The new Fabia mixes competitive pricing, decent specification, inexpensive running costs and likely reliability in a considerably more stylish package than the previous model.

It is also likely to sell in very low volumes compared to the likes of the Corsa and Fiesta, with perhaps only 4,000 Fabias finding their way into fleets in a full year. Combine this with Skoda’s reputation for economical motoring and the merits of the overall product and you can see why it has been predicted very strong residual values after three years/60,000 miles.

Skoda Fabia 1.4 16v 2 5DR: PRICE NEW £10,105

Mileage		Age (months)		Predicted value		Money lost
20,000		12		£6,775/67%		£3,330
30,000		18		£5,925/59%		£4,180
40,000		24		£5,200/51%		£4,905
50,000		30		£4,550/45%		£5,555
60,000		36		£4,000/40%		£6,105

Source: CAP Motor Research

Vauxhall Corsa 1.4I 16V Club 5DR: PRICE NEW £10,382

Mileage		Age (months)		Predicted value		Money lost
20,000		12		£5,500/53%		£4,882
30,000		18		£4,850/47%		£5,532
40,000		24		£4,300/41%		£6,082
50,000		30		£3,800/37%		£6,582
60,000		36		£3,375/33%		£7,007

Source: CAP Motor Research