Skoda Fabia Estate vs Mazda6 Estate

I thought it would be amusing to compare one of the cheapest small estate cars for sale in the UK with what many pundits consider to be the best estate car. Fabia vs Mazda6. The first and obvious differences are the Mazda6 estate is near twice the price of the Skoda Fabia estate and the Mazda is much longer.

Let's assume versatility is the most important feature in an estate car and load space is the indicator of capacity. Check out my Skoda Fabia estate review and the 4.25m long Fabia has a maximum load space of 1,460L with all seats down and 480 with them up.The 4.79m Mazda6 has a maximum load space of 1,751L with all seats down and 519 with them up. There's a difference but not that much with the seats up. So the added length and cost of the Mazda looks less attractive.

What is surprising is the Fabia petrol engines can return a combined mpg of over 50 mpg. Their diesels near 70. However a diesel Mazda6 has a respectable combined mpg of over 50 mpg. But the Fabia diesels are very green with low VED costs.

The real difference is in the cars' performance. The Fabia 105 petrol and diesel engines are both fast and quick. The rest could be frustratingly sluggish. All the Mazda6 models are very fast and quick.

By the way, it's also important to check the car insurance groups list for each model as you will find significant differences. Car insurance premiums are rocketing. This will be subject to shopping around directly with the car insurance companies. It's best to get as many car insurance quotes as possible - it could save you hundreds of pounds.

Which brings me to another point. Once you decide to buy a car you subscribe to fixed costs. The used car market determines used car prices. The government set the cost of VED and fuel tax. Car insurance is the only cost you can negotiate.

Back to the plot. The Mazda5 estate has the greater load space, it's longer but costs a lot more to buy new. The Fabia is not just cheaper to buy, it's cheaper to run. There are lively performing Fabias but they cost more and will half the difference in entry prices.

Then there are differences we can't quantify. Style and prestige. Both cars look good in their own way. The Fabia looks practical. The Mazda6 appears dynamic. You could say these cars are what they appear to be. The Fabia is practical and the Mazda6 a motorway cruiser.

Which brings me to comfort. Driver comfort is a combination of many factors. But I think it's safe to say you'd be more than comfortable in a Fabia but even more comfortable in a Mazda6 on the motorway.

Having said all that style, prestige and comfort are matters for your personal taste. Otherwise, it all depends which car fits your lifestyle and finances.

Regards
Ralph