The Skoda Fabia 130, Mazda MX-5, and Mini Cooper are three cars that embody the spirit of fun and affordability in the automotive world. Climbing up towards the Holme Moss Summit in the Peak District, it’s easy to forget that moments like these are becoming increasingly rare. The new Skoda Fabia 130 dances across the tarmac, its 1230kg frame skipping lightly through the bends.
The Fabia 130 is Skoda’s first hot Fabia since the vRS bowed out in 2014. It’s designed to mark Skoda’s 130th birthday and inject life into the company’s highly capable but usually not-very-fun supermini. Based on the top-spec Monte Carlo version of the Fabia, its turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine has been remapped to 175bhp, up from 148bhp.
Performance is a key aspect of these cars. The suspension is the same 15mm lowered setup as the Monte Carlo, while the steering has been tweaked to make the current fourth-generation Skoda Fabia more exciting. The Mazda MX-5, on the other hand, is a car that feels like it’s from a decade ago, with its delightful rear bias and sense of movement. The Mini Cooper, with its keen handling and wonderfully quick steering, is a joy to drive.
The Mazda MX-5’s 1.5-litre engine, while lacking in power, makes up for it with its precision and tactility.
Interior and practicality are also important considerations. The Skoda Fabia 130’s interior is practically the same as the Monte Carlo trim, with its striped sports seats and carbon fibre-effect trim. The Mini Cooper’s interior, on the other hand, feels cutting-edge, with its big central OLED circular screen and easy-to-handle menus. The Mazda MX-5’s interior is delightfully analogue, with its big handbrake and clear dials.
The Fabia 130 excels at being a warm hatch, without sacrificing any of its usability. Its rear seats are suitable for normal-sized adults, and the 380-litre boot is massive for a car of its size. The Mini Cooper’s rear seats are awkward to access, and the space back there is severely limited. The Mazda MX-5’s storage is practically non-existent, and the boot is useful for only a few small shopping bags.
The Skoda Fabia 130, Mazda MX-5, and Mini Cooper are all great cars in their own right. The Fabia 130 is the most unlikely choice, but it’s a surprise how much better it is to drive than a standard Fabia. The Mini Cooper wins with its keen handling and wonderfully quick steering. The Mazda MX-5, with its sheer balance and ability to bring a smile to your face, is ultimately the winner.
Cheap fun new cars are ultra rare. The fact that they’re still producing cars that can deliver driving thrills on a budget is a notable achievement. The Mazda MX-5 continues to be available in the classic roadster style or metal-top RF, with prices starting from £28,585. The Mini Cooper starts from £25,465, and the Skoda Fabia 130 from £27,715.
Each of these cars can brighten up a mundane commute and invite you to take an earlier motorway junction, just so you can spend a bit more time on a B-road. They’re a reminder that driving can still be fun, even in a world where cars are becoming increasingly complex and technologically advanced. As long as cars like the Skoda Fabia 130, Mazda MX-5, and Mini Cooper exist, there’s hope for the future of driving, and you may want to consider rivals to these models.
They are a celebration of driving.
