Comparison test: the Skoda Fabia (2021) challenges the Renault Clio GPL

The new Skoda Fabia 2021 gives itself the means to return to the race within the segment of versatile city cars. Now based on the same MQB A0 platform as its Volkswagen Polo or Seat Ibiza cousins, it can finally take advantage of the latest technological equipment available. She also sees things in a big way, stretching almost 4.11 m. The Czech dominates the category on this point and promises benefits close to those of a compact.

This move upmarket allows the Fabia to measure itself directly against the top names in the city car segment: the Renault Clio, used here as a basis for comparison, and the Peugeot 208. Recognized for its qualities, the Clio can above all count on its TCe petrol engine 100 capable of running on LPG, for the same price as the TCe 90. An explosive first argument against its opponent, who ignores LPG, micro-hybridization and hybridization.

Skoda Fabia price 2021

If the appeal price of the Skoda sticks to € 16,730, then we must be content with a timid 1.0 MPI engine of 65 hp and an Active finish at the basic endowment. In its most upscale Style livery, our core petrol 1.0 TSI 95 hp sees its price drop to € 22,070. Compared to the Clio, the Fabia compensates for its additional cost of 320 € using its front and rear parking radars and its digital counter. Only the GPS sold the trifle of € 820 is missing. This premium-priced option features a 9.3-inch touchscreen, panel recognition, and gesture control. The Fabia also offers a panoramic roof (€ 690), not available at Renault.

Renault Clio GPL price

Fixed at € 18,100 in its SCe 65 Zen version, the entry ticket is higher on the Clio. On the other hand, our heart-of-the-range TCE 100 Intens test model is more affordable: € 21,750. With an equivalent endowment, the two cars are held in a pocket square according to the options chosen. The Clio nevertheless offers few simple additional equipment and favors packs. Thus, the GPS interface with touch screen (500 €) is only available after having opted for a City Plus or City 360 ° pack. Both models are exempt from the penalty, but the Clio can also run on LPG. Charged almost half the price of gasoline, this fuel allows substantial savings at the pump, after being supplied in one of the 1,650 stations available in France. A strong argument, even if consumption increases by 20 to 30% when the car is running on the LPG tank.

To drive

The Fabia and the Clio use a three-cylinder turbo engine which has the same displacement to the nearest cubic centimeter! Particularly silent and controlling their vibrations, these two engines are forgotten, although that of the Fabia evolves in an even more discreet way. Without being exceptional in absolute terms, the superior reactivity of the mechanics of the Clio still brings more pleasure to the city. The smoother six-speed gearbox and smoother engine make driving smoother during the endless changes of pace required in urban use. However, it should be noted that certain engine jerks persist when cold. The engine of the Fabia is not more hollow at low revs, but its inertia to acceleration requires to pack the mechanics when starting and to request more to revive energetically.

Outside the city, the Clio takes the advantage on paper with its 5 additional hp and its six-speed gearbox. In real life, this is hardly obvious. Despite a lower report and a longer staging, the Fabia manages to keep pace with its engine (a little) more alert at high speeds. It is also more subdued on the highway than the Clio, yet silent. The tricolor struggles to maintain a constant pace at 130 km / h and often gives the impression of playing Yo-Yo when the terrain changes. This does not prevent it from showing itself almost as restful on long journeys as its rival, even if these two versatile ones lack a little tone when loaded. They are on the other hand rather economical and can stick to a consumption of 6 l / 100 km with a cast pipe.

In terms of suspension comfort, neither of the two equals the softness of a Citroën C3, and the Clio is a little firmer than the Fabia. Handling is safe and efficient every time, but it’s the French that gets the best damping when the pace picks up. Without necessarily being more agile, the Renault then becomes a little more precise to drive in these conditions, despite a steering that feels slightly less natural than in Skoda. The return to town marks another difference between our two models. With its small glass area at the rear, the Clio lacks visibility when parking. The reversing camera (350 € in the City Plus pack) is therefore particularly useful in this case. Equipment to which the Fabia is not entitled for the moment because of the semiconductor crisis. Fortunately, the car offers an easier approach to its size and better peripheral visibility.

To live

With its digital meter and its 8-inch touchscreen very modern in its presentation, the Czech city car is living with the times and incorporates the latest technological equipment in vogue. The general ergonomics are very good, the steering wheel keys are qualitative, and the material assemblies are impeccably executed. Too bad the gloomy atmosphere tends towards austerity. The atmosphere appears more sporty in the Clio. The black and light gray colors brighten up a more technological interior… on condition that you add 650 € to the basket to afford the Large Screens pack, including the Easy Link interface with its 9.3-inch vertical touch screen and the unit 10.2-inch instrumentation, customizable according to the chosen driving mode. Finally, the materials flatter the retina more than those on board the Fabia.

You just have to settle in Skoda rear seats to realize that the car is eyeing the upper category. Elbow width and legroom are close to the values ​​offered in compact cars. The Clio offers less and its headroom is more limited, especially in the middle. In addition, its minimal glass surfaces and the imposing front seat backs give the occupants an impression of confinement.

Same motive, same punishment on the trunk side. Nestled in the place of the spare wheel, the LPG tank on the Clio increases the capacity of the hold from 391 to 318 l on paper. But that doesn’t change anything in real life, since the space under the floor is unusable. On the other hand, its much higher threshold makes it less practical. The Skoda takes advantage of its superior rear door-to-door to offer more loading length and offer a perfectly usable carrying capacity of 380 l. La Fabia wins here without contest. Especially since it adds a multitude of practical aspects.

Find the result of the match and the prices, equipment, technical sheets and autonomy compared on the next page.