The Škoda Fabia 130 arrives as a surprisingly relevant offering in a shrinking segment. While not a full-blown vRS, it represents the most performance-focused version of the latest Fabia, marking Škoda’s 130th anniversary with a modest power boost to 175 bhp. This isn’t about outright speed; it’s about filling a gap left by disappearing rivals.
Engineered for Subtle Gains
The 1.5 TSI ‘Evo2’ engine receives ECU tweaks and upgraded components sourced from across the Volkswagen Group’s global supply chain — including parts from Mexico and China — to achieve the 26 bhp increase. Škoda deliberately avoids a manual transmission, offering only a seven-speed DSG which has been recalibrated for quicker shifts. The single wheel option allows for precise suspension tuning, a detail often overlooked in special editions.
Appearance and Interior Details
The Fabia 130 features subtle visual cues: “130” badges, a black stripe under the rear window, and a more aggressive diffuser with visible exhaust pipes. Inside, manually adjusted sports seats provide decent support, though thigh bolstering is lacking. The cabin retains the Fabia’s practical layout with physical controls and intuitive tech, but material quality feels questionable at the higher price point.
Driving Experience: A Balanced Approach
On UK roads, the Fabia 130 delivers a well-judged chassis. While not as sharp as a Renault Clio RS Cup, it offers good grip and turn-in. Sport mode allows for controlled oversteer, though complete system deactivation isn’t possible. Despite lacking a limited-slip differential, the traction control effectively mimics one in slippery conditions. Feedback through the steering isn’t exceptional, comparable to a Mini Cooper rather than the sharper sensation reported during initial tests.
The suspension, using simple passive dampers and a torsion beam rear, provides a surprisingly comfortable ride without feeling brittle. Driver assistance systems function reliably and are easily disabled when needed.
Market Position and Pricing
Starting at £29,995, the Fabia 130 occupies a unique space. The Hyundai i20 N and Ford Fiesta ST are discontinued, making this one of the few remaining warm hatchbacks available. It’s significantly pricier than the mechanically similar Fabia Monte Carlo, and option packs (Winter Premium and Charging) add further cost. The primary competitor is the Mini Cooper, with the three-cylinder Cooper C being cheaper and the four-cylinder Cooper S more expensive.
The Vanishing Niche
The Škoda Fabia 130 isn’t a hot hatch; it’s a warm one. At a time when manufacturers are abandoning this category, it fills a void left by the Suzuki Swift Sport, the discontinued Hyundai i20 N, and the absent Vauxhall Corsa VXR. With the Volkswagen Polo GTI also phasing out, Škoda now effectively dominates this shrinking segment.
The Fabia 130 isn’t about setting lap records; it’s about providing a fun, practical, and increasingly rare alternative in a market where warm hatchbacks are becoming a relic.
