@ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Skoda Fabia vs VW Golf – Which car suits you better?

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

Fabia @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard

An In-Depth Comparison: Skoda Fabia vs VW Golf

In the world of compact hatchbacks, few rivalries are as compelling as the Skoda Fabia's face-off with the VW Golf. Both vehicles have established themselves as significant players in the automotive sector, offering distinctive features and innovations. Today, we delve deep into their specifications, technical prowess, and what each offers the discerning driver.

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Design and Dimensions

Starting with the Skoda Fabia, this hatchback has a length of 4108 mm, a width of 1780 mm, and stands tall at 1479 mm, making it a compact yet spacious choice. The VW Golf, on the other hand, is slightly larger with a length ranging from 4282 mm to 4292 mm, a width of 1789 mm, and a height varying between 1456 mm and 1483 mm. This gives the Golf a more robust presence on the road while retaining its manageable city-driving credentials.

Fabia @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard

Engine and Performance

The Fabia is equipped with a choice between two engine capacities: 999 cm3 and 1498 cm3, paired with either a manual or a dual-clutch automatic transmission. Its engines deliver power ranging from 80 HP to 150 HP, delivering torque between 93 Nm to 250 Nm. It boasts a variety of acceleration speeds, from a leisurely 15.7 seconds to a brisk 8 seconds for 0-100 km/h.

In the VW Golf's corner, there's a broader spectrum of powertrains available, including petrol, MHEV, diesel, and even plugin hybrid options. Golf’s engines offer anywhere between 116 HP to an impressive 333 HP, with acceleration times from 10.2 seconds to a lightning-fast 4.6 seconds. It also offers the flexibility of front-wheel and all-wheel drive, catering to different driving needs.

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Both models are committed to impressive fuel efficiency. The Skoda Fabia offers a consumption range from 5.0 to 5.5 L/100km, which aligns with its CO2 efficiency class ratings of C and D. The Golf, with its diverse engine options, presents consumption figures from an ultra-efficient 0.3 L/100km on plugin hybrid models to 8.5 L/100km on its high-performance variants. It also features electric ranges up to 143 km, particularly appealing under its plugin hybrid category.

Fabia @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard

Capacity and Cargo

When it comes to space, both hatchbacks are competitive. The Fabia offers a trunk capacity of 380 L, ample for regular day-to-day use. Conversely, the VW Golf’s trunk capacity varies from 273 L to 381 L, depending on the model and powertrain, slightly edging out the Fabia in practical storage space depending on the configuration.

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Innovative Features

Both cars come equipped with modern features aimed at enhancing the driving experience. The Fabia packs a keen balance of comfort and practicality, a model of efficiency that aligns with Skoda's reputation for offering great value. The VW Golf, however, steps up the game with a suite of technologies, particularly in its higher-end variants that offer more performance-focused setups and advanced driver-assistance systems.

Fabia @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard

Conclusion

Choosing between the Skoda Fabia and the VW Golf depends largely on your priorities. The Fabia is perfect for those seeking a straightforward, cost-effective, and agile hatchback. Meanwhile, the Golf offers a wider range of options, from budget-friendly models to high-performance variants, making it a versatile choice that can be tailored to more specific needs. Whether you prefer Skoda's practicality or VW’s technology and variety, both cars deliver reliable and enjoyable driving experiences.

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

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Skoda Fabia has a convincingly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 16900 £, while the VW Golf costs 25200 £. That’s a price difference of around 8318 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Golf manages with 1.10 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the Skoda Fabia with 4.90 L. The difference is about 3.80 L per 100 km.

Fabia @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf has a decisively edge – offering 333 HP compared to 177 HP. That’s roughly 156 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.60 s, while the Skoda Fabia takes 7.40 s. That’s about 2.80 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf performs to a small extent better – reaching 270 km/h, while the Skoda Fabia tops out at 228 km/h. The difference is around 42 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW Golf pulls clearly stronger with 420 Nm compared to 250 Nm. That’s about 170 Nm difference.

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Skoda Fabia is slightly lighter – 1143 kg compared to 1307 kg. The difference is around 164 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Golf offers minimal more room – 381 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 1 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Golf performs slight better – up to 1237 L, which is about 47 L more than the Skoda Fabia.

When it comes to payload, VW Golf a bit takes the win – 508 kg compared to 437 kg. That’s a difference of about 71 kg.

Who wins the race?

The VW Golf proves to be dominates this comparison and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
VW Golf is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £25,200
Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 8.1 L
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 km
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
Der neue SKODA FABIA Dynamisch_116050 @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard
Der neue SKODA FABIA Dynamisch_116049 @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard
Der neue SKODA FABIA Dynamisch_116061 @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard
Der neue SKODA FABIA Detail_116013 @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard
Der neue SKODA FABIA Interieur_115896 @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard

VW Golf

The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.

details
DB2019AU02117_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02116_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02120_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02082_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02081_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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DB2019AU02105_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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Costs and Consumption
Price
16900 - 30500 £
Price
25200 - 47600 £
Consumption L/100km
4.9 - 5.6 L
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
112 - 126 g/km
co2
25 - 184 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1143 - 1278 kg
Curb weight
1307 - 1662 kg
Trunk capacity
380 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
4108 - 4137 mm
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Width
1780 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1458 - 1461 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Max trunk capacity
1190 L
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Payload
402 - 437 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
80 - 177 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.4 - 15.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
175 - 228 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
Torque
93 - 250 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
59 - 130 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
999 - 1498 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
Brand
Skoda
Brand
VW

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What drivetrain options does the Skoda Fabia have?

Available configurations include Front-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.