Skoda Fabia 2022 review
Overview
The fourth-generation Skoda Fabia reached the UK in early 2022, and it was the first Fabia built on the VW Group MQB-A0 platform — the same underpinnings as the VW Polo and SEAT Ibiza. That move brought a noticeable step up in refinement and cabin space, and helped the Fabia keep its place among Britain's favourite superminis. The range launched petrol-only: a 1.0 MPI with 65PS or 80PS, and a punchier 1.0 TSI turbo with 95PS or 110PS. Prices started at £14,905 OTR for the S 1.0 MPI, running through SE Comfort and SE L trims.
Economy is a strong suit. The MPI units manage up to 55.4mpg on the WLTP combined cycle with CO2 as low as 116g/km, while the TSI 110 — the one to have — returns around 55mpg in manual form with 0-62mph in 9.5-9.9 seconds and a 125-126mph top speed. The MPI cars are leisurely (0-62mph takes over 15 seconds on the 65PS car), so most UK buyers were steered towards a TSI. All versions drive the front wheels, with 5- or 6-speed manuals or a 7-speed DSG on the TSI 110.
Practicality is where the Mk4 Fabia embarrasses many rivals: a 380-litre boot is the biggest in the supermini class, and the 1,190 litres with the seats folded makes it genuinely useful for small-family life. Standard kit was generous for the money — LED headlights, Front Assist with pedestrian protection, Lane Assist, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, DAB and e-Call on every trim. Euro NCAP awarded five stars when the car was tested in 2021, with 85% for adult occupant protection.
As a used buy, 2022 Fabias are strong value: average advertised prices sit around £13,500 with typical dealer cars at £12,000-£14,000. Skoda's warranty was 3 years/60,000 miles, insurance starts from group 2, and running costs are supermini-low. One caution: check the DVSA recall history — a 2023 recall (R/2023/251) covered passenger airbags on builds from September 2021 to June 2022, so confirm any 2022 car had the airbag module replaced.
UK price from: £14,905
Specifications
| Engine | 1.0L 3-cyl petrol (MPI / TSI) |
| Power | 65 - 110 PS |
| Torque | 93 - 200 Nm |
| 0-62 mph | 9.5 - 15.5 seconds |
| Top speed | 107 - 126 mph |
| Transmission | 5MT / 6MT / 7-speed DSG |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy | Up to 55.4 mpg (WLTP combined) |
| CO2 emissions | 116 - 131 g/km |
| Boot space | 380 litres (1,190 seats folded) |
| Kerb weight | 1,098 - 1,128 kg |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60,000 miles |
Features
- 1.0 MPI (65/80PS) and 1.0 TSI (95/110PS) petrol engines — no diesel, no hybrid
- 380-litre boot, the biggest in the supermini class (1,190 litres seats folded)
- Standard LED headlights, Front Assist and Lane Assist across the range
- 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; DAB standard
- 5- or 6-speed manual gearboxes, or 7-speed DSG on the TSI 110
- 15-inch Rotare alloys, rear parking sensors and leather multifunction wheel on SE Comfort
- Five-star Euro NCAP rating (tested 2021): 85% adult occupant protection
- 'Simply Clever' touches and up to 10.25-inch digital instruments on higher trims
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £29.99 | Pattern part; OEM specification |
| Oil filter | £8.99 | 1.0 TSI specification |
| Cabin pollen filter | £12.99 | |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £17.99 | |
| 12V battery | £64.99 | Start-stop compatible |
| Air filter | £11.99 | 1.0 MPI/TSI |
Pros
- Biggest boot in class — 380 litres, genuinely practical for a supermini
- Excellent economy: up to 55.4mpg WLTP on the MPI engines
- Five-star Euro NCAP with a strong standard safety suite
- Low running costs and insurance from group 2
- Refined, punchy TSI turbo engines
Cons
- No hybrid or electric option in the range
- MPI engines are very slow — the 65PS car takes over 15 seconds to 62mph
- Hard cabin plastics on lower trims
- Check the 2023 passenger-airbag recall (R/2023/251) was actioned on early builds
