New Skoda Fabia to break cover
A ground-up new Skoda is to lead the VW-Audi pack, says Dave Moore
AS ARE rebadged and bodied Volkswagens. Well, they are and they aren’t, as some models of Skoda come onto the market before the equivalent Volkswagen does.
So when the all-new VW Polo arrives on the market in the next couple of years, it will be based on the Skoda fabia, and not the other way around.
Skoda is to bring a new concept to the upcoming Geneva Motor Show that will preview the redesigned Fabia III, which is scheduled for a late 2014 reveal, probably at the Paris Motor Show.
There are few details of the design, but the all-new Fabia will be the first VW Group vehicle to use the short version of the lighter, more efficient MQB architecture, known as MQB-A. The nextgeneration versions of the VW Polo and Seat Ibiza will also use it.
The new Fabia will be longer and wider than the current model, which means it will have a roomier interior and more space for luggage. The current Fabia hatchback is 4000mm long, 1642mm wide and 1498mm tall and has a maximum storage space of 1180 litres with the rear seats folded, which is already impressive.
As for the new Fabia’s styling, it will feature the brand’s new design language, including a more prominent front grille with a larger Skoda badge – similar to the facelifted Yeti. The new supermini is also expected to feature cues from the current Fabia S2000 rally car. Also, to better appeal to younger buyers, the new Fabia will focus on connectivity features.
The new Skoda will employ the same existing power units from the VW-Audi empire as well as new three-cylinder engines which are being introduced for the VW Polo facelift this year.
The Fabia will go on sale in early 2015 in Europe and in New Zealand soon afterwards.