Test Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo 150 CV, a utility suitable for traveling or having fun

The Fabia Monte Carlo is the sportiest and best-equipped version of the Skoda Fabia, a compact utility of Czech origin. For its construction, the same platform as in Volkswagen Polo y Seat Ibiza, its main rivals. It shares a multitude of components with them, although its design and commercial positioning are clearly differentiated. The Monte Carlo, which can also be considered a finish within the Fabia range, is available with 110 and 150 hp gasoline engines. We have tried the most powerful, which is not much more expensive.

The edition in question pays homage to the Monte Carlo Rally, a renowned and historic automobile competition that began in 1911. Skoda, which has had a significant presence in motorsports, has won this event on several occasions with some of its cars. This Fabia, which has a racing variant not approved for the street, is intended to represent the essence of those vehicles. The truth is, Despite the fact that it is a fun car to drive, it is also comfortable, spacious and practical, which allows you to make long journeys safely and with very low consumption.. His brand asks for him a minimum of $23.805. We liked a lot.

A traditional propulsion system: great balance between performance and efficiency

The Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo can be configured with two gasoline engines, both turbocharged. In any case, they are linked to front-wheel drive. The basic one is a three-cylinder with a displacement of 1,0 liters and 110 CV of power, while the most performance is a four-cylinder of 1,5 liters and 150 CV. The first can be associated with a 6-speed manual gearbox or, for an extra cost of 1.400 euros, a 7-speed automatic that works by means of a robotic double-clutch mechanism (it can have paddles on the steering wheel). However, the 150 hp option can only carry the second type of transmission. It is this, top of the range, that we have tested.

With the 1.5 TSI engine from the Volkswagen Group, the Fabia is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km / h in 8,0 seconds and reach a top speed of 222 km/h. Although they are not the best in their category, they are notable performance figures for a utility of approximately 1,3 tons in running order. With everything, the combined consumption that has been approved under the WLTP cycle is 5,5 l/100 km, which is little more than what an equivalent diesel spends. In practice, we have obtained an average of 6,4 l/100 km practicing different driving styles on different types of road and with variable load and weather conditions, so that it can be considered a car quite efficient (although it "only" obtains the C label from the DGT).

Few optimize space so well: a small car with a very spacious interior

A 2023 Skoda Fabia measures 4,11 meters in length, 1,78 wide and 1,46 high with a wheelbase of 2,56 meters. In the Monte Carlo version these dimensions do not vary. Are the External dimensions typical of a conventional compact from 20 years ago, but utilities have grown a lot in size lately. As the wheelbase is generous for this category of vehicle, the cabin can accommodate five adults. four will fit comfortably if they do not exceed 1,80 meters in height, then the central rear seat is not recommended to be used except sporadically and for very short journeys. We appreciate that there ventilation outlets in the rear area. The front seats, which have integrated headrests, can be manually adjusted in all ways so that people up to 1,90 meters are relatively comfortable.

In general, the Fabia's cabin is spacious, more than the average for passenger cars in this class. Skoda has carried out a excellent work in terms of space optimization. It stands out especially for length and width in both rows of seats. The height, on the other hand, is normal and is reduced if the panoramic roof is installed, which can be opened. Despite this, the trunk has a capacity of 380 liters, a leading volumetric data in the segment. It can be extended to 1.190 by folding down the rear seatbacks in a 60:40 ratio (a fairly flat surface remains). For reference, a KIA Rio or Opel Corsa, two of its direct alternatives outside the Volkswagen Group, offer 325 and 309 liters respectively.

More equipment than you need and finishes typical of a higher category

Another feature of the Fabia Monte Carlo is its high technological endowment, both in terms of safety and infotainment as well as comfort. As standard it has: six airbags, a wide range of driving assistants (most of those on the market), ISOFIX anchorages for child seats in the rear side seats, tire pressure control, rear parking sensors and reversing camera with car wash, LED headlights and front fog lights, anti-glare left interior and exterior mirrors, height and depth adjustable steering wheel, dual zone climate control, automatic ignition of lights and windshield wipers, tinted rear windows, ambient lighting, front center armrest, aluminum pedals, two screens (one 10" for the instrumentation and another 8" touchscreen for the multimedia equipment), two front USB ports, six speakers and inch wheels 16Inter alia.

However, its equipment can be even more extensive, since Skoda reserves many extra cost customization options. They can be selected by packages security, driver assistance, winter, etc. It is the case of: four more airbags (front knee and rear sides), two more active aids (including adaptive cruise control), Dual LED headlights with turn signals, heated steering wheel with paddle shifters, heated windscreen, panoramic sunroof, driving mode selector, front parking sensors, sports running gear, keyless entry and start system, heated front seats, metallic body paint, trunk load securing accessories, two rear USB connections and one in the rearview mirror, voice control, integrated navigation, 9” multimedia screen, wireless charger for phones or 17-inch wheels.

In terms of materials and adjustments used for its construction, the execution is more than acceptable.. We dare to say that the general quality of the finishes of the Fabia Monte Carlo is up to the next segment (standard compacts between 4,25 and 4,5 meters long). Although plastics abound, their presence is attractive and their touch pleasant. The tolerance between parts is small and even so no creaking or rubbing during circulation. Also, it's a car with a high tread quality and that transmits a great sensation of hermeticity and silence of march. In other words, Gets all the advantages of the current Polo, but for less money. On the other hand, the multimedia system of this Skoda works much better than that of its "brother" from Volkswagen (we do not know the reason). It is simple, intuitive and quite fast. It must be said that we love the red details of the interior and the black ones of the exterior. They suggest as much sportiness as the main seats, which support the body fairly well when cornering.

Driving impressions: versatile, safe and pleasant, without being a GTI

The 150 CV Fabia Monte Carlo is a car with a neutral dynamic behavior that makes it a versatile vehicle with which you can travel comfortably, move easily in urban environments or have fun driving, something to which it invites. of course this not possible with less power (its benefits are on the "border" between an entertaining tourism and a bland one), so that we can not understand what is the purpose of the 1.0 TSI engine with 110 CV beyond the merely aesthetic and ecological. Broadly speaking, Skoda has manufactured a car that can please the vast majority of customers.

The tuning of the suspension is balanced and it is evident that components with a quality much higher than the average in its category have been used for its manufacture.. For example, when going through unexpected potholes, the occupants do not end up shaken, since the shock absorbers absorb this kind of irregularities very well. An adjustment has been chosen that prioritizes comfort without subtracting a good degree of stability and grip. Despite operating with front-wheel drive, there is no excessive understeer even when this effect is intentionally sought. We do not miss the sports suspension, as it is already an agile vehicle as standard and we believe that this extra would decompensate its qualities: you would lose comfort and, therefore, versatility.

The steering, although it filters what happens under the front axle, is precise and not as artificial as usual in a utility vehicle. We like. Visibility and maneuverability are also correct. The differences between the driving modes are not great, but you notice changes in the response of the steering wheel, pedals, engine or transmission. With Eco mode, it is possible to drive “under sail”, that is, without retention, maximizing inertia when the accelerator is not pressed. It helps slightly to lower consumption in certain circumstances, but what it contributes the most in this regard is the DSG gearbox, smooth with low power demand and efficient when demanding a lot. It allows driving in seventh gear at less than 80 km/h, with the fuel savings that this entails.

The braking equipment is, perhaps, what we found most disappointing. we came from try a Polo GTI. We specialists have to "wash our hands" between cars so as not to have our perceptions corrupted by the previous product, but the truth is that it has given us the impression that, driving at high speeds, the deceleration capacity of this Fabia is easily saturated (no more than in other small compacts). Probably, the reason is the installation of some drum brakes on the rear axle, something that Skoda has wanted to hide with almost faired wheels with the excuse of efficiency and aerodynamics. It's not something a driver who appreciates driving and technique wants to see in a car with sporty aspirations. We also don't understand why wireless connectivity with Apple phones has a slight extra cost.

Driver assistants work perfectly. They are not intrusive and can be easily disconnected. In addition, in the event of an accident, the MQB platform, even in its shortest format (A0), would guarantee an outstanding level of resistance to deformation. As a curiosity, thanks to the modularity of this architecture, a fuel tank extension can be requested (up to 50 litres) whose effects on cargo space for luggage are unknown. In any case, not worth it, since with the 40-liter standard you can achieve real autonomy of more than 600 km without effort. We love the brand's "Simply Clever" utility accessories, especially the ice scraper and the umbrella, inserted in the fuel filler neck cover and in the driver's door frame, respectively.

Price of the Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo 2023: the truth, we would gladly pay it

Although the Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo 2023 is worth a minimum of 23.805 euros, the version we have tested (150 CV) starts at 27.205 euros as of the publication date of this article. That additional outlay seems essential if you are looking for a minimally sporty character. As the market stands today, It does not seem like an unreasonable acquisition cost to us When you consider everything this car has to offer, how easy it is to drive, how spacious it is and how well built it is.

Of course, there are alternatives, but not as tight and “round” like this czech utility. Some of them we have already mentioned throughout the text. Others, somewhat more luxurious (within what fits in this class of vehicles), may be the following: a Peugeot 208 with 130 CV (27.390 euros), a Audi A1 with 150 CV (32.260 euros) or a MINI Cooper S 5 Doors with 178 CV (34.150 euros).

Conclusion: congratulations to the manufacturer, we can't think of a more complete utility

We do not want to sin flattery, but we take our hats off with Skoda. The relationship between quality, performance, efficiency, space, comfort, equipment and price of the Fabia Monte Carlo is hard to beat. SEAT, a firm of Spanish origin and which has the Ibiza in its range, knows us badly, since this is an almost identical utility from a technical point of view, but it does not reach the refinement level of the Fabia. Of course, it is a tourism that could be improved in some aspects, but they are few and never important. In short, we consider your purchase intelligent if you are a driver who wants it all for a comparatively fair amount of money.

Photo gallery of the Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo 2023 (150 CV DSG and blue)


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