2025 Skoda Fabia Select Review

The 2025 Skoda Fabia Select is a welcome addition to Australia’s light car segment, offering a more affordable entry point into the Fabia range. Designed to compete with similarly priced hatchbacks, it brings a blend of practicality, efficiency, and technology to a competitive market. With a turbocharged three-cylinder engine and a well-sized cabin, it aims to provide a balance of performance and usability.

Despite its strengths, the Fabia Select does come with some trade-offs. While it offers a generous equipment list for its price, it omits key features like adaptive cruise control, which is available in some rivals. Additionally, the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission can feel hesitant in stop-start traffic, potentially frustrating urban drivers.

That said, for those prioritising interior space, safety, and efficiency, the Fabia Select remains an attractive option. With a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a comfortable driving experience, it holds its own against competitors like the Volkswagen Polo, Suzuki Swift, and Hyundai i20. Let’s take a closer look at how it stacks up in key areas.

How much does the 2025 Skoda Fabia cost?

The Fabia Select offers a strong value proposition, sitting at the more affordable end of the light car market while still delivering a solid equipment list.

2025 Skoda Fabia Pricing:

• 2025 Skoda Fabia 85TSI Select – $31,990 drive-away
• 2025 Skoda Fabia 110TSI Monte Carlo – $39,990 drive-away

Note: Prices exclude on-road costs.

How does it compare to rivals?

The Fabia Select competes with the Volkswagen Polo Life ($30,790 excl. on-roads), Hyundai i20N ($35,500 excl. on-roads), Mazda 2 G15 Evolve ($26,990 excl. on-roads), and Toyota Yaris SX Hybrid ($31,960 excl. on-roads). While the Polo shares the same engine and platform, the i20N offers much sportier performance, and the Yaris SX delivers hybrid efficiency. The Fabia’s spacious interior and practicality make it a strong value option, though the lack of adaptive cruise control is a downside compared to some rivals.

A Smart but Subtle Design

The 2025 Skoda Fabia Select may be the base model in the lineup, but that doesn't mean it has to look like a budget offering. It features 16-inch alloy wheels, subtle chrome accents, and LED headlights, which give it a refined yet understated presence on the road. While it lacks the racing-inspired styling of the Monte Carlo variant, its clean and simple design ensures it remains classy rather than overly flashy.

At first glance, the Fabia Select blends seamlessly into urban environments, but upon closer inspection, there are subtle details that elevate its appeal. The angular body lines and sculpted bonnet give a sense of dynamism, while the chrome surround on the grille and body-coloured mirrors give it a touch of premium flair. It’s not a car that screams for attention, but it carries a European sophistication that feels well-executed for its price point.

Despite being a practical hatchback, Skoda has managed to inject some character into the design. The compact dimensions (4108mm length, 1780mm width, 1459mm height, with a 2564mm wheelbase) make it easy to manoeuvre, but the slightly longer stance compared to some rivals means it offers more interior space without looking awkwardly stretched. Kind of a wagon/hatchback hybrid. The sloping rear roofline is subtle but helps to give the Fabia a more streamlined look, avoiding the boxy proportions seen in some competitors.

While some buyers may wish for more aggressive styling or sportier accents, the Fabia Select’s understated aesthetic is one of its strengths. It looks smart, modern, and well-proportioned - traits that should help it age gracefully.

Practical but Basic

The cabin of the 2025 Skoda Fabia Select is surprisingly spacious, giving it an edge over some rivals in the segment. Despite its compact dimensions, Skoda has made excellent use of the interior layout, ensuring both front and rear occupants enjoy ample headroom and legroom. The driving position is well thought out, with good visibility and a comfortable seating position that makes long drives more manageable.

A highlight of the cabin is the 8.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This feature, often reserved for higher-end models, makes smartphone integration seamless. However, the absence of digital radio is a minor letdown, particularly when many competitors such as the Fabia's close relative - the Volkswagen Polo Life includes it as standard.

Material quality is a mixed bag. While the soft-touch dashboard and leather-wrapped steering wheel add a touch of refinement, harder plastics on the door panels and lower sections of the cabin remind you that this is still a budget-conscious vehicle. The Mazda 2 G15 Evolve would offer a slightly more premium feel inside, but the Fabia fights back with vastly superior cabin space and practicality.

Seating comfort is generally good, with firm but supportive front seats that provide solid back support. The inclusion of lumbar adjustment is a welcome addition at this price point, though the lack of heated seats or power adjustment may be a downside for those seeking more luxury. Manual air conditioning is another cost-saving measure, and while it works fine, it does make the Fabia feel a step behind the competition, as many similarly priced models now offer automatic climate control as standard.

Overall, the Fabia Select’s interior delivers where it matters most - space, usability, and technology. While it may not have the most premium materials or luxury features in the class, it remains one of the more practical and well-thought-out cabins in the segment, making it a great choice for those prioritising functionality over flash.

Roomier Than Expected

Rear passengers will appreciate the good headroom and legroom, especially compared to some competitors that prioritise front-seat space at the expense of those in the back. The Fabia Select’s tall roofline and well-packaged interior mean that even taller adults can sit comfortably in the second row without feeling cramped.

One standout feature is the inclusion of rear air vents, something often missing in this segment. This small but significant feature helps improve comfort, particularly in warmer climates, by ensuring airflow reaches rear occupants without relying entirely on the front vents. Few rivals in this price range, including the Mazda 2 and Toyota Yaris, offer this feature, making it a practical advantage for Fabia owners.

However, some compromises exist. The absence of a fold-down armrest or rear USB charging ports is a notable omission, especially as more competitors introduce these features as standard. While the Fabia’s focus on spaciousness and airflow is commendable, a little more attention to rear-seat amenities would make it feel even more well-rounded.

Leading Boot Space in the Segment

The 380L boot capacity is among the largest in the segment, giving the Fabia Select a strong edge in practicality. With the rear seats folded, this expands to 1190L, making it a versatile option for those needing extra cargo space. This puts it ahead of rivals like the Mazda 2 (250L) and Toyota Yaris (270L), both of which offer significantly smaller storage areas. The Volkswagen Polo (351L) comes closer but still falls short of the Fabia’s practicality.

For those prioritising boot space above all else, larger models such as the Hyundai i30 (395L) or Volkswagen Golf (374L-1230L) offer more room, though they also come with higher price tags and a larger footprint. The Fabia’s lower loading lip and well-designed cargo area make it particularly user-friendly for loading bulky items.

Solid But Not Sporty

Under the bonnet, the 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine produces 85kW and 200Nm, sending power to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It’s a lively engine that works well at speed, but in stop-start urban traffic, the dual-clutch transmission can feel hesitant and occasionally jerky. 

0-100km/h: 9.7 seconds‍

Fuel Economy: 5.0L/100km (claimed)

Comfortable, But Transmission Could Be Smoother

The Fabia Select’s ride is firm but controlled, which helps it feel stable and planted on the road, particularly at highway speeds. Compared to some of its rivals, like the Mazda 2 and Toyota Yaris, the Fabia’s suspension tuning leans towards a more European feel, with a slightly tauter setup that enhances composure over undulating roads. However, this firmer ride can also mean that it transmits more of the bumps and imperfections from rough urban roads, which might not be ideal for those seeking ultimate comfort.

At lower speeds, the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG) can feel hesitant, particularly when taking off from a standstill or navigating slow-moving traffic. This is a common trait in dual-clutch gearboxes, and while the shifts are quick and smooth once the car is moving, the initial lag can be frustrating in stop-start conditions.

The steering is precise and well-weighted, giving the Fabia a confident and predictable nature on winding roads. It strikes a good balance between being light enough for easy manoeuvring in tight spaces and offering enough resistance for a solid, connected feel on the open road. Compared to the Toyota Yaris, which can feel overly light, or the Hyundai i20N, which has a sportier, sharper setup, the Fabia finds a good middle ground for everyday driving.

Handling is another area where the Fabia holds its own, it remains well-balanced and predictable through corners, with minimal body roll and good overall stability. The front-wheel-drive setup ensures dependable traction, but the relatively modest 85kW engine output means it never feels overly sporty. Those looking for more punch might prefer the Fabia Monte Carlo with its 110TSI powertrain, or Polo GTI, but for everyday driving, the Select’s power delivery is adequate.

Noise insulation is decent for the segment, with wind and road noise kept to reasonable levels, though coarser road surfaces can introduce some noticeable tyre roar. The three-cylinder engine also has a distinctive growl when pushed, which some may find charming, but others might see as a reminder of the car’s economy-focused nature. Overall, the Fabia Select delivers a balanced, composed drive that favours stability and efficiency over outright sportiness, making it a strong choice for those wanting a practical, easy-to-drive hatchback.

Comprehensive Safety Suite

The Fabia Select carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing performed in 2021 using the 1.5-litre Monte Carlo model, achieving 81 per cent and 85 per cent for Child occupant protection and Adult occupant protection, respectively.

The 2025 Fabia Select comes with a suite of standard safety features, including:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane-keep assist
• Driver fatigue monitoring
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Reverse camera

However, adaptive cruise control is only available on the Monte Carlo grade, which is disappointing given that many competitors now include it as standard.

Competitive Warranty & Servicing

Skoda offers a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, matching competitors like Kia. Servicing intervals are 12 months or 15,000km, with a seven-year prepaid service pack costing $3650. While service pricing is on the higher side, Skoda's guaranteed future value program makes the Fabia Select an appealing choice for those looking for solid resale value at the end of their ownership term. This program ensures that the car retains a minimum resale price when financing through Skoda, adding peace of mind for buyers.

One ongoing cost to consider is fuel, as the Fabia Select requires 95RON premium unleaded, making it slightly more expensive to run compared to some rivals that can take 91RON. However, its official fuel economy of 5.0L/100km remains competitive, meaning that despite the higher fuel requirement, it should still be relatively efficient for everyday use.

What do you get with the 2025 Skoda Fabia Select?

The Fabia Select comes well-equipped for its price, balancing essential features with a few premium touches. Standard equipment includes:

• 16-inch alloy wheels with a space-saver spare wheel
• LED headlights, fog lights, and tail lights for improved visibility
• Chrome exterior accents and body-coloured mirrors for a refined look
• Keyless entry and push-button start for added convenience
• Electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror to reduce glare at night
• 8.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster with configurable display options
• Rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and comfortable cloth seats with lumbar adjustment
• Two USB-C ports for charging and device connectivity
• Rear air vents, a rare feature in this segment, enhancing comfort for passengers
• An umbrella stored in the driver’s door, a signature Skoda practicality feature

Stepping up to the Monte Carlo variant adds sportier touches, including 18-inch black alloy wheels, Bi-LED headlights, sport suspension, sports seats, a larger infotainment screen with satellite navigation, and dual-zone climate control.

Final Thoughts on the 2025 Skoda Fabia Select

The 2025 Skoda Fabia Select is a well-rounded package for those looking for an affordable yet practical small hatchback. It stands out with its spacious interior, class-leading boot space, and well-equipped infotainment system, making it a compelling choice against competitors like the Volkswagen Polo, Mazda 2, and Toyota Yaris. Its combination of efficiency and a comfortable ride makes it particularly well-suited for city driving and longer highway trips alike.

However, the Fabia Select is not without its drawbacks. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission can feel hesitant at lower speeds, particularly in stop-start traffic, and the lack of adaptive cruise control is disappointing given that many rivals now offer it as standard. Additionally, requiring 95RON premium fuel increases running costs slightly compared to some competitors.

Despite these minor flaws, the Fabia Select remains a strong contender in the light car segment, thanks to Skoda’s sharp pricing, generous safety features, and solid driving dynamics. The brand’s guaranteed future value program also ensures that resale value is well protected, adding to its appeal for buyers looking for a long-term investment.

If you’re in the market for a small, practical hatchback that delivers a great mix of features and efficiency, the Skoda Fabia Select is certainly worth considering. And if you're ready to buy, visit CarSauce Buy to secure the best deals on the Fabia Select or any new car purchase.