Renault Clio MK4 vs Skoda Fabia MK3

Renault Clio

MK4 · 2012 – 2019

The fourth Clio (MK4), on a modified B platform.

Skoda Fabia

MK3 · 2014 – 2021

The third-generation Fabia (MK3), on the PQ26 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Renault Clio

Pick the MK4 for an affordable, reliable early Clio with a large used supply.

Best engine: The 0.9 TCe (petrol) or 1.5 dCi (diesel).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Skoda Fabia

Pick the MK3 for a roomy, affordable supermini with a sweet 1.0 TSI.

Best engine: The 1.0 TSI 110 — or the 1.4 TDI for high mileage.

Read the full guide

Performance

0.9 TCe 90 · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol

	Renault Clio	Skoda Fabia
Power	90 hp	110 hp Winner
Torque	135 Nm	200 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	12,2 s	9,8 s Winner
Top speed	182 km/h	196 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	87,0 hp/t	100,0 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	99 g/km Winner	104 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	4,3 L/100km Winner	4,5 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Renault Clio	Skoda Fabia
Boot	300 L	330 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.146 L	1.160 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,59 m Winner	2,47 m
Length	4,06 m	3,99 m
Ground clearance	—	13,5 cm
Turning circle	10,6 m	10,6 m
Towing capacity (braked)	900 kg	1.100 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Renault Clio	Skoda Fabia
Platform	B (modified)	PQ26
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	0.9 TCe · 1.2 TCe · 1.6 RS · 1.5 dCi	1.0 MPI/TSI petrol · 1.4 TDI diesel
Transmission	5-speed manual	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Renault Clio

1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
EDC (2013–2015): jerky shifts
Electrical gremlins and MediaNav/R-Link freezes

Skoda Fabia

1.0 TSI: timing belt on interval
Early MPI: oil consumption
Electrical gremlins

Pros

Renault Clio

Compact, agile and cheap to run
Reliable 0.9 TCe and efficient 1.5 dCi
Large, affordable used supply

Skoda Fabia

Roomy boot for its class
Affordable and economical
Practical and reliable

Cons

Renault Clio

Tight boot and rear seat
1.2 TCe carries chain risk

Skoda Fabia

Sparse base equipment
Less refined driving feel
Dated infotainment

Driving experience

Renault Clio

Light and easy to manoeuvre in town with a small turning circle, helped by light steering that is not especially communicative. Body control is acceptable but the ride is firmer than the previous generation, especially on larger wheels. The 0.9 TCe and 1.2 TCe feel responsive for daily use when healthy, while the 1.5 dCi is stronger on the motorway. Manual gearboxes are straightforward; the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but often shows low-speed hesitation or judder. Overall a competent supermini of its era rather than a driver's car.

Skoda Fabia

Composed and secure for a city hatchback of its era, with light steering that suits urban and motorway driving. The ride is comfortable on standard wheels, and body roll is present yet managed. Petrol engines deliver responsive low-end performance for daily use. It prioritises comfort and ease of use over sharp dynamics, with good visibility.