Overview

Released in June 2012, the Skoda 5J Fabia Combi was a light, five-door wagon. Manufactured in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic, the front-wheel drive Skoda Fabia Combi was available with 1.2-litre turbocharged and 1.4-litre ‘twincharged’ (i.e. turbocharged and supercharged) petrol engines for the 77TSI and 132TSI variants, respectively. Transmission options consisted of five-speed manual and seven-speed double clutch transmissions (DCTs).

Engines

Of these engines,

• The 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine had a roller chain-driven single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder, direct injection, a water-colled intercooler (integrated into the intake manifold) and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. Maximum boost pressure for the turbocharger was 1.6 bar (23.2 psi); and,
• The 1.4-litre ‘twincharged’ petrol engine had direct injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable intake valve timing and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. The mechanical supercharger compressor, driven at 1.5 times the speed of the crankshaft, mainly operated at engine speeds below 2400 rpm with boost pressure of 1.2 bar. The turbocharger, however, operated fully from medium rpm with the engine map disengaging the supercharger at 3500 rpm.

Dimensions

Compared to the Skoda 5J Fabia on which it was based, the Fabia Combi was 247 mm longer (at 4247 mm) and 38 mm taller (1536 mm), but width (1642 mm) and wheelbase length (2465 mm) were unchanged. This additional length contributed to rear cargo space of 480 litres with the rear seats in position, increasing to 1460 litres when the rear seats were folded flat.

Suspension

The Skoda Fabia Combi had MacPherson strut front suspension (with lower triangular links) and a torsion beam rear axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Skoda 5J Fabia Combi included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2007 Skoda Fabia hatchback fitted with a 1.2-litre petrol engine received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 31.84 out of 37. In the frontal offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the front occupants and chest protection for the driver was rated as adequate. In the side impact test, the Fabia would have received maximum points but for the rear door moving from the primary latch to the secondary latch position.

Features

Standard features for the Skoda Fabia Combi 77TSI included 15-inch steel wheels, an eight speaker sound system with CD player, auxiliary input and MP3-compatibility, air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, Bluetooth connectivity, split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, power windows and heated mirrors, tinted windows, a 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser.

Compared to the 77TSI, the Fabia Combi 132TSI RS was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, a cooled storage compartment, contoured front sports seats, rear parking sensors and rear cargo cover. Visually, the 132TSI RS could be identified by its mesh grille, painted brake calipers and chrome exhaust outlet.

Brochures

• Brochure: Skoda 5J Fabia (October 2011)
• Brochure: Skoda 5J Fabia RS (July 2012)
• Brochure: Skoda 5J Fabia (May 2014)

Related links

• Press Kit: Skoda 5J Fabia and Fabia Combi (June 2012)
• Technical Specifications: Skoda 5J Fabia RS and Fabia Combi RS (June 2012)
• Wikipedia.org: Skoda 5J Fabia

Recalls: Skoda 5J Fabia Combi

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Skoda 5J Fabia Combi

Skoda 5J Fabia Combi: 7sp DQ200 DSG and electrolytic corrosion

In March 2014, a recall was issued for 2013 model Skoda Fabia vehicles that were fitted with seven-speed DQ200 Direct Shift Gearboxes (DSGs). In these vehicles, sulphur in the gear oil and an inorganic heat stabiliser in the plastic parts of the mechatronic unit could cause metallic surfaces to suffer from electrolytic corrosion, particularly in conditions with high temperatures and humidity. Conducting particles could then settle between the circuit paths of the control unit and cause a short circuit and blow the gearbox fuse. If the fuse were to blow, the clutch would open and freewheel, resulting in a sudden and total loss of power to the wheels. Although other vehicle systems such as steering and braking would continue to function, the loss of power may pose a hazard to occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2014/14013.

2013-15 model year Skoda 5J Fabia Combi: Takata driver’s airbag recall

In July 2018, a recall was issued for 2013-15 model year Skoda Fabia Combi vehicles. In these vehicles, the Takata-supplied driver’s airbag contained propellant wafers that could degrade over time due to the absorption of moisture. If the vehicle was in a collision that triggered the airbag, excessive internal pressure could cause the metal airbag inflator housing to explode/rupture, such that metal fragments would be projected through the airbag material and into the cabin – these metal fragments posed a serious risk of injury or fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16909.

2013-15 model year Skoda 5J Fabia Combi DSG: pressure accumulator crack and loss of power

In October 2019, recall campaign 35E1 was issued for 2013-15 model year Skoda 5J Fabia Combi vehicles. Due to a production fault, a crack in the transmission’s pressure accumulator (within the mechatronics housing) could occur. If the pressure accumulator cracked, oil and pressure would be lost in the hydraulic system of the gearbox. If this occurred, the transmission of engine power would be interrupted, similar to depressing the clutch in a vehicle with a manual transmission – this increased the risk of a collision and injury to vehicle occupants. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17887. AustralianCar.Reviews understands that the recalled vehicles had seven-speed DQ200 DSG transmissions.

Problems and faults: Skoda 5J Fabia Combi

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Skoda 5J Fabia RS: 1.4 Twincharger (TSI) engine and stretched timing chains

In an autobild.de article published in April 2012, a Volkswagen employee admitted that its 1.4 ‘Twincharger’ TSI engine was susceptible to stretched timing chains. According to Volkswagen, worn stamping tools caused:

• The holes in the chain links to miss the targeted manufacturing tolerances; and,
• Small burrs on the chain links that would cause abrasive wear to the timing chain.

If the timing chain stretched, the change in the engine’s camshaft timing could cause the valves and pistons to collide such that the engine would have to be re-built or replaced. A common symptom of a stretched timing chain is a rattling noise from the engine bay (see video below).

It is understood that the manufacturing defect was rectified for post-2012 1.4 TSI ‘Twincharger’ engines, though Volkswagen has not identified the production dates or engine codes of affected engines. As such, the 132 kW 1.4 TSI CAVE/CTHE engine in the Skoda 5J Fabia vRS – and which was shared with the Polo GTi and Golf GT – may be susceptible to this problem. According to Volkswagen, the number of poorly manufactured chains was in the ‘low hundreds’.

Released in June 2012, the Skoda 5J Fabia Combi was a light, five-door wagon. Manufactured in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic, the front-wheel drive Fabia Combi was available with 1.2-litre turbocharged and 1.4-litre ‘twincharged’ (i.e. turbocharged and supercharged) petrol engines for the 77TSI and 132TSI variants, respectively. Transmission options consisted of five-speed manual and seven-speed double clutch transmissions (DCTs)… Read full Skoda 5J Fabia Combi review

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Euro NCAP: Skoda 5J Fabia crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing, a 2007 Fabia hatchback fitted with a 1.2-litre petrol engine received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 31.84 out of 37. For more information about this test, please see the Euro NCAP website. Videos are provided with the permission of Euro NCAP.