Item: 2011 Skoda 5J Fabia
Rating: 3.5

Willing 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine
For 132TSI, powerful 1.4-litre twincharged petrol engine
Comfortable ride on 15-inch wheels
Spacious interior has good visibility
Accurate steering

16-inch wheels transmit bumps to the cabin
Bland interior with some cheap materials
Engines require premium unleaded petrol (95 RON)
Five-speed manual transmission lacks flexibility of six-speed units

Overview

Released in September 2011, the Skoda 5J Fabia was a light, five-door hatchback (the 5J Fabia Combi has been reviewed separately). Manufactured in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic, the front-wheel drive Skoda 5J Fabia range initially consisted of the 77TSI variant, which was powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. In June 2012, the range was expanded with the 132TSI variant, powered by a 1.4-litre ‘twincharger’ (turbo- and super-charged) petrol engine.

Engines

Of these engines,

The 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine had a roller chain-driven single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder, direct injection, a water-colled intercooler (integrated into the intake manifold) and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. Maximum boost pressure for the turbocharger was 1.6 bar (23.2 psi); and,
The 1.4-litre ‘twincharged’ petrol engine had direct injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable intake valve timing and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. The mechanical supercharger compressor, driven at 1.5 times the speed of the crankshaft, mainly operated at engine speeds below 2400 rpm with boost pressure of 1.2 bar. The turbocharger, however, operated fully from medium rpm with the engine map disengaging the supercharger at 3500 rpm.

Transmission options consisted of five-speed manual and seven-speed double clutch transmissions (DCTs).

Dimensions and suspension

The Skoda 5J Fabia was 4000 mm long, 1642 mm wide, 1498 mm tall and had a 2465 mm long wheelbase. Cargo capacity was 300 litres with the rear seats in position, though this increased to 1165 litres when they were folded down. Furthermore, the Skoda Fabia had MacPherson strut front suspension (with lower triangular links) and a torsion beam rear axle.

Skoda 5J Fabia specifications
Variant	Edition	Engine	Trans.	Years	Peak power	Peak torque
77TSI	N/A	1.2-litre CBZB turbo petrol I4	5sp man.	2011-13	77 kW at 5000 rpm	175 Nm at 1550-4100 rpm
	N/A	1.2-litre CBZB turbo petrol I4	7sp DCT	2012-13	77 kW at 5000 rpm	175 Nm at 1550-4100 rpm
	Ambition	1.2-litre CBZB turbo petrol I4	5sp man., 7sp DCT	2014	77 kW at 5000 rpm	175 Nm at 1550-4100 rpm
	Monte Carlo	1.2-litre CBZB turbo petrol I4	5sp man.	2011-14	77 kW at 5000 rpm	175 Nm at 1550-4100 rpm
	Monte Carlo	1.2-litre CBZB turbo petrol I4	7sp DCT	2012-14	77 kW at 5000 rpm	175 Nm at 1550-4100 rpm
132TSI	RS	1.4-litre CAV turbo/super-charged petrol I4	7sp DCT	2012-14	132 kW at 6200 rpm	250 Nm at 2000-4200 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Skoda 5J Fabia included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2007 Skoda Fabia fitted with a 1.2-litre petrol engine received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 31.84 out of 37. In the frontal offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the front occupants and chest protection for the driver was rated as adequate. In the side impact test, the Fabia would have received maximum points but for the rear door moving from the primary latch to the secondary latch position.

Features: Fabia 77TSI and 132TSI RS

Standard features for the Skoda Fabia 77TSI included 15-inch steel wheels, an eight speaker sound system with CD player, auxiliary input and MP3-compatibility, air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, Bluetooth connectivity, split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, power windows and heated mirrors, a 12 volt power outlet, tinted windows, trip computer and an immobiliser.

Compared to the 77TSI, the Fabia 132TSI RS was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, a cooled storage compartment, contoured front sports seats, rear parking sensors and rear cargo cover. Visually, the 132TSI RS could be identified by its mesh grille, painted brake calipers and chrome exhaust outlet.

Fabia Monte Carlo

To correspond with the Fabia’s release, a Monte Carlo edition was released. Compared to the standard Fabia 77TSI, the Monte Carlo was distinguished by its 16-inch alloy wheels, contoured sports seats, leather trim, rear privacy glass, steel pedals, silver kick plates and black painted roof, wheel arches, side protection mouldings and spoiler.

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