Skoda even better value today than a decade ago

Skoda have always been great value for money, right? Well, yes, but more so today than ever before. And we’re not just saying that… we can prove it too.

In 1997 a base-level Felicia Estate – the Fabia Estate’s predecessor – cost the equivalent of £10,300 in today’s money. Compare that to the £9,360 that buys you a 1.2 entry-level Fabia Estate in 2007 and you start to appreciate what excellent value the little load-lugger represents.

It’s the same story at the top of the range. A decade ago the 1.6 SLXi Felicia wagon cost £10,700 or almost £14,000 when adjusted for inflation. That’s £200 more than the current 1.9 TDi Fabia flagship’s asking price of £13,775.

When you look at standard spec levels, this comparison between old and new becomes even more favourable. Back when Tony Blair swept to power the entry-level Felicia Estate was offered with halogen headlights, a cassette player and a tailgate spoiler. Not bad, but when you compare it to the equivalent Fabia’s standard CD player, central locking, dual front/side airbags and electric front windows, it’s clear which offers the best value.

Head of Škoda UK, Chris Craft, said: “This just goes to show that our cars represent even better value for money today than they did ten years ago. What’s more, we know have a four car range to offer buyers; the Fabia, Roomster, Octavia and Superb. In 1997 it was a choice between a Felicia hatch or estate.”

The Fabia Estate, which goes on sale on the 7th of February, not only represents excellent value for money but also boasts class-leading levels of interior space. Stowage capacity has increased by 235 litres up to 1,460 litres, while rear headroom has also leaped up by 42mm.

Prices range from £9,360 for the base 1.2-litre (70bhp) Fabia Estate 1 up to £13,775 for the 105bhp 1.9-litre TDi 3.

Over 630,000 examples of the previous generation model were sold worldwide with some 31,000 Fabia Estates finding happy homes in the UK following its 2001 launch.