Renault Clio MK5 vs Skoda Fabia MK3

Renault Clio

MK5 · 2019 – 2026

The fifth Clio (MK5), on the CMF-B platform with the E-Tech hybrid.

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 MK5 for the modern, efficient Clio with a bigger boot and the E-Tech hybrid.

Best engine: The 1.0 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech 140/145 (hybrid).

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

1.0 TCe 100 · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol

	Renault Clio	Skoda Fabia
Power	100 hp	110 hp Winner
Torque	160 Nm	200 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	11,8 s	9,8 s Winner
Top speed	187 km/h	196 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	91,7 hp/t	100,0 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	112 g/km	104 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,0 L/100km	4,5 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Renault Clio	Skoda Fabia
Boot	391 L Winner	330 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.069 L	1.160 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,59 m Winner	2,47 m
Length	4,05 m	3,99 m
Ground clearance	—	13,5 cm
Turning circle	10,4 m Winner	10,6 m
Towing capacity (braked)	900 kg	1.100 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Renault Clio	Skoda Fabia
Platform	CMF-B	PQ26
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	1.0 SCe · 1.0 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 Blue dCi · E-Tech 140/145	1.0 MPI/TSI petrol · 1.4 TDI diesel
Transmission	6-speed manual · X-tronic CVT	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Renault Clio

E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
Electrical gremlins and infotainment freezes
1.5 Blue dCi: DPF and AdBlue on short trips

Skoda Fabia

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

Pros

Renault Clio

Modern interior and attractive design
Smooth 1.0 TCe and efficient E-Tech hybrid
Bigger boot than the MK4 (391 L)

Skoda Fabia

Roomy boot for its class
Affordable and economical
Practical and reliable

Cons

Renault Clio

Rear seat still tight
Infotainment can be slow

Skoda Fabia

Sparse base equipment
Less refined driving feel
Dated infotainment

Driving experience

Renault Clio

Light and easy to place in town, with precise-enough steering for the class but little real feedback. Body control is firmer than the previous Clio, reducing roll in corners while staying acceptable on normal roads — the ride is firm rather than plush. The 1.0 TCe and 1.3 TCe feel responsive for daily use; the E-Tech hybrid adds strong low-speed electric assistance and smooth transitions in most conditions. Manual gearboxes are straightforward, and the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but can hesitate at low speeds. Overall a competent, easy supermini 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.