Skoda Fabia Combi. Combination

Skoda Fabia Combi. Price: from 369,000 RUB. On sale: from April 2008.

In April, sales of the new estate based on the Skoda Fabia will start. The model has retained its former name Combi. The first generation sold 640 thousand units. Will the new model be able to repeat this success?

The Skoda Fabia estates were waiting for us right at the exit of the airport in Croatian Split. There was no time to stop and rest — no coffee, no extra preparations. Straight behind the wheel and off we go. But before leaving, it is worth carefully examining the new model. Let's get started. Interestingly, the fresh model looks more like a hatchback than an estate. The estate features become noticeable only upon closer inspection. The Combi is distinguished by an additional window in the cargo area and a body extended by 30 cm. Compared to its predecessor, the increase in length is modest — only 7 mm. However, the height has grown by 46 mm. The modern layout has allowed a significant reworking of the interior space, making it more practical. The trunk has grown by 235 liters. Now its volume reaches 1460 liters in the maximum configuration, and with the seatbacks raised — 480 liters. You can transport items with a length from 960 to 1670 mm. Of course, the increased trunk has affected the comfort of rear passengers. If tall driver and passenger are seated in front, the knees of those sitting behind will press against the front seatbacks. Moreover, the short seat cushion does not add comfort on a long journey. But up front, there are no complaints. A wide range of longitudinal seat adjustment and steering wheel settings for reach and tilt will allow both the driver and front passenger to get comfortable. Transforming the interior takes minimal time and effort. The rear seatbacks fold in a 40:60 ratio, forming a completely flat floor. Loading the trunk is convenient thanks to the low loading height — only 637 mm. This is important, because the cargo weight can reach 515 kg. The cargo area is equipped with many mounts and fasteners. There are places for installing partitions and a net, which will be useful, for example, to separate a dog from the cabin. The curtain that hides luggage from prying eyes retracts automatically — just a light touch. This scheme was made to simplify loading when your hands are full of things. The estate is equipped with the same engines as the hatchback. True, supplies of diesels to Russia remain in question — if they appear, it will be much later. The petrol lineup includes four units with a volume of 1.2, 1.2 12V, 1.4 and 1.6 liters. Power varies from 60 to 105 horsepower. Even the most modest version has acceptable dynamics. The secret is in the engine settings: their external speed characteristic has a pronounced "shelf" of torque. Simply put, the peak of traction is available from 3000 rpm and is maintained throughout the entire operating range. Of course, there are no miracles. The estate with a 1.2-liter engine accelerates to 100 km/h in 16.8 seconds, and its maximum speed is 156 km/h. With a 1.6-liter engine, the figures are predictably better: with a manual gearbox — 10.4 seconds to 100 km/h, with an automatic — 11.8 seconds. Moreover, the 6-speed "automatic" with Tiptronic function is available only with the most powerful engine. Other versions are content with a 5-speed manual. In handling, the Combi does not present surprises. The suspension is the same as on the hatchback, but it was made slightly stiffer. This did not affect comfort in any way. The estate cannot be called leisurely, but it does not seem overly stiff either. At the front — McPherson struts, at the rear — trailing arms. In corners, the car confidently holds its trajectory. The steering wheel with electro-hydraulic power steering pleases with informativeness. The brakes deserve special praise — they confidently slow the car from any speed. The basic equipment includes an engine torque control system that prevents drive slip in critical situations. It is also worth noting the DualRate vacuum brake booster, which provides maximum force during emergency braking and reduces the braking distance. When the Combi appears at dealers in April, buyers will be offered four trim levels: Classic, Ambiente, Sport and Elegance. The approximate minimum price is 369 thousand rubles. But this is only a forecast, and it will show how accurate it is.

Tested on dummies

Safety requirements are tightening every year, and each new model tries not just to meet the standards, but to exceed them. The new Skoda is no exception. Before entering the market, it, as expected, passed a series of tests. The Fabia Combi fully meets the requirements for pedestrian protection. The body rigidity was tested in crash tests in Mlada Boleslav. The spatial structure effectively distributes and absorbs the energy of both frontal and side impacts.

Driving

The Fabia Combi is obedient in handling, and the suspension copes well with bumps. However, the engines are not particularly lively. The brakes work excellently and quickly reduce speed.

Interior

The interior is spacious. The trunk holds a lot. Front passengers have plenty of room, but in the back, there is not enough legroom.

Comfort

The suspension will not let you doze off, but it will not make you carsick either. Traveling in four is quite possible, though you will periodically have to stop to stretch.

Safety

The Fabia body features a developed power structure and is equipped with a whole range of active and passive safety systems.

Price

The announced prices correspond to the content. The main thing is that they do not increase by the start of sales.

Advantages and disadvantages

+ Attractive appearance, spacious trunk, decent ground clearance.
- Little space for rear passengers, mediocre dynamics.

Specifications

Make and model — Skoda Fabia Combi
Dimensions — 4239/1642/1498 mm
Engine — petrol, 1598 cm³, 105 hp/5600 rpm
Transmission — manual, 5-speed
Dynamics — 192 km/h; 10.4 s to 100 km/h
Competitors — Ford Fusion, Opel Corsa

Our opinion

The new generation Skoda Fabia Combi has become even more versatile than its predecessor. The car looks modern, attractive and dynamic. At the same time, the appearance fully matches the content. The Combi offers a spacious interior and a roomy trunk. So the new model is quite capable of beating previous sales records.