@ BMW Group Press
@ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard
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BMW 1 Series vs Skoda Fabia – Differences & prices compared

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether BMW 1 Series or Skoda Fabia fits your lifestyle better.

1 Series @ BMW Group Press

Compact Elegance Meets Practical Efficiency: BMW 1er Reihe vs. Skoda Fabia

In the compact hatchback arena, the BMW 1er Reihe and Skoda Fabia stand as compelling contenders for those seeking a blend of style, performance, and practicality. Both models have distinct strengths, appealing to different types of drivers. Here, we delve into the technical aspects and innovations of these two vehicles to help you make an informed choice.

Fabia @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard

Design and Dimensions

The BMW 1er Reihe, with its sporty silhouette, measures 4361 mm in length, 1800 mm in width, and 1459 mm in height. Its premium aesthetic is unmistakable, capturing attention with its sleek lines and iconic kidney grille.

On the other hand, the Skoda Fabia offers practicality with a hint of style. It comes in slightly shorter at 4108 mm, a bit narrower at 1780 mm, and offers two height options: 1479 mm and 1459 mm. Its understated elegance is designed for those prioritizing functionality without compromising on aesthetics.

1 Series @ BMW Group Press

Performance and Powertrains

The BMW 1er Reihe provides a diverse array of powertrains, including diesel, petrol, and mild-hybrid options. Power output varies from 122 HP to a more exhilarating 300 HP in the top-performance model, offering something for everyone, whether you prefer calm city driving or a spirited highway run. The dual-clutch automatic transmission ensures a seamless driving experience.

Conversely, the Skoda Fabia is powered exclusively by petrol engines, with outputs ranging from a modest 80 HP to a respectable 150 HP. The manual gearbox and dual-clutch automatic options ensure flexibility, catering to both traditionalists and those seeking modern convenience.

Fabia @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard

Fuel Efficiency

Efficiency is paramount in this segment. The BMW 1er Reihe showcases efficiency with consumption figures between 4.3 to 7.6 L/100km, depending on the chosen engine. It also offers a 49-liter fuel tank, ensuring less frequent stops at the pump.

Skoda Fabia stands out with impressive consumption, ranging from 5.0 to 5.5 L/100km, making it an economical choice for budget-conscious drivers. The 40-liter fuel tank further complements its efficiency, balancing between cost and performance.

1 Series @ BMW Group Press

Interior and Space

Both vehicles seat five passengers comfortably, and offer a trunk capacity of 380 liters. BMW continues its tradition of luxury with high-quality materials and advanced technology, creating a driver-centric cabin.

Skoda Fabia surprises with its spacious interior, given its compact size. Practical features and thoughtful design make it an ideal option for families or those needing extra storage flexibility.

Fabia @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard

Conclusion

The decision between the BMW 1er Reihe and Skoda Fabia ultimately hinges on personal preferences. The BMW offers more power and a premium feel, ideal for those in search of performance and luxury. Conversely, the Skoda Fabia serves as a practical, economical choice with commendable efficiency and spaciousness, perfect for pragmatic urban drivers.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

1 Series @ BMW Group Press

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Skoda Fabia has a significantly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 16900 £, while the BMW 1 Series costs 28800 £. That’s a price difference of around 11923 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: BMW 1 Series manages with 4.30 L and is therefore somewhat more efficient than the Skoda Fabia with 4.90 L. The difference is about 0.60 L per 100 km.

Fabia @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 1 Series has a significantly edge – offering 300 HP compared to 177 HP. That’s roughly 123 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 1 Series is decisively quicker – completing the sprint in 4.90 s, while the Skoda Fabia takes 7.40 s. That’s about 2.50 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the BMW 1 Series performs minimal better – reaching 250 km/h, while the Skoda Fabia tops out at 228 km/h. The difference is around 22 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: BMW 1 Series pulls evident stronger with 400 Nm compared to 250 Nm. That’s about 150 Nm difference.

1 Series @ BMW Group Press

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Skoda Fabia is evident lighter – 1143 kg compared to 1465 kg. The difference is around 322 kg.

Boot capacity is identical – both offer 380 L of storage.

In maximum load capacity, the BMW 1 Series performs slight better – up to 1200 L, which is about 10 L more than the Skoda Fabia.

When it comes to payload, BMW 1 Series a bit takes the win – 510 kg compared to 437 kg. That’s a difference of about 73 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the BMW 1 Series shows itself to be is largely superior and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £28,800
1 Series @ BMW Group Press

BMW 1 Series

  • Engine Type : Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 122 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.3 - 7.6 L

BMW 1 Series

5 (1)
rate

The BMW 1 Series is a compact premium hatchback that injects a proper sense of driving fun into everyday life, with sharp handling and a cabin that punches above its class. It’s a great pick for buyers who want sporty manners without losing practicality, and yes, you’ll still get that unmistakable BMW grin behind the wheel.

details

Skoda Fabia

The Skoda Fabia is a clever, no-nonsense small car that turns everyday chores into a breeze thanks to smart packaging and a surprisingly roomy cabin. It won’t set your pulses racing, but it’s a consistently sensible choice — reliable, easy to live with and blessed with a few neat tricks that make city life less faff.

details
BMW 1 Series
Skoda Fabia
1 Series @ BMW Group Press
Fabia @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard

Costs and Consumption

Price
28800 - 51100 £
Price
16900 - 30500 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L
Consumption L/100km
4.9 - 5.6 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
112 - 126 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
49 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1465 - 1625 kg
Curb weight
1143 - 1278 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
380 L
Length
4361 mm
Length
4108 - 4137 mm
Width
1800 mm
Width
1780 mm
Height
1459 mm
Height
1458 - 1461 mm
Max trunk capacity
1135 - 1200 L
Max trunk capacity
1190 L
Payload
475 - 510 kg
Payload
402 - 437 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 300 HP
Power HP
80 - 177 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.4 - 15.7 s
Max Speed
210 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
175 - 228 km/h
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Torque
93 - 250 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Power kW
59 - 130 kW
Engine capacity
1499 - 1998 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1498 cm3

General

Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
Brand
BMW
Brand
Skoda
What drive types are available for the BMW 1 Series?

The BMW 1 Series is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.