A well proven supermini contender that builds on its dependable nature
The Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo is an often overlooked hatch in the market, but one that deserves more attention. With good looks and quality build there is a lot to like. It is a high quality hatch back type car with a wow factor type look at this price point.
The Fabia Monte Carlo has a unique looking exterior. A sleek bonnet and stylish head lights and a very cool set of black chrome wheels that look great. The Interior is very high end complimented by comfortable seats and a 6.5” colour touchscreen infotainment unit standard from the middle of the range with Apple Car Play and Android Auto. It is comfortable to sit in for both driver and passenger, however with the hatch it didn’t have a great amount of space in the back seat, good for maybe younger children where they don’t need a lot of leg space. The boot is decent and great for weekend luggage and shopping. I think I could live with the Fabia Monte Carlo for long drives.
The Fabia range is available in Ireland from €15,600 and features a new line-up of all petrol engines, including a 1.0 MPI unit offering 75hp and a 1.0 TSI unit with 95hp or 110hp. The 110hp engine is also available with the option of DSG automatic transmission.
There are four trim levels for the Fabia in Ireland: Active, Ambition, Monte Carlo and Style. Standard equipment includes 14” steel wheels, a Blues radio unit with Aux-In, USB port and SD slot, electric front windows, height adjustable driver’s seat, and electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors.
The mid-level Ambition (from €16,725) adds 15” alloy wheels, a Swing 6.5” colour touchscreen infotainment unit, Smartlink including Apple Car Play and Android Auto, leather multi-function steering wheel and front fog lights.
The Style trim (from €18,815) adds air conditioning, rear electric windows, front arm rest, keyless entry and keyless start, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and a height adjustable passenger seat. The sporty Monte Carlo version is available from €19,425
Our test vehicle was the 1.0-litre TSI with 110hp and it had a surprising amount of power for the size of the engine and at the same time felt exceptionally smooth and well balanced. The chassis isn’t the most involving I’ve come across. Comfortable, though, with a good driving position, decent seats and a well-damped ride.
Conclusion
Overall I would say the Fabia Monte Carlo is a stylish car offering a small, nimble sporty car that is easy to manoeuvre through a city. If you want to splash a little bit of money on a high quality hatch back this is your vehicle.
Technical Specification
Model Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo
Engine Size 1.0-litre TSI
Power 110hp
Transmission Six-speed manual
Torque 200Nm
Acceleration (0-100km/h) 9.6 seconds
Top Speed 195 km/h
Consumption 4.6/100km
CO2 Emissions 107g/km
Road Tax €190 per year
Base Price €14,500
Our Test Model €21,285
