Skoda Fabia vs VW Polo vs SEAT Ibiza: which should you buy?

Superminis are 1 of the most common kinds of automobile in the United kingdom, so potential buyers are spoilt for preference. Three of the most popular are the Skoda Fabia, Volkswagen Polo and SEAT Ibiza, all of which are carefully associated – not only are they built on the exact primary platform, they also have the similar engines.

Even some interior trim is identical, and you are going to obtain similarities in several other destinations as nicely. That suggests it can be baffling working out which 1 of them is very best for you. Some people will inform you that they are all the exact same, merely due to the fact they have a lot in typical, but dig a tiny further and you’ll discover there are essential distinctions.

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In this posting we’ll just take a nearer look at the 3 products and what is distinct about them. They are also joined by rivals from other auto makers that are even a lot more unique, which includes the popular Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio, Peugeot 208, Vauxhall Corsa and Hyundai i20.

All of these superminis are little hatchbacks that deliver a superior amount of money of practicality at a lessen value and with minimal managing costs. But they also have plenty of modern tech and an enjoyable driving expertise, meaning you shouldn’t feel shortchanged if you’re downsizing.

Which is the best to drive?

None of these products are as pleasurable to travel as a Ford Fiesta, but they are not far off and are all extremely snug. The Skoda Fabia is the most enjoyable of the bunch, even though there seriously isn’t way too a lot big difference among the a few automobiles – they are all sleek more than bumps and awesome and tranquil on the motorway.

In phrases of driving entertaining, the SEAT Ibiza is the top choose. It is sharper in corners than the VW Polo or Skoda Fabia. The Polo is obtainable with a 2.-litre engine and above 200bhp in GTI form, but whilst this car or truck is fast, for a lot of its compact maximize in driver engagement will not justify the larger selling price and far more pricey operating expenses. For quite a few Ibiza is a better blend of enjoyment and minimal running charges.

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Because all three cars and trucks have an exceptionally equivalent motor selection, there’s definitely absolutely nothing in it when it will come to performance. The 1.-litre petrol engines are accessible from all around 70bhp to 110bhp, with extra strong versions getting a turbocharger for a practical improve in performance. They are a lot more high priced to insure, but our leading decide on in every product is the turbocharged 94bhp variation, which is entertaining but frugal.

There are also some versions with a 1.5-litre petrol motor and computerized gearbox, but except if you devote a whole lot of time driving in town, this transmission does not suit these little automobiles as well as the pleasurable and fun-to-use guide. The much larger engine is reserved for variety-topping trim levels, and we sense the best benefit is to be had with the 1.-litre petrol engines.

Which is the cheapest to run?

All a few cars have the similar engines, and weigh a comparable total, so will price tag mainly the identical in fuel. There is also very small in it for street tax and servicing. Finally, you will not be having to pay out substantially to run one particular more than the other.

On the other hand, that’s not to say you can’t make cost savings by shopping all over a little bit. The VW Polo tends to have the strongest residuals, so it will be worth additional secondhand. That means if you’re acquiring on finance, the Polo is possible to be readily available with the most beautiful regular repayments. The Skoda Fabia on the other hand charges the least to buy outright, while the SEAT Ibiza can charge a tiny more but is very well-geared up. In the long run, it’s down to how significantly you are inclined to pay out for the same machines in a person vehicle about the other, so a tiny maths could be needed when wanting into the offered offers.

Anticipate around 50mpg from the 1.-litre petrol engines if you do a mix of driving and are watchful with the throttle, as the official figures for all three vehicles display that they’re able of somewhere shut to the 50mpg mark. The more potent engines are a tiny less economical, and the the very least strong non-turbo variations are the very best for gasoline. 

There employed to be a diesel version of the Polo, but this has been just lately discontinued and is now only available as a made use of automobile.  

Which has the best interior?

There are lots of similarities with these three designs when you climb inside of. Much of the switchgear is equivalent, which include numerous buttons and switches. Go the equipment degree and you are going to truly feel that they have an equivalent gearbox, even though the seats are all as relaxed as every single other, which is a good point.

There are dissimilarities, even so. The SEAT has a more sporty search, although the Volkswagen has a a lot more upmarket come to feel and the Fabia is very practical. Which just one you choose is genuinely up to you, as in conditions of product and develop high-quality there is primarily no variation at all. The way to pick which model has the finest inside is for you to have a glance and come to a decision for by yourself.

In general, the Skoda will come with the most normal gear and house for the revenue so, if you have a tighter finances, it may possibly be the best option. All a few are packed with tech, even though, and you can get a 9.2-inch media display that’s packed with features. Even simple types have features these as smartphone mirroring so you really do not need to have to select a design with sat-nav to get access to a navigation system as you can beam it to the motor vehicle from your have product.

Which is the most functional?

All a few of these superminis are useful. There is plenty of area for the drive and entrance seat passenger, as well as a superior volume of helpful storage, like a area for your cellular phone in advance of the equipment lever (with USB ports for linking up to the media program) and deep door bins.

There’s a little bit of a variation when it arrives to the back again seats and boot, while. The Fabia is the largest of the a few, and that suggests it’s the most sensible as effectively. The again seats are spacious for a little automobile like this and even adults can sit in comfort. The SEAT and VW have j
ust as significantly legroom, but their reduced rooflines indicate taller occupants will truly feel a very little cramped.

The Skoda has the biggest boot, with 380 litres of area with the rear seats up, in comparison to the SEAT’s 355-litres and the Volkswagen’s 351-litres. All are among the the more spacious superminis you can acquire, but the Skoda is in another league – it has the identical boot area as the Volkswagen Golfing, a motor vehicle regarded as in the auto planet to be one measurement more substantial. You can also get the Fabia as an estate with a vast 530-litre boot.

Which should you invest in?

There seriously is not a erroneous reply listed here, as all 3 superminis are exceptional vehicles. What you worth in a vehicle most will be the component in determining concerning them.

The Skoda Fabia is the vehicle to opt for if you want to get the finest benefit for dollars and want a simple and at ease car or truck. It is the roomiest of the a few and the most reasonably priced, so it is possibly the most attractive option if you want something spacious and reasonable.

The SEAT Ibiza is a little bit much more entertaining to travel and sharper seems than the Skoda, so it is an choice if you are much more into style and stay around some twisty roads. It’s not substantially diverse when it arrives to consolation, and it’s greater benefit than the VW Polo as properly.

The Volkswagen Polo is a stylish alternative that will charm to people today who want an upmarket-hunting car that is not as well massive. It’s still actually practical and fantastic to push but isn’t very as spacious as the Skoda nor as enjoyable as the SEAT, so potent residuals aside it’s maybe the hardest to recommend for pragmatic buyers.