Skoda Fabia test drive since 2007 -

Combination

In April, sales of a pretty station wagon created on the basis of Skoda Fabia will begin. The new type has retained the previous name Combi. The first generation was sold in a circulation of 640 thousand copies. Is the new product ready to set a new record?
Skoda Fabia wagons awaited us right at the airport of the Croatian city of Split. There was no time to build up. No coffee, soul and other nonsense. Behind the wheel and go. True, before starting the test, it is worth examining an unprecedented beast. Well, let's get down.
Surprisingly, a new car is more like a hatchback than a station wagon. The features of the station wagon are better guessed if you look at the debutant near. Combi gives an additional window of the cargo compartment and an elongated body, which increased by 30 cm. If we compare the current station wagon with the previous generation, then the difference will be minimal only 7 mm. However, the height increased by 46 mm. Modern technologies of the layout made it possible to significantly transform the internal space, which has become more functional. This is evidenced by the trunk enlarged by 235 liters. Now its maximum volume is 1460 liters, and with 480 liters decomposed seats. The maximum length of the transported long -termers can be 1670 mm, and the minimum is 960 mm.
Of course, an enlarged luggage compartment could not but affect the comfort of the rear passengers. If tall people are sitting in front, then the knees of the rear will rest on the back of the seat. A short pillow also does not contribute to convenience during long trips.
In front, no inconvenience is observed. A large range of longitudinal settings, as well as adjusting the steering column by departure and inclination will satisfy both the driver and his neighbor. The transformation of the salon is carried out quickly and painlessly. The seats can be folded in parts in a ratio of 40:60. In this case, the surface of the trunk is completely flat. It is easy to fill the cargo space, since the floor is low as possible. The loading height is 637 mm. This is important, since the mass of the cargo transported can reach 515 kg.
The luggage space has a developed system of fasteners and latches. There is a place for attaching partitions, as well as nets, which, if necessary, separate the pet from the main salon. The upper curtain, which hides the contents of the trunk from prying eyes, is removed automatically, it is enough to touch it slightly. This is done in order to facilitate loading if the hands are busy with any luggage.
The COMBI universals are installed the same engines as on the hatchback version. True, the question of the supply of diesel engines remains open. If they are brought to our country, then much later. The line of gasoline engines is represented by four modifications with volumes of 1.2, 1.2 12V, 1.4 and 1.6. The power of the weakest of them is 60 hp, and the most powerful 105 horses. Even with the smallest Fabia Combi motor, it has a tolerable dynamics. This was achieved thanks to engines settings. Their external speed characteristic has a pronounced shelf of the moment. In other words, the maximum moment develops at 3000 min-1 and is valid in the rest of the revolution range.
Of course, there are no miracles. With a good rod, Combi with a 1.2 liter engine gains 100 km/h only 16.8 s, and the maximum speed is 156 km/h. With a 1.6 l engine, indicators, of course, become better. With a mechanical transmission, acceleration to hundreds takes 10.4 s, and with an automatic machine 11.8 s. It is worth making a reservation that a 6-speed automatic transmission with a Tiptronic function is installed only on versions with the most powerful 1.6-liter engine. All other configurations are equipped with 5-speed mechanics.
In the management from Skoda Fabia Combi, nothing new should be expected. The suspension is identical to the one on the hatchback. The only thing that the designs were made more rigid, but on comfort, such a innovation did not affect in any way. Combi does not differ in imposition, but it is difficult to call it too hard. The suspension is formed from the front McPherson and the rear on longitudinal levers. The station wagon holds the trajectory well in corners. The steering wheel equipped with an electro -hydraulic amplifier has good informativeness.
 
Praise deserve brakes. They quickly besiege the car at any speed. The standard equipment also includes the system of adjusting the torque of the engine, which prevents the adverse effect of the drive in emergency situations. And also pay attention to the system of vacuum braking amplifier Dualrate, which creates the maximum brake force during emergency stop. As a result, the braking distance is reduced.
In April of next year, when Combi will appear in dealerships, customers will be offered four configurations: Classic, Ambiente, Sport and Elegance. Previously, the minimum price for the station wagon will be 369 thousand rubles. But this is a forecast. Let's see how much it will be true.
Tested on mannequins
Safety standards every year are becoming more and more strictly. And each novelty tries not only to correspond to them, but if possible to be one step ahead. The novelty from Skoda was no exception. And before entering the automobile market, as expected, a series of tests passed. Skoda Fabia Combi complies with all the requirements for pedestrian protection. The hardness of the body was tested during Crash tests in the city of Malada-Boylev. The spatial design of the body effectively distributes and extinguishes strikes by both frontal and lateral ones.

Driving
Skoda Fabia Combi is well controlled, and the suspension perfectly works out all the bumps. But the installed engines do not differ in agility. Praise deserve brakes. They effectively extinguish speed.
Salon
The cabin is roomy. You can place a lot in the trunk. The front passengers are prepared for the maximum of space, but there is little place with the rear on their feet.
Comfort
The suspension will not allow you to fall asleep, but does not rock it either. The four can travel without problems, but sometimes you still have to make stops for relaxation.
Safety
The Fabia body has a developed spatial power structure and a number of funds of both active and passive safety.
Price
The announced prices fully justify the content. The main thing is that by the beginning of sales they remain at the same level.

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Attractive appearance, capacious trunk, decent clearance.
- A little space for the rear passengers, mediocre dynamics.
 
Specifications
Mark and model - Skoda Fabia Combi
Dimensions - 4239/1642/1498 mm
Engine - gasoline, 1598 cm3, 105 hp/5600 min -1
Transmission - mechanical, 5 -speed
Dynamics - Max 192 km/h; 10.4 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - Ford Fusion, Opel Corsa

Our opinion
The new generation Skoda Fabia Combi turned out to be even more universal than the previous model. The car has a modern, attractive and dynamic appearance. In this case, the appearance fully corresponds to the internal content. Combi has a spacious salon and roomy trunk. So the novelty can easily claim the beaten of previous records.
Author: Maxim Egorov
 
 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [February 2008]