2011 Skoda Fabia Combi Review
Price
RM106,948
Installment
RM1,020/mth
2011 Skoda Fabia Combi at a glance
The cheapest estate around, the 2011 Skoda Fabia Combi performs decently across the board, although it suffers from a poor image and potentially high depreciation. But if you are seeking a well-priced yet capable estate, look no further.
2011 Skoda Fabia Combi quick specs
| Body Style | Estate |
| Class | Small Family |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2011 Skoda Fabia Combi ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The Fabia Combi continues Skoda's new design direction which was first seen on the Skoda Roomster, looking modern and current compared to its square-jawed predecessor. The 2011 Skoda Fabia Combi's nose is obviously shared with the Roomster, while its black-coloured A and B pillars bring about a sleeker look from the front. If anything, the 2011 Skoda Fabia Combi's extra length gives it a more flowing design compared to the slightly awkward-looking Skoda Fabia hatchback.
Handling
The chassis is carried over from the previous Skoda Fabia but with additional strengthening. As a result, the overall driving experience feels rather similar to before. Winding roads are taken on with lots of grip and well-controlled body movements, but the 2011 Skoda Fabia Combi is not as responsive or agile to drive as class-leaders. Despite being accurate, the light steering could provide more feedback.
Comfort
The well-tuned suspension gives the 2011 Skoda Fabia Combi a composed, compliant ride over bumps and potholes. Cabin refinement is commendable, too. Road and wind noise are audible but never intrusive at cruising speeds. Drivers enjoy an excellent driving position thanks to plenty of driver's seat and two-way steering adjustments. The simple dashboard features logically-placed and clearly-labelled controls. The light driving controls and good all-round visibility allow for easy city driving.
Quality + Reliability
While the 2011 Skoda Fabia Combi's cabin is hardly the most stylish in the class, it boasts solid build quality with everything seemingly well put together. Most of the dashboard plastics are dull and hard to the touch, unlike the soft-touch materials found in class leaders. Skoda is not well-known in Malaysia, but it is overseas. Under Volkswagen's watchful guidance, Skoda has revamped itself with a series of mechanically dependable models including the Fabia Combi.
Performance
With 84 bhp at 5000 rpm and 132 Nm at 3800 rpm, the in-line four 16-valve 1.4-litre is reasonably refined, keen-to-rev, and strong enough to deal with the Skoda Fabia Combi's marginal weight increase over the Fabia hatchback. The power is transmitted via a smooth, decisive four-speed automatic transmission through the front wheels.
Roominess
The 2011 Skoda Fabia Combi provides good head- and leg-room for four adults to travel in comfort. Those over 1.8 metres can fit in the rear with little problems. More significant than the increased interior room is the enlarged boot capacity: the 480-litre boot is already generous and the rear seats can split-fold to produce an impressive 1460 litres of loading space. Rear wheel arches intrude into the boot, however.
Running Costs
Thanks to the small 1.4-litre engine, fuel bills will be affordable. Servicing and repairs should be reasonably priced, too. Depreciation could be very high, however, as the Skoda brand is far from established or desirable in Malaysia, and the fact that the Fabia Combi is an estate only serves to make the situation worse.
Value for Money
The 2011 Skoda Fabia Combi rides smoothly and refinedly, and provides generous interior room and boot space. And crucially its pricing is more competitive than before, making it the cheapest estate in Malaysia. On the whole, the Skoda Fabia Combi performs decently across the board, and if you can live with the poor image and potentially high depreciation, look no further than the 2011 Skoda Fabia Combi.
Equipment
The 2011 Skoda Fabia Combi has all the bases covered, including standard equipments such as alloy wheels, roof rails, electric door mirrors, electric windows, remote central locking, air-conditioning and radio/CD/MP3 audio system. Safety kit includes dual SRS airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).
Environment
The 2011 Skoda Fabia Combi is kind to the environment with its low fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. The only blemish is that the Skoda Fabia Combi is fully imported, which would cause more pollution than if it is locally assembled.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Composed, compliant ride
Good cabin refinement
Generous seating and loading space
Poor brand image
Disappointing cabin plastics
Potentially high depreciation
