The hot hatch: Is it a relic of the past? It appears so. The Skoda Fabia 130 arrives, but it's not the high-performance vRS version many were hoping for. Instead, it's a 'warm hatch,' a sign of the times in a market increasingly dominated by crossovers and stringent emissions targets. This is not the first proper Fabia hot hatch for 11 years.
But first, let's rewind a bit... Remember the thrill of a proper hot hatch? The Ford Fiesta ST, Hyundai i20N, Renaultsport Clio, Seat Ibiza Cupra, Audi S1, and Suzuki Swift Sport – all now gone. The only survivors in this landscape seem to be the VW Polo GTI, some disappointing Minis, and the electric Alpine and Peugeot.
So, why isn't this the Fabia vRS? The answer is simple: the hot hatch segment is struggling. It's a shrinking market, and the Fabia 130 is designed to fill a different niche.
Now, let's talk numbers. The Fabia 130 boasts 174bhp, not the 130 indicated by its name. This figure, expressed in kilowatts, might excite some, especially in Australia. The boost in power comes courtesy of a new intake and revised rocker arms. This makes it the most powerful Fabia since the vRS.
But here's where it gets controversial... This car isn't about raw speed. It takes a respectable 7.2 seconds to reach 62 mph. It's not about adrenaline-pumping acceleration, but about a more controlled, efficient driving experience.
The Fabia 130 is about using all 174bhp all the time, which is arguably more satisfying than having a lot more power.
And this is the part most people miss... The Fabia 130 focuses on a balanced driving experience. The car's damping is composed and grown-up, offering a comfortable ride. It's not as firm as a Fiesta ST or a hot Mini, making it suitable for long distances.
Inside, the Fabia 130 offers a practical, if not flashy, interior. Tall drivers might find the steering wheel reach adjustment lacking, but the seats are supportive. The interior is refreshingly straightforward, with traditional buttons and knobs.
The price? Around £30,000. While it might seem a lot for a Skoda, it's competitive in today's market. It's a bit cheaper than a Volkswagen Polo GTI, and a bit more expensive than a Mini Cooper S.
So, is the Fabia 130 a worthy successor to the hot hatch legacy? It's a sign of hope for affordable, fun-to-drive cars. But does it capture the essence of a hot hatch? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!
