With the biggest engine in the range up front, the Fabia estate can get about with some alacrity, a 177lb ft slug of torque providing plenty of pull from low revs. It’s equally useful when the car is laden, as promised by a torque peak at only 1800rpm.
A 0-60mph time of 10.9sec suggests performance that’s less brisk than it feels, but as with all oil-burners, the accelerative benefits come when you’re on the move, with the Fabia’s near-instant delivery allowing it to thrust forward with useful zeal in the lower gears.
However, it’s disappointing to find that this engine is restricted to a five-speed gearbox; it has the flexibility to do without a sixth, and the extra ratio would save fuel at a cruise and trim the car’s CO2 figure. But there are no issues with refinement at motorway speeds, and the quality of the gearchange itself is above average, providing a pleasingly light and mechanical movement.
Though you're unlikely to buy a Fabia estate to go chamfering the shoulders off your low profiles, it's quite a tidy thing over the twisty stuff, with body control tight enough to provide useful agility unladen and decent composure when it’s burdened.
The estate runs slightly firmer springing than the hatch, and you’ll feel this in the form of more side-to-side rocking when you drive a B-road. There’s less pliancy over sharp bumps, too, but the ride is quiet and rarely becomes uncomfortable.
Once up to speed, there’s enough tug from this engine to challenge the chassis slightly with a hint of torque steer, and it’s easy to build up enough momentum to generate substantial understeer on a wet road.
The Fabia’s steering produces a slightly superior feel compared with many in this class, although it’s quite low geared. Despite this, if your journey is brisk and cross-country, you’ll be pleased with the Fabia’s engaging vein of mild athleticism, especially coupled with a torquey engine.