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Skoda Fabia 2 engines
The second-generation Škoda Fabia, launched in 2007, established itself as a reliable small car in the highly competitive segment. Over its seven-year production period until 2014, it offered a sophisticated range of engines from economical petrol units to efficient diesel units. The technological development reflected the transition from Euro 4 to Euro 5 standards and brought modern common-rail technology to the compact class.
Škoda Fabia 2 engines - second generation complete package (2007-2014)

The second generation Fabia was characterized by exceptional longevity, with many examples easily reaching 250,000 to 300,000 kilometers. Major repairs typically only occurred after 150,000 to 180,000 kilometers, mainly on wearing parts such as the clutch and chassis. The absolute top engine of this generation was the 1.2 TSI with 105 PS, which optimally combined economy with driving pleasure. The engine range benefited from its affiliation with the Volkswagen Group and used tried-and-tested units from the modular transverse matrix. In a market comparison, the Fabia positioned itself as an affordable alternative to the VW Polo and Ford Fiesta, without compromising on reliability.
Škoda Fabia 2 petrol engines: second generation (2007-2014)
The petrol engines of the Fabia 2 were based on proven Volkswagen technology and offered a wide range of performance. The entry-level 1.2 MPI engine with 60 hp (engine code BMD) proved to be economical but indestructible and achieved fuel consumption figures of 5.8 liters per 100 kilometers. The 70 hp version of the same engine (BME) offered slightly more elasticity with similar economy.
The 1.4 MPI with 86 hp (BUD) was a good compromise, but tended to have problems with the injection valves after 120,000 kilometers. The highlight was the 1.2 TSI with 105 PS (CBZA), which was both economical and powerful thanks to turbocharging and direct injection. The timing chain occasionally proved problematic after 80,000 kilometers and the turbocharger after 150,000 kilometers.
The sporty 1.4 TSI with 180 PS from the RS version (CAVE) offered impressive performance, but entailed higher maintenance costs. Typical weak points were the high-pressure pump and occasional problems with the direct injection after 100,000 kilometers.
Škoda Fabia 2 diesel engines: second generation (2007-2014)
The diesel range focused on the tried-and-tested 1.6 TDI in various power levels. The 75 hp engine (CAYB) was considered particularly reliable and achieved fuel consumption figures of just 4.2 liters. The 90 hp version (CAYC) offered more torque with slightly higher fuel consumption of 4.4 liters.
Both engines used modern common-rail technology and complied with the Euro 5 standard. Typical problems only occurred after high mileages: The particulate filter required occasional regeneration from 120,000 kilometers, and the injection nozzles began to show signs of wear after 180,000 kilometers. The timing chain proved to be durable and rarely caused problems.
The 1.6 TDI was characterized by low operating costs and long ranges. With a 45-liter tank, over 1,000 kilometers were possible, making the Fabia an ideal long-distance vehicle.
| Engine | Power (PS) | Fuel consumption (l/100km) | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 MPI | 60/70 | 5,8 | Low performance | Good |
| 1.4 MPI | 86 | 6,2 | Injectors | Average |
| 1.2 TSI | 105 | 5,4 | Timing chain, turbocharger | Very good |
| 1.4 TSI | 180 | 7,1 | High pressure pump | Good |
| 1.6 TDI | 75 | 4,2 | Particle filter | Very good |
| 1.6 TDI | 90 | 4,4 | Injection nozzles | Very good |
Škoda Fabia 2 engines - facelift and model update (2010-2014)

With the 2010 facelift, the Fabia received revised engines and improved efficiency. Reliability remained at the high level of its predecessors, with mileages of 280,000 to 320,000 kilometers being no rarity. Major repairs were postponed to 160,000 to 200,000 kilometers due to improved materials. The revised 1.2 TSI with 105 PS developed into the class leader thanks to optimized software and more robust components. The facelift models benefited from refined engine mounts and improved noise insulation, which noticeably increased driving comfort.
Škoda Fabia 2 petrol engines facelift: Optimized efficiency (2010-2014)
The revised petrol engines were given finer tuning and improved components. The 1.2 MPI remained unchanged in both power levels, but showed slightly better fuel consumption figures thanks to optimized engine management. The problematic 1.4 MPI was replaced by a revised version that had fewer problems with the injection valves.
The 1.2 TSI benefited most from the improvements: A reinforced timing chain significantly reduced the failure rate, and the revised turbocharger proved to be more durable. The direct injection system received refined nozzles that were less prone to coking. These improvements made the 1.2 TSI the undisputed favorite among gasoline engines.
The 1.4 TSI of the RS version remained largely unchanged, but received a revised engine management system for better response characteristics. The basic weak points remained, but reliability improved slightly.
Škoda Fabia 2 diesel engine facelift: refined common-rail technology (2010-2014)
The diesel engines mainly received software updates and refined injection strategies. The 1.6 TDI in both power levels benefited from optimized combustion and reduced fuel consumption by around 0.1 liters per 100 kilometers. Particulate filter regeneration was controlled more intelligently and caused fewer problems in city traffic.
A new 1.6 TDI with 105 hp (CAYB) extended the range upwards and offered sportier driving performance with only slightly higher fuel consumption of 4.6 liters. This engine proved to be just as reliable as its weaker siblings and offered significantly more driving pleasure.
The common rail systems were given higher injection pressures for cleaner combustion and reduced soot emissions. Maintenance intervals could be extended to 30,000 kilometers, which further reduced operating costs.
| Engine | Power (PS) | Fuel consumption (l/100km) | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 MPI | 60/70 | 5,7 | Low performance | Good |
| 1.4 MPI | 86 | 6,0 | Rare injection problems | Good |
| 1.2 TSI | 105 | 5,2 | Improved durability | Very good |
| 1.4 TSI | 180 | 6,9 | High pressure pump | Good |
| 1.6 TDI | 75 | 4,1 | Minimal problems | Very good |
| 1.6 TDI | 90 | 4,3 | Very reliable | Very good |
| 1.6 TDI | 105 | 4,6 | Excellent balance | Very good |
Conclusion: The best Škoda Fabia 2 engines of all generations
The Škoda Fabia 2 engines underwent a remarkable development from proven naturally aspirated engines to modern turbocharged units with direct injection. The entire engine range was characterized by above-average reliability and low operating costs, making the Fabia one of the most economical small cars of its time.
- Best Škoda Fabia 2 gasoline engine:
The 1.2 TSI with 105 hp (from facelift 2010) combines optimum power delivery with low fuel consumption of 5.2 liters and high reliability thanks to improved components.
- Best Škoda Fabia 2 diesel engine:
The 1.6 TDI with 90 hp offers the ideal balance of economy (4.3 liters consumption), sufficient power and exceptional durability with minimal weak points.
- Most economical Škoda Fabia 2 engine:
The 1.6 TDI with 75 hp achieves fuel consumption figures of only 4.1 liters with high reliability and is perfect for frequent drivers with over 20,000 kilometers per year.
For all Škoda Fabia 2 engines, you will find high-quality spare and wear parts at AUTODOC at reasonable prices.