The Skoda Fabia II (facelift, produced 2010-2014) 1.2 MPI 70 hp represents an entry-level offering within the second generation Fabia range. Positioned as the most economical variant, it catered to buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and affordability over outright performance. This model, powered by a naturally aspirated 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, was primarily sold in European markets where smaller displacement engines were favored due to tax incentives and lower running costs. The facelift brought styling updates and minor revisions to the interior, enhancing the Fabia’s appeal in a competitive supermini segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Skoda |
| Model | Fabia |
| Generation | Fabia II (facelift 2010) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 MPI (70 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg, 38.7 UK mpg, 13.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 128 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 163 km/h (101.28 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 70 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 112 Nm @ 3000 rpm (82.61 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA111 / CGPA |
| Engine displacement | 1198 cm3 (73.11 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 76.5 mm (3.01 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86.9 mm (3.42 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 2.8 l (2.96 US qt | 2.46 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1020 kg (2248.72 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1550 kg (3417.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 530 kg (1168.45 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 315 l (11.12 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1180 l (41.67 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (braked) | 800 kg (1763.7 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (unbraked) | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 50 kg (110.23 lbs.) |
| Length | 4000 mm (157.48 in.) |
| Width | 1642 mm (64.65 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1886 mm (74.25 in.) |
| Height | 1498 mm (58.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2465 mm (97.05 in.) |
| Front track | 1433 mm (56.42 in.) |
| Rear track | 1426 mm (56.14 in.) |
| Front overhang | 860 mm (33.86 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 675 mm (26.57 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 134 mm (5.28 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.32 |
| Minimum turning circle | 10 m (32.81 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 14° |
| Departure angle | 16.2° |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring, Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric |
| Tires size | 165/70 R14; 185/60 R14; 195/55 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 14; 6J x 14; 6J x 15 |
INTRODUCTION
The Skoda Fabia II facelift, launched in 2010, represented a significant refresh of the popular supermini. The 1.2 MPI 70 hp variant was a key component of the lineup, designed to appeal to budget-conscious buyers. Built on the Volkswagen Group’s PQ25 platform (also known as the A5 platform), the Fabia II offered a practical and spacious interior for its class. The facelift brought revised front and rear styling, updated interior materials, and improvements to the engine range, including the 1.2 MPI. This engine was intended to provide a balance between acceptable performance and excellent fuel economy, making it a popular choice for urban commuting and shorter journeys.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Fabia variant is the EA111 series 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol engine, designated CGPA. This engine utilizes multi-point fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain. The three-cylinder configuration, while inherently unbalanced, was engineered to minimize vibrations through the use of a balance shaft. The engine’s relatively small displacement and naturally aspirated design meant it relied on efficient combustion and optimized intake/exhaust flow to produce its 70 horsepower. The five-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, chosen for its simplicity and contribution to fuel efficiency. The gearbox featured typical ratios for a supermini, prioritizing acceleration in lower gears and comfortable cruising at highway speeds.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.2 MPI 70 hp Fabia wasn’t designed for spirited driving. Acceleration was modest, taking nearly 15 seconds to reach 62 mph. However, within urban environments, the engine proved adequate for everyday driving. The power delivery was linear, but required frequent gear changes to maintain momentum, especially when overtaking. Compared to higher-output versions of the Fabia II, such as the 1.4 TSI or the diesel variants, this model felt noticeably slower. The manual transmission, while precise, needed to be worked to extract the most from the engine. The focus was clearly on economy rather than excitement.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.2 MPI typically represented the base trim level in many markets. Standard equipment generally included central locking, electric front windows, a basic audio system, and ABS brakes. Air conditioning was often an optional extra. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a functional but unpretentious design. Higher trim levels added features like alloy wheels, a more sophisticated audio system, and upgraded interior trim. Safety features were relatively basic, with driver and passenger airbags being standard, but lacking the advanced driver-assistance systems found in more expensive cars.
Chassis & Braking
The Fabia II utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provided a reasonable balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, offering adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes were drums, a cost-saving measure common in entry-level models. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both axles to reduce body roll during cornering. The steering was electrically assisted, providing light and easy steering feel, ideal for maneuvering in tight spaces.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.2 MPI Fabia was generally well-received as an affordable and economical supermini. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and practicality, but noted its lack of performance. Compared to the 1.4 TSI or 1.6 TDI variants, the 1.2 MPI offered significantly lower running costs but at the expense of driving enjoyment. The 1.2 MPI was often seen as a sensible choice for first-time car buyers or those primarily using the car for short commutes. Its fuel economy was competitive with other small-displacement petrol engines in its class.
Legacy
The 1.2 MPI engine, while not known for its longevity or performance, proved to be reasonably reliable in the Fabia II. Common issues included occasional problems with the fuel injectors and the ignition system. However, with regular maintenance, these engines could provide years of service. Today, the 1.2 MPI Fabia II represents an affordable entry point into used car ownership. Its low running costs and simple mechanicals make it an attractive option for those seeking a practical and economical city car. While not a collector’s item, it remains a common sight on European roads, a testament to its durability and affordability.
