Skoda Fabia is one of the last of the cheap small cars

It’s getting harder to find a new small car at a reasonable price, but there are some good bargains if you’re willing to look around.

Covid-19 has made life difficult for both new and used-car buyers, but this European city hatchback could be a smart option for those who enjoy driving.

Here are five things we learned about the Skoda Fabia.

Cheap cars are hard to find

Had a look at the second-hand car market lately? Pre-owned cars are seriously dear, propelled by new vehicle supply shortages, an increase in disposable income due to lockdown’s effect on travel or entertainment and a post-Covid reluctance to use public transport. New cars are also increasingly dear. The new Toyota Yaris costs 40 per cent more than its predecessor and the latest VW Golf requires customers to front up with almost $40,000 to take home the cheapest version. So something like this Skoda Fabia Run-Out Edition makes a lot of sense.

Skoda’s Fabia is a relatively cheap entry into the new-car market. Picture: Supplied. Contributed

Look for a run-out special

The current Skoda Fabia is a great little car that has been on sale since 2015, making it one of the older cars in its class. A brand-new version is on the way in the first half of next year, bringing fresh looks and funky tech that could push its price beyond $30,000. The outgoing model is on sale in seven-speed automatic trim for $24,990 drive-away (and even less as a manual), which represents decent buying if you don’t need the latest and greatest gear. Naturally, it benefits from Skoda’s “simply clever” toys, including an umbrella hidden under the passenger seat, clever little bins mounted within the doors and a cargo net in the boot.

Tech is decent, if not impressive

Being an older model, the Fabia misses out on the latest in digital dashboards, wide-screen displays, wireless phone charging, advanced driver aids and other features that should appear in next year’s model. But you do get a little black-and-white driver display with a digital speedo, and a modest central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, along with a reversing camera. Auto emergency braking and adaptive cruise control are standard, but blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and parking sensors are part of a $3200 premium pack.

The Skoda Fabia cabin is basic but comfortable. Picture: Joshua Dowling.

The engine is a honey

Powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo engine, the little Fabia has 81kW of power and a stout 200Nm of torque. Those are good numbers for a car this size, and the turbocharger’s punch helps the Skoda get its work done quickly and quietly. But the Fabia’s dual-clutch auto isn’t for everyone – it can be a little hesitant and lumpy in stop-start traffic, though it impresses once on the move. Claimed 4.7L/100km fuel economy is impressive, bearing in mind you need to spring for premium fuel at the pump.

The Fabia is fun to drive, if a little noisier than new rivals. Picture: Supplied.

It’s fun to drive

The Fabia’s compact dimensions and light weight combine well with taut suspension to deliver an engaging drive. It’s a fun little car, with crisp steering responses, strong brakes and more than enough torque from the little turbo motor. Sure, the latest driving assistance tech is missing, it has more wind and tyre roar than bigger models on the highway, and the sports suspension can make life a little bumpier – and noisier – than some folks might prefer. But the Skoda still represents a smart buy in 2021.