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Words & photos by Kim Henson
Truly frugal fuel consumption and very low emissions in real-world motoring are important twin goals that all motor manufacturers are striving for. In the last few years, models produced by manufacturers under the Volkswagen ‘umbrella’ (Audi, Seat, Skoda and VW) in particular have underlined how much has already been achieved by their engineers.
However, Volkswagen’s recently introduced and ultra-economical ‘Bluemotion’ variants have significantly upped the game to a new level, and similar technology has now been applied to the Skoda Fabia, under the name ‘Greenline’. Indeed it is claimed that the new Fabia Greenline models – sold in five door hatchback and estate forms – are the most fuel-efficient Skodas ever produced.
I have recently been test-driving the estate version of the Fabia Greenline, and was interested to see whether a vehicle said to be so economical could in reality live up to the claims made for it, and also be practical and likeable in everyday use.
Fascinated by the Greenline concept, I started by delving under the bonnet and studying the car’s specification. The Greenline models are technically interesting, being fitted with a modified version of the normal Fabia’s three cylinder, 1.4 litre TDI (turbo diesel) engine, factory-fitted with a diesel particulate filter. This motor is more powerful than might be imagined, developing 80 bhp. The power is fed to the front wheels via a five speed transmission that is specific to the Greenline model, incorporating a set of gear ratios deliberately chosen to minimise diesel consumption. In particular, the top (fifth) gear ratio has been raised, from 0.756:1 in the standard model to 0.659:1 in the Greenline.
Suspension and bodywork changes have been made too, so that compared with standard Fabias, the Greenlines feature a lower (by 15mm.) ride height, higher (by 35mm.) front bumper, and a panel-clad underbody to reduce air resistance.
The combined effect of the modifications is that the official ‘Combined’ fuel consumption figure of 68.9 mpg is 7.5 mpg (or more than 12 per cent) better than for the standard Fabia 2 1.4 TDI, and CO2 emissions are low, at just 109g./km. Therefore the car qualifies for ‘Band D’ Vehicle Excise Duty (£35 per year), and is exempt from the London Congestion Charge.
Skoda figures indicate that over 10,000 miles, the Greenline produces just 1,740kg. CO2, compared with 1,920kg. for the standard version (the saving equates to a 100 watt light bulb illuminated continuously for 2.5 months!).
During a week with the Greenline I clocked up almost 500 miles, and as with other Fabias I have driven, I was impressed by the newcomer’s build quality and dynamic competence.
Despite the car’s relatively compact external dimensions, the estate’s pleasantly trimmed interior proved to be comfortable on long trips and spacious, with good leg and head room throughout. All the doors open wide too, so getting into the car and out again is not difficult.
This estate’s luggage bay is far more accommodating than I had expected. The tailgate opens from bumper height and lifts high above head level, revealing a luggage bay that is wide, long and deep. On either side are separate, small stowage compartments. In addition, there’s a separate open ‘holdall’ compartment, with its boundary defined by a lift-out, semi-circular plastic ‘fence’. Four sturdy luggage tie-down ‘loops’ are also provided, plus bag hooks built into the rear seat backrests.
The easy-to-fold rear seats are divided 1/3:2/3. The base sections simply lift and rotate forwards, then, after lifting away the head restraint(s) and operating a single button on each side, the backrests can be folded forwards to extend the load floor. If extra height is required, the roll-out luggage cover is easily removed too.
To save weight, the Greenlines are not provided with a spare wheel (instead, there’s an ‘emergency’ tyre repair kit). However, standard equipment does include sporty aluminium alloy wheels, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, remote control central locking, roof rails and body side mouldings. Driving enjoyment is aided by height-adjustable front seats, a height and reach adjustable steering column, a trip computer (useful for conserving fuel, as both ‘current’ and average mpg figures can be shown), electrically operated front windows, an eight speaker stereo system, a 3.5mm. auxiliary socket (for MP3 players), and an immobiliser.
DRIVING
In town driving the engine is far from silent, but I soon became used to the unique note of the three cylinder power unit. Torque output at low engine speeds is prodigious (the car will pull strongly from 1,000 rpm), so there is seldom need to change down a ratio, although in any case I rate the gearchange very highly; it’s light and positive to operate.
Parking is impressively straightforward too; all-round visibility is good and the sensibly-weighted power-assisted steering helps make life easy.
I found that once out of town the Fabia performed eagerly, quickly accelerating up to motorway speeds and offering refined cruising (with just 2,100 rpm indicated by the tachometer at 70 mph). In fact at all speeds over 40 mph or so the engine note becomes quieter and smoother.
The test car provided a supple ride quality too, yet also handled safely and predictably, with little body roll during cornering.
FRUGAL?
During my time with the car, when driving in town the on-board computer indicated between 45 and 56 mpg (Skoda’s quoted ‘Urban’ figure is 53.3. mpg). On two longer excursions (200 miles each) the recorded figures were exactly 70 mpg and 64.8 mpg (on more challenging roads). These compare with Skoda’s stated ‘Extra Urban’ figure of 83.1 mpg, and, as mentioned earlier, the more realistic ‘Combined’ figure is 68.9 mpg.
THE BOTTOM LINE
I rate the Fabia Greenline estate as an enjoyable, competent and truly economical family vehicle; in mixed driving most owners should see 70 mpg or better.
So would I buy one? Yes, no question.
The Greenline estate is priced at £12,145 (‘on the road’); the hatchback version costs £11,495.
SPECIFICATIONS IN BRIEF
Top speed: 105 mph
0-62 mph: 13.2 secs
Max. power: 80 bhp @ 4,000 rpm
Max. torque: 195 Nm (145 lb.ft.) @ 2,200 rpm
‘Combined’ fuel consumption: 68.9 mpg
Theoretical range on a full tank: Approximately 690 miles.
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