AUTONEWS

Škoda Fabia 130 & Mini Cooper S

The choice between the Škoda Fabia 130 and the Mini Cooper S depends on whether you prioritize practicality and comfort or performance and style. In specialized comparisons from February 2026, the Mini Cooper S is generally considered the "winner" for those seeking a sporty car, while the Fabia 130 stands out as a more rational and spacious option.

Performance and style comparison...The Mini Cooper S is classified as a legitimate "hot hatch," focused on agility, while the Škoda Fabia 130 is seen as a "warm hatch"—a faster version of the standard car, but less extreme.

Mini Cooper S(below):

-Power: It has around 204 hp, significantly surpassing its rival.

-Driving: Stiffer chassis, more communicative steering, and a more exciting engine sound.

-Style: Iconic design and premium interior with a focus on customization and visual technology.

Škoda Fabia 130(below): 

-Power: Equipped with a 1.5 TSI engine optimized for 177 hp (130 kW).

-Driving: Suspension 15mm lower and firmer than the standard version, but still focused on everyday comfort.

-Features: It is the only one of the two with paddle shifters for manual gear changes, something absent in the new Mini.

Summary of the choice (below):

-Choose the Mini Cooper S if you want the fastest, most fun-to-drive car with the highest visual status.

-Choose the Škoda Fabia 130 if you need a car that is practical for the family, comfortable on long trips, but still offers an extra dose of power when needed.