2024 Skoda Fabia Colour Edition MPI 1.0L Petrol · FL24 AEB

The 1.0-litre MPI petrol is the most frugal Fabia engine and routinely returns around 50 mpg in mixed driving and over 55 mpg on a steady run, which keeps fuel costs low for a supermini of this size. Insurance sits in a low group for the Fabia range, typically group 5 to 8 depending on trim, so premiums should be modest for a Colour Edition. Road tax is minimal thanks to the Euro 6EA rating — £190 per year under the standard rate with no premium surcharge for this engine variant.

Routine maintenance on the MPI is straightforward and inexpensive: an oil and filter change is competitively priced at any independent garage, and Skoda parts are widely shared with the Volkswagen Group parts bin so consumables are cheap. The MPI engine is non-turbo, so there is no turbo, intercooler or particulate filter to service or replace, which is a meaningful saving over the TSI variants. Expect tyres to last around 25,000 to 35,000 miles under normal driving, given the modest power output.

Combining fuel, tax, insurance and a modest service budget, the estimated annual running cost for this FL24AEB should fall between £800 and £1,000 assuming typical mileage of around 7,000 miles a year. If you cover significantly more mileage, fuel will be the biggest variable cost, but the MPI remains one of the cheaper superminis to run in its class.

With no MOT history yet to draw on, the inspection has to focus on physical condition and the known weak points of the Fabia MPI rather than any recorded test failures. Start with the bodywork: Fabias of this age can suffer stone chips on the bonnet and front bumper, and the silver paint shows swirl marks easily under showroom lighting. Check the underside of the car for any scraping or kerbing damage, as Fabias sit relatively low and the Colour Edition alloys are easily scuffed.

Look closely at the engine bay for any signs of oil leaks around the cam cover and sump — the MPI 1.0 engine is generally tidy but can weep oil from the cam cover gasket once past 30,000 miles. The model aggregate data flags 'engine MIL inoperative' and 'shock absorber' issues as the top MOT failure causes across the Fabia range, so ask the seller to confirm the engine management light is off and that the suspension feels composed over bumps and during emergency braking. Also check the rear shock absorbers for any dampness or noise on test drive.

Inside, check that all the infotainment and climate control functions work correctly, as software glitches have been reported on recent Skoda models. Verify the operation of the air conditioning, which is essential for resale value. Finally, inspect the boot and load area for any damage from luggage or heavy items, as the Fabia boot is wider than it is deep and items can slide around. A service history check via the Skoda online portal will confirm whether the manufacturer digital record matches any paperwork the seller provides.