New Skoda Fabia
Revamped supermini to star at Geneva Motor Show
A NEW, facelifted Skoda Fabia has arrived for 2018, with a public debut planned for next month’s Geneva Motor Show. The supermini will share the stage with the brand’s centrepiece in Switzerland, the Vision X concept, which previews a new baby SUV from Skoda.
The updated third-generation Fabia arrives four years into the current car’s lifespan, but has to compete with two all-new class rivals: the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo (tested on Page 36).
On the surface, the most obvious design change is a set of new, slimmer headlights, while LED headlamps and tail-lights are available. New alloys have arrived, too, including 18-inch options.
Skoda is keeping the interior under wraps for now, but promises a revised instrument cluster and refreshed trim. A Swing 6.5-inch colour touchscreen is now available, complete with optional navigation and Smartlink+ connectivity for smartphones, enabling Apple Carplay, Android Auto and Mirrorlink. In the back USB ports can now be specified.
No new engines have been added to the range, but the biggest news is the removal of diesel options altogether.
A naturally aspirated 1.0-litre petrol MPI engine comes with either 59bhp or 74bhp, while a 1.0-litre turbo TSI is also offered with two power outputs: 94bhp or 108bhp. Skoda claims the engines are slightly more economical than before, too, while both TSI units are fitted with a particulate filter.
The company has brought the Fabia’s tech up to date, with blindspot detection now available, while rear cross traffic alert also makes its debut; this monitors crossing traffic behind the vehicle when it’s reversing. Finally, automatic high beam assist has been added to the Fabia’s box of tricks.
Once the car has made its public debut at Geneva, it’s scheduled to go on sale in Britain in the summer, with prices to stay similar to those of the current model. That should mean a starting figure of around £10,500.
“Inside, Skoda promises a revised instrument cluster as well as refreshed trim”