unless they're comparing it to other cars. But I love the Fiesta, it is so comfortable to drive and it is an absolute pleasure. I'm not sure about the Fabia, I know a few people who own one and they've sung praises about them. But each to their own I guess, not every car will tick everyone's boxes.
Ashley Ellis yes, the Fiesta is a good car. But if you drive the Fabia (I've had the 110ps version for over a year now after trading my Fiesta), you would notice a pleasant difference in the ride comfort of the Skoda. It makes for a much more relaxed & comfortable ride over a big distance than you get in the Fiesta. Yet you can still experience the thrill of a 'spirited' drive in the Fabia which has equally good road holding and handling.
The big challenge for the Skoda Fabia is, that it is not really a cheaper alternative any more. 10 years ago a Ford Fiesta cost significantly more than a Skoda Fabia. But not so today, where their pricing is pretty similar.
And at the same time the Koreans are attacking from below. For the same sort of money, where Skoda will give you the 1,0 liter 3-cylinder with 75 hp from the VW Up, in the Kia Rio or brand new Hyundai i20 you already get a much more usable 1,25 liter 4-cylinder with 85 hp and a lot more torque.
And its not like the koreans are behind in design any more. The Kia Rio in particular is a downright pretty little car. So really you have to be prepared to spend more on a Skoda Fabia with the 1,2 liter turbocharged TSI engine, because you consider it a more premium choise than the koreans. And live with a shorter warranty.
Thats where it gets just a little bit tough for the Skoda, because the brand still does not really signal anything premium to most people. So good as it might be, I dont predict, that this new Fabia will go to the top of its class sales wise. At least not here in Denmark, where I am based.
If I needed another new car, on the cheap, I would look at the Rio with the 1.25 engine. I would also look at the skoda with the 1.0 75 bhp engine, as it is great round town, or on the motorway, it can keep up with traffic. Who needs to do 0-60 in 5 seconds or something? Avoid the TSI engines. Well known for problems.
I'm a former owner of a fabia I. And I'm waiting to my fiesta VI. Fabia III looks like a Fabia I which is a good think for me. But not even close to fiesta in terms of beauty. I didnt even think to buy fabia III. Fabia has a quality but not a charm.
Why did you show us such a basic model of the fabia? We bought the 1.2 TSI with Xenon Headlamps, 17" alloys, Fog lights and dual zone climate.
This is exactly what the Fiesta has but the Skoda you showed us was clearly more basic.
+Daniel San I've got the top range SE L 1.2 TSI and Xenon Headlines/Dual zone climate aren't an option! Only on the Octavia!
Skoda Fabia looks like an executive car. Ford fiesta looks like a car for students.
Fiesta for the young people, Fabia for the families.
It's that simple.
But skodas models are cheaper in insurance than any fiesta model hence why it's better for a first driver (young person)
Fabia for people who value quality, fiesta for people who don't car or think the quality is good enough
I like the fabia with the exterior style of the fiesta. fabia's interiors are great for the B segment
I've got a Mk2 Fabia 1.2 TSi 105 BHP. It was made just before the mk3 appeared on the scene. It's a great car all round and the mpg is astounding.
skoda defo looks flatter, slicker, bigger, sportier better quality. The fiesta looks has that feminine roundish short bonnet shape. how the fiesta is so popular I really wonder... but to they own I say fabia all the way
Is the Ecoboom still the best engine choice?
The Ford is looking very old mainly because so many other manufacturers have gone a way towards copying it. The test was a little unfair to the Skoda by presenting the car in "Nightmare Blue" when they could have rolled out a silver one. The Fiesta still has more image than the Fabia. If you roll 6 years down the line, the Fabia will represent great value but the Ford will be decomposing if you care to look at the 6 year old ones about today.
I actually don't love the look of the fiesta, it would be cool if I didn't see them absolutely everywhere, but it just seems a bit mainstream and boring. I don't see quarter as many Fabias, and the look is pretty unique and you seem like a bit of a boss driving it, and everything else about it is sound and you don't have to make any hard sacrifices like you do with the fiesta
Which car is more reliable in long run and which car is cheaper to service and maintain?
I say the fiesta would be cheaper to maintain, both cars are reliable if serviced regularly. I must say that the DSG 7 speed of the Fabia is superior than Fords version called Powershift 6 speed.
I'm surprised a Ford is being compared to a Skoda! For those that are saying the Skoda looks old fashioned and boring, yes the color, not the car, I would have it in red, yellow or green, not old man blue. The Ford, well its the usual Ford Showroom appeal, badly laid out ergonomics and dating looks. I'd take the Skoda for quality and reliability or the Ford every time, in fact my Wife is on at me to get a Fabia, albeit a Monte Carlo spec car for her. Changing from her BMW 1 Series Junk she drives now.
I think the fiesta is still the best because of its looks and the way it drives and the badge is a bit more upmarket.
The badge more upmarket? Does it matter what the badge is? Makes me laugh because this is how brainwashed the general public are, and judging others on the car they drive. I buy cars because I like them for what they are. i couldnt care less what make it is, and neither does my sexy girlfriend.
Some people say Skoda Fabia noising too much, is that true?
I do own one and I have no complaints about noise whatsoever. In my opinion it is really nice to drive and I didn't notice any noise that would bother me :)
maybe if you get a diesel with a sporty suspension and the sunroof.
No, it's very quiet (1.2 tsi 90hp)
Under Thor bridge
.
OMG, what a shock, the newly released Fabia (2015) is better in a few areas than the Fiesta, which came out in 2008. A shock indeed. Let's think a bit. When the new Fiesta will come out it will destroy the small segment again. So Fabia, Polo, 208 and company, enjoy while you can.
It'a a surprise though that after all these years Fiesta is still top (ot almost top) of its class
Tudor Moldovan It is not quite also. I think, it is only in the UK, that the Fiesta is the best selling car. In other european markets, it is outsold by other models. In Denmark for instance the best selling car in the B-segment is the Peugeot 208, and the best selling overall is the VW Up. The Fiesta just only manage to stay in top-10 in a generally very competitive market for A- and B-segment cars.
Also the Fiesta got completely new engines a few years ago in conjunction with a major facelift. And the 1,0 liter Ecoboost is really, what has kept the Fiesta alive. So its a bit of an exaggeration to claim, that the model is 7 years old. By that standard the brand new Corsa is 9 years old, because its build on the same platform and has the same dimensions as the Corsa launched in 2006.
When Ford eventually launch a new Fiesta, it will have carry-over engines, and they wont be able to take a huge leap forwards in design, like they did in 2008. It will be an evolution rather than a revolution, just like this new Fabia, and the major improvements will likely be in interior design as well as the option of even more modern electronics like collission mitigating system and whatever else.
So in short it will hardly be anything, which will make anybody want to rush out and replace their current Fiesta with a new one.
I think I'd have the Skoda. Although the Ford is very good, i find the Fabia more to my taste. That said, if both of them do a sporty version, like a Fiest ST vs the Fabia vRS, I'd go for the Fiesta ST. But only then.
Get an Abarth. Cheaper, lighter and rarer on the road.
Simon George True but it's not as practical...
+Aristotelis Mitsiou (tkk7406) I must admit, going away for a few days with luggage is a squeeze, although not bad boot size. I also dont have kids, so i guess I dont really think about practicality much. I would buy the Skoda though, looks a good solid car that would last.
That Fabia looks like its straight out of 2003.... The Fiesta has actual style in the front end.
Really? I think the Fiesta looks like a piece of shit compared to the Škoda!
+James Johansson the Fiesta is being aimed at people with no imagination, or those with badge snobbery.
Simon George Yeah, the Škoda has style, where as the Ford looks dinky and childish
does look kinda cute and playful on the outside, but the cockpit is a nightmare of the "look, I figured out how to use Illustrator, I'm a designer now" variety :D
the Dagenham dustbin completely out classed by the better built more comfortable practical Fabia unless you want to go round corners guicker
The 1.2 litre engine in the Fabia is a 3 cylinder not 4.
no, it is a 4 cylinder, the new 1.0 litre is 3 cylinders
@@marcogiulivi7595 Originally it was 3 but it was replaced with a 4.
@@Nooziterp1 in this particular case it`s a 4 cylinder tho...I know...I have one...
how can anyone say that fiesta looks great? It has the same old design like cars from 90'. Boring, overdesigned, heavy, bulky, i dont see anything modern or sexy there. it just looks new and fashionable now but in few years it will get boring and ugly. Fabia looks decent and will look good even in 20 years. 1st gen. fabia is actually 17yo and it still looks good.
Any comments anyone can make on the Fabia 19 tdi Sport?. Unsure if I should go for one of these or a Focus 2005 16 V 1.6. Can anyone help please?
Con mi Skoda Fabia todo el rato,saludos desde Chile.
thanks a lot
The Fiesta is insanely expensive for what you get and everyone has them, so it's painfully generic. The normal engines suck and you have to get the EcoBoost, which piles on even more money and the insurance is stupid.
The Fabia feels very solidly built and holds the road very well. The engines also outperform the regular Ford ones and even the EcoBoost isn't that much better.
Agree!
I'd prefer Clio. Fiesta is old. Fabia looks old (or boring). Clio looks nice, fresh and stylish.
Michał Majewski clio is nice.. got a friend who owns one, bery nice looking, but i dont know about plastics... the keys like a battery cell phone made out of plastic
Michał Majewski The clio is horrible on the inside.
The new Clio has those dreadful side mouldings, stuck on the doors in such a way it looks like someone has driven into it.
Clio has poor build quality, friend of mine has his gearbox changed after 10.000 km.
Yeah but Renault is as crap as Peugeot 😂
my fiesta st is still the best! yes a bit hard ride but 180-200 hp, looks much bether then base model and amazing seats for oly 2500 euro's more
Only thing I dont like is it pipes that fake sound through the speakers. What is that all about? Can Ford not make it sound good naturally? My Abarth 500 is less power, but its lighter, more unique and costs a lot less. And has a tuned exhaust system that makes a real proper sound.
If motoring journalists reviewed the Ford Ecoboost 1.0 in an urban environment then they would come to a different conclusion. To say that this engine suffers from turbo lag is an understatement. For example when at low speed in 2nd gear turning a corner this car feels as if it wants to stall and has no power to pull away. This lack of power is evident in all gears. The dealer says that the car is performing to specification. The reason for this lack of power is that it is only a three cylinder, one litre engine pulling a substantial size car (hence the need for a turbo). This is the worst engine that I have driven in 43 years. I compare the eulogies from the press for this engine to the fairy tale of 'The Emperor's New Clothes'.
I would also add that long term, that little 3 cyclinder is going to be under a lot of strain. Very complex engine, too much to go wrong,
Fiesta seems rather small in the backseat, that guy isnt even tallest and it seems kind of cramped there. BTW you should add how tall you are when you make these videos back seat to give people better idea.
Want a really good quality grown up car -get the Fabia ..Fiesta is for teenagers and people who value style and engine thrum over real value quietness and class .I had a mad moment and bought a Fiesta ,but that love affair lasted just 2 weeks ,couldnt wait to get back into a Fabia ..
I agreed 👍
I agree!
Skodas steering wheel is awful, slick and feels like plastick. No match for fiestas real soft leather wheel. Fiesta is also much better to drive and gas pedal feel on skoda is weird, hard to keep wanted speed. There is also a big delay on skodas cruise control, about 2s. Also the interior is in my opinion better in fiesta, only the touchscreen is better on skoda (not available in fiesta).
Auto gearboxes are quite even, skoda has one more gear and bit longer gear ratio.
I was little disapointted on skoda, but its not bad, just targeted a bit different audience i think...
Engines and gearboxes (100hp powershift/ 110hp dsg) are close, maybe skoda even better? Close call. Skoda felt narrower and higher than fiesta and that gas pedal + bad steering wheel made driving not top notch.
Dont take any notice to this video hes being paid to say nice stuff because the fiesta is better in every way
the fabia is by far the best choice, that dash on the fiesta - ouch
Skoda Fabia🥇☝️💖
I would like to like the Fabia but no new car can look this booooring/rubbish in 2015!
livc44411 Not that well built either, it's a myth.
livc44411 the monte carlo trim looks good. I agree that the lower trims look boring
fiesta having a hard suspension setup? wtf? that thing is so niceley balanced there are some compact cars that can´t match it.
usb stick do not get detected easily on the fiesta. Takes ~ 10 attempts until detected. Total Rubbish. Had the same problem with the previous fiesta i rented. No issue with the same usb stick in the i20, Corsa, Astra, class B, Camry, i40 or Toledo i've rented
What annoys me about Ford is how they still fit wind down windows in the back and rear drum brakes, even on mid range models!
....wouldn't have a modern Ford THROWN at me! >:(
Too bad Skoda doesn't come to the U.S. market... :(
It has bigger capacity more comfortable on long journeys actually has an amazing invention called a touch screen looks nice enough more economical. Ford has tech that don't look out of place if it was in the late 90s rarely ever changes anything about they're car couldn't pick out a new one from old but it's fun to drive -.- bloody hate ford sort your tech out make it more competitive you not hard
Volkswagen the best . I like so much Volkswagen Skoda fabia
You would think the Fiesta is more beautiful, but wtf it's NOT.
The Fiesta is hideous and aimed at young drivers who like lots of toys and buttons to press.
Which one is more reliable?
+Tom Jardine the Skoda is made in it's home country-the Czech Republic.I don't know how well the Czechs build compared to the Germans,but they are at least owned by Volkswagen.I'm pretty sure they use the same tech in both factories as a result.I think the Skoda is just fine
Probably on par with each other as the Ford's UK spec cars are built in Germany.
Skoda rates 1 in reliability index 2015 so I would say Skoda.
Now that the Peugeot 208 finally has an Turbo petrol engine to choose from I think that is the class leader. Nice design, class leading interior and materials, class leading fuel economy. Can't see how the boring Fabia and the outdated Fiesta can compete.
Carrinthe class leading smallness
Ford is 1000 times better than Skoda
'I have to say' I have to say...
Personally, I associate anything from the VW group partially excluding Seat as old fashioned and boring. I know it would be a better car for some people but I personally prefer the Fiesta.
The ford fiestas electric power steering is horrible it feel so artificial. why do we need this on a small car.
Dont like the styling of new Fabia and also other Skodas.
dont forget, that fiesta is here for cca 7 years, fabia is new car... its unbalanced contest...
A fiesta wou,d compare to a Fabia Combi..
skoda is better baring in mind that it is the SE model and the fiesta is not #
Function > Form
The Fiesta is now history, not made anymore.
The ones it bested in the past are all still made........
👍ŠkodaFabia👋🥇🤓
Fabia is ok car I drove it for some time it's gonna last you for years but looks cheap from inside though
The new new fabia looks worse than the old new fabia.
And where is rebecca :(
Ford Fiesta is overpriced. Ive just looked on Auto Trader, and there is a brand new fiesta with 138hp from the 3 cylinder engine, at a cost of £16,495! What??? O-60 is 9 seconds. My Abarth 500 is quicker AND I paid £12700 new 2 months ago. Also worth noting on that website, there are 11,564 Fiestas for sale in the UK, compared with just 279 Abarth 500s. More stylish, more individual. Life too short to be a sheep that follows everyone else
+Simon George u must be single xD
+Adel Benaida erm, slightly baffling. What has my opinion on cars got to do with my marital status you ill informed person?
Simon George Sorry .. i was joking :p .. i meant the 2 cars are not from the same class
Seriously. How much did Skoda pay for this 'review'? The car looks like it's from an Eastern block Country in the 1990's. Ecoboost engine has won the accolade of International Engine of The Year 3 years in a row for good reason. Zetecs are under specced, get a Titanium Ecoboost 125 bhp and you are seriously laughing.
MegaVector2011
In my country the best Fiesta is roughly the same price as the best Fabia but you get so much less, a weaker (less horsepower and torque) and more fuel hungry engine.
Comparison:
FORD SKODA
1.6L 1.2L
105 HP at 6300 RPM 110 HP at 4600-5600 RPM
15.29 KG/M at 4000-4500 RPM 17.8 KG/M at 1400-4000 RPM
184 KM/H 196 KM/H
10.5 S to 100 KM/H 9.4 S to 100 KM/H
8.4/4.5 Liters per 100 KM 5.8/4.1 Liters per 100 KM
Double clutch 6 speed Double clutch 7 speed
Emission level 6 Emission level 3
Also the Fabia offers xenon headlights and LED backlights, a more modern media system and many other things the fiesta doesn't.
I think the choice is pretty obvious by now, I wish they imported the fiestas with newer engines.
I'm not from your country.
I have to say that you say 'I have to say' too often
+Bob Dunn I have to say that I agree with the fact that you have to say that he says 'I have to say' too often.
Why sir, I have to say that I agree with your agreement with me that I have to say that he has to say 'I have to say' too often.
Well Sir, I think we have just achieved something all the politicians in the world have consistently failed to do since time immemorial.. We have come to an agreement.. I raise my glass to you and yours!
I have to say you two are annoyingly annoying....
and I have to say a large one for that gentleman too, barman.
The skoda looks like it was designed by a blindan with a ruler,,it looks fugly and cheap and boring :(
Actually, it was designed by the same person who designed the bugatti veyron!!!!! The Fabia is way better than than that Ford
Fabia looks like a car for a grandma, Fiesta looks like a car for young sexy chick.
True. My dad bought one after the age of 59! I would go for skoda on the basis of quality.
SwPiotrek Well, if that is how you recognize the german design, yes, 100% grandma car.
Who cares. It's better than the Ford.
N.
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P ъий кмhjj
Oswald Mosley Well, modern Skodas aren't cheap to run.
Oh dear.Another car I can't buy because the baby buggy won't fit.What a baby bore.
these are not even the same class. skoda offers as much space as a golf, fiesta like a vw mi. just stupid vw pricing and motors are a real turn off
Goog Commenter But the Fabia is a supermini, it's supposed to be the Skoda variant of the Polo. The Rapid is closer to the Golf.
Skoda has a way boring look. I dont like it. I never buy things that I dont like even to look on.