Review: Skoda 5J Fabia Combi (2012-14)

Overview

Released in June 2012, the Skoda 5J Fabia Combi was a light, five-door wagon. Manufactured in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic, the front-wheel drive Skoda Fabia Combi was available with 1.2-litre turbocharged and 1.4-litre ‘twincharged’ (i.e. turbocharged and supercharged) petrol engines for the 77TSI and 132TSI variants, respectively. Transmission options consisted of five-speed manual and seven-speed double clutch transmissions (DCTs).

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.

Dimensions

Compared to the Skoda 5J Fabia on which it was based, the Fabia Combi was 247 mm longer (at 4247 mm) and 38 mm taller (1536 mm), but width (1642 mm) and wheelbase length (2465 mm) were unchanged. This additional length contributed to rear cargo space of 480 litres with the rear seats in position, increasing to 1460 litres when the rear seats were folded flat.

Suspension

The Skoda Fabia Combi had MacPherson strut front suspension (with lower triangular links) and a torsion beam rear axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Skoda 5J Fabia Combi 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 testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2007 Skoda Fabia hatchback 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

Standard features for the Skoda Fabia Combi 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, tinted windows, a 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser.

Compared to the 77TSI, the Fabia Combi 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.

Brochures

• Brochure: Skoda 5J Fabia (October 2011)
• Brochure: Skoda 5J Fabia RS (July 2012)
• Brochure: Skoda 5J Fabia (May 2014)

Related links

• Press Kit: Skoda 5J Fabia and Fabia Combi (June 2012)
• Technical Specifications: Skoda 5J Fabia RS and Fabia Combi RS (June 2012)
• Wikipedia.org: Skoda 5J Fabia