I drove this new sporty Skoda and considered buying one, until I learned this

I love a fast Skoda. For over 17 years my parents have had an Octavia vRS, and I owned a Mk1 Octavia vRS as well. I’ve always been drawn to their understated appearance and performance, but one car has been missing from Skoda’s lineup for over a decade.

That would be the Fabia vRS. I’d love to say that this small hot hatch had made a comeback, but that would only be half true. To celebrate the brand’s 130th birthday, Skoda has made the new Fabia 130.

It’s a warmed-up version of the current Fabia which uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine with 177hp. I flew out to Spain to experience the new Fabia 130 on the twisting country roads around Valencia. I went in with high hopes, excited to be driving a new hot Fabia, but I came away feeling a bit conflicted.

Skoda Fabia 130: engine and performance

Let’s start with the numbers. Under the bonnet is a tuned version of VW Group’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. It’s the same basic lump you’ll find in cars like the Skoda Octavia, SEAT Leon and the Audi A3, but it has some upgraded parts to make more power.

Whereas this engine usually makes 150hp, in the Fabia 130 it is putting out 177hp and 250Nm of torque. This goes to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and 0-62mph takes 7.4 seconds. That’s over half a second quicker than the next fastest Fabia.

Driving the Skoda Fabia 130: is it a proper hot hatch?

In short, sort of. I’d classify the Fabia 130 as a “warm hatch” – a segment which I love but has been dead for a couple of years since the Suzuki Swift Sport and Volkswagen Up GTI disappeared from showrooms.

It’s not quite powerful or fast enough to count as a full-fat hot hatchback, but it’s more than quick enough to put a smile on your face. The dual-clutch gearbox has been tuned in this car to make it feel more responsive, and it always feels eager when you plant your right foot.

As good as it is, I’d prefer a manual gearbox in a car like this. I think it would suit the car’s character better, as well as adding a layer of involvement which makes it more entertaining to drive.

I’d like a nicer engine note as well. It doesn’t make a particularly characterful noise when you rev it out, and towards the red line it starts to sound a bit strangled. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine you get in a Ford Puma ST is more aurally pleasing.

Out on a twisty road the Fabia 130 feels light and agile, but not hugely engaging. I’d like a bit more feedback through the steering wheel, a criticism I had of the Volkswagen Polo GTI.

It’s fitted with lowered sports suspension as standard, something which is an option on other Fabias, and it does a good job of keeping body roll in check without compromising on comfort too much.

It’s not quite as cosseting as the standard Fabia, thanks in part to that lowered suspension as well as the 18-inch alloy wheels. It’s still a comfy car to cruise around in though.

A hot hatch needs to look the part as well, and I think the Fabia 130 nails the brief here. A sporty Skoda should be wearing just enough jewellery to let you know it’s no ordinary model, but without shouting about it.

You get slightly bigger wheels, tweaked front and rear bumpers, a slightly bigger roof spoiler and some discreet twin tailpipes. It’s beefed-up just enough to stand out, but without being OTT. I think it looks wicked.

All-in-all, the Fabia 130 is a solid effort at making a spiced-up yet sensible hatchback. It’s not as fun to drive as something like a SEAT Ibiza or a Ford Puma, but it’s a great all-rounder which feels at home both on the school run and on a B-road.

The big issue with the Skoda Fabia 130

I came away from my drive in the Skoda Fabia 130 wondering if I should make this my next car. Something like this would suit me down to the ground. Comfy? Check. Quick? Check. Practical? Check. It would make a great all-rounder.

But then I took a look at the configurator. The Skoda Fabia 130 starts from £29,995, or you can get it on PCP finance for £318 per month over four years with a deposit of £5,399 and a mileage limit of 10,000 per year.

I happened to have a Volkswagen Polo GTI on test the week of the Skoda drive, and that car starts from £31,415. That works out to £350 per month on PCP using roughly the same terms as the Skoda.

So for an extra £1,420, or around £30 per month, you could have the Polo GTI which is faster, has a more characterful 2.0-litre engine and a nicer interior. When presented with that ultimatum, I can only draw one conclusion.

And it’s one which pains me, because I really do like the Fabia 130. I was really excited to drive a new fast Skoda, and it’s a jolly good one. But ultimately my money would have to go on the Polo GTI instead.

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