Skoda Fabia models and trim levels explained

You have solid mechanicals borrowed from the Volkswagen Polo, but with an even greater focus on practicality and ease-of-use. That means a grown-up ride quality, space for adults in the back seat, and clever touches like an umbrella built into the door.

We'll talk you through the different Skoda Fabia trims on sale, and see how the car's evolved over time. What to know what the Fabia's like to live with? Read our Skoda Fabia review.

Skoda Fabia models explained

The Fabia's predecessor, the Felicia, was a dependable, well-liked car that dramatically improved Skoda's image in the UK and other markets. As a result, the Fabia launched to high expectations in 1999 and earned strong praise from critics.

The fourth-generation Fabia is only offered as a five-door hatchback. However, previous generations have also been available as a longer five-door estate model, while the first-gen Fabia also came as a four-door saloon.

In the past, Skoda has offered sporty vRS versions of the Fabia – usually called RS in European markets. The first-gen Fabia vRS was noteworthy as one of the few diesel-powered hot hatches, while later models swapped to more conventional turbo petrol engines.

Key Fabia competitors include:

• Ford Fiesta
• Volkswagen Polo
• SEAT Ibiza
• Renault Clio
• Peugeot 208
• Vauxhall Corsa
• Hyundai i20

Skoda Fabia trim levels

Current Skoda Fabia trim levels:

• SE Edition – well-equipped entry-level model with alloy wheels, climate control, cruise control, rear parking sensors, and an infotainment system with smartphone pairing
• Design Edition – adds larger alloys, metallic paint, tinted rear windows and a larger digital driver's screen
• SE L Edition – gains luxuries like chrome exterior details, ambient interior lighting, a reversing camera and a bigger infotainment screen
• Monte Carlo Edition – sporty looking trim with even larger alloy wheels, a racy body kit, aluminium pedals, front sports seats with part-faux-leather upholstery, and all-round parking sensors
• 130 – hot-hatch version with 177hp, even larger alloy wheels, a sporty body kit, aluminium pedals, front sports seats with part-faux-leather upholstery, and all-round parking sensors

Previous Skoda Fabia trim levels:

Earlier Fabia trims follow a very similar pattern to the current range but lacked the 'Edition' suffix:

• SE – includes mod cons like air conditioning and rear parking sensors
• SE L – features luxuries like sat nav, cruise control and keyless entry
• Monte Carlo – similar sporty looks to the current Monte Carlo Edition models, although its engines weren't as powerful

Skoda Fabia generations

Fourth generation – 2021-present

• The latest Fabia wanted to bring a more upmarket feel to the car
• Model code – PJ
• Facelifted in 2024
• This generation is only available in the most-popular five-door hatchback body style
• Choice of petrol and turbo petrol engines

Third generation – 2014-2021

• Designers for the third-gen Fabia said they wanted to echo the styling of the first-gen car
• Model code – NJ
• Facelifted in 2019
• This generation was shorter in length than its predecessor but had more cabin space
• Choice of petrol, turbo petrol and diesel engines

Second generation – 2007-2014

• Second-gen Fabias were available in ultra-efficient Greenline spec with a tiny 1.2-litre diesel engine
• Model code – 5J
• Facelifted in 2010
• A popular UK-developed ad campaign for this Fabia featured a full-size car made from cake
• Choice of petrol, turbo petrol and diesel engines

First generation – 1999-2007

• The first Fabia was offered as a hatchback, estate or as a saloon
• Model code – 6Y
• Facelifted in 2004
• The sporty vRS version used a slightly unconventional 1.9-litre diesel engine
• Choice of petrol, turbo petrol and diesel engines

What's the best Skoda Fabia model?

If you can stretch to a current-generation Fabia, we'd recommend it. The latest car feels more refined and polished at speed, tricking you into thinking it's a bigger car than it is. Nearly new examples from Motorpoint are hovering just a little above £10,000 at the time of writing.

However, the previous-generation Fabia still offers a lot of the same calm, easygoing character but for a lot less money. Even higher-end versions of that car are available for less than £10,000, which makes them very compelling considering their value for money.

Search nearly new and used Skoda Fabia cars for sale. Read our Skoda Fabia review for an in-depth look at what this wholesome hatchback.