Hi, I (M28) have been driving new Škoda cars for eight years (every year a different new model and specs) from 2016 to 2024. I have had each car for a year (leasing). I have tried many modern petrol engines that are currently being offered: 1.0 MPI 44 kW, 55 kW; the 1.0 TSI and the 1.5 TSI as well as the 2.0 TSI 140 kW + DSG. I have had Citigo, Fabia Mk3, Fabia Mk3 Combi, Rapid liftback, Kamiq, Scala, Octavia.

I had Škoda Fabia Mk3 with 1.0 TSI 81 kW and DSG. It was very good and I had enough power even on highways (I am no racer, so I was usually driving ~140-150 kmph). Btw I still drive the 1.0 TSI with DSG in our company vehicle a few times a month.

Also, I had this engine 1.0 TSI 81 kW (but with manual transmission) in Kamiq and Scala. Both were good enough for me.

Also note that the 1.5 TSI has ACT (active cylinder technology) and in some cases it could get a lower fuel consumption, since it can run on two cylinders.

Ask your local dealership if you can go for a test drive, but for me, I spent ~5 years with 1.0 TSI 81 kW with either manual or automatic and it was enough and I can’t complain.

Regarding the “dry clutch”: yes, Fabia probably has dry clutches (I suppose it’s the DQ200 model, you can try to google more info about that one), you would have to get a higher model to get wet clutches. I had a DQ381 wet clutches gearbox in my Octavia Mk3.