This is one of my favourite small cars, and there’s one big reason to buy one

I recently went out to Spain to drive the new Skoda Fabia 130, and I concluded my review of that warmed-up hatchback by saying I’d buy a Volkswagen Polo GTI instead.

The 130 is a new flagship version of the Fabia with a 177hp 1.5-litre engine and some sporty suspension and styling upgrades, but it’s just too close in price to the faster and more premium-feeling Polo.

But this isn’t a reflection of how I feel about the Fabia in general, because the versions lower down in the range make much more sense. If you’re looking for a sensible, spacious and economical small car, I’d recommend the Skoda Fabia in a heartbeat. Here’s why.

Why I love the Skoda Fabia

Skoda is very good at making no-nonsense cars which are practical and easy to live with, and the Fabia feels more grown-up than a lot of cars from the class above. The 380-litre boot is 30 litres bigger than the larger Mercedes A-Class has to offer, for example.

There’s also loads of room in the back seats, and the Fabia is packed with Skoda’s usual range of “Simply Clever” features. You can get an umbrella in the driver’s door, an ice scraper behind the fuel filler flap and you can add things like a basket for the boot which stops things rolling around. It’s all very well thought-out.

I also like how comfortable the Fabia is to drive. It soaks up bumps around town nicely, and on the motorway it feels quiet and refined. I’d avoid the sluggish entry-level engine with 80hp, and instead go for the peppy and economical 1.0-litre turbo petrol with 116hp. This makes it a fantastic all-rounder.

Skoda Fabia deals – save over £1,500*

The other reason to consider a Fabia is the price. The top-spec 130 model may be a bit rich for my taste, but the range starts from just over £21,000. That’s £1,000 cheaper than a basic Polo, but I wouldn’t buy the entry-level car as it doesn’t have much equipment.

I’d go for the mid-spec SE L model. It gets a 9.2-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, up from the 8.3-inch screen you get as standard, as well as cruise control, a reversing camera, keyless entry and dual-zone air conditioning. You can also get this model with the 116hp petrol engine.

All this will set you back a shade under £24,000, and if you want a similar amount of kit and power in a Volkswagen Polo you’ll have to spend over £25,000.

And you can save even more when you buy a Fabia through Carwow. The SE L Edition is available now for just over £22,200, saving you more than £1,500.

So when comparing the more sensible versions of these cars rather than the sporty ones, the Fabia is the car which makes the most sense. It’s very evenly matched to the Polo, but with Carwow savings it’s a few grand cheaper to buy.

Skoda Fabia alternatives

The Fabia is a great car, but it won’t be for everyone. Here are three alternatives to consider, each doing something a bit better than the Skoda.

Volkswagen Polo – the posher choice

It may be a tad more expensive, but the Volkswagen Polo has a more premium-feeling interior while still offering great practicality.

Seat Ibiza – more fun to drive

The Seat Ibiza may share a lot of parts with the Fabia, but it’ll still put a bigger smile on your face through the bends. It’s just not quite as spacious inside.

Toyota Yaris – cheaper to run

The Fabia’s 1.0-litre engine can return an impressive 55mpg, however the Toyota Yaris has an even more frugal hybrid system which will easily deliver over 60mpg. Just keep in mind that it is more expensive to buy.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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*Savings are made up of the maximum dealer discount off RRP – subject to dealership, location and trim. Prices correct at the time of writing.