Škoda Fabia : First Look

Jay Williams - 07/July/2011

Melbourne, Australia - Škoda revealed details and pricing of its hatchback model the Fabia at this years Australian Motor Show.

With sales of well over 1.5 million worldwide, the Škoda Fabia is finally available in Australia.

The Fabia has a smooth and sporty look. The front end is dominated by a bold grille, headlights and bumper arrangement which create strong lines across the nose, giving the Fabia a low, masculine stance. Trademark features of the Fabia are the distinctive wraparound windscreen and gloss black A-pillars. An added feature on the Fabia is the option of choosing a contrasting roof colour to further personalise the car (much like the Audi A1).

Inside, the new Fabia features an chrome-trimmed air vent inserts, gearlever frame and handbrake button, high quality seat trim materials, a three-spoke leather steering wheel with radio and phone controls, multi-function trip computer, cruise control and Bluetooth phone connectivity as standard.

The new Fabia offers the driver a high driving position. This not only allows greater visibility of the road ahead, it also makes access easier and more comfortable. All models feature height adjustment on the driver's seat, along with height and reach adjustment on the steering wheel.

All Fabia models boast large cabins and practical boot areas, and for the Fabia hatchback in particular, a generous 315 litres of boot space.

Road handling and comfort, the Škoda Fabia features MacPherson struts at the front, mounted to a three-part subframe. This assembly is attached to the bodywork with anti-vibration mounts that help to keep noise and vibration to a minimum.

There will be three models from the Fabia range made available in Australia - the Fabia 77TSI Hatchback, the Fabia Monte Carlo 77TSI and the Fabia RS 132TSI. Further models such as the Fabia Wagon, Roomster and other engines variants will be available in 2012.

The entry model, the Škoda Fabia 77TSI Hatchback comes with a 1.2-litre TSI engine producing 77kW and sipping 5.5-litres per 100km (combined fuel consumption). The Fabia 77TSI is fitted as standard with a five-speed fully synchronised manual transmission and comes standard with six airbags and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) including ABS, ASR, EBD and Brake Assist. DSG transmission will be available from 2012.

Sitting in the middle of the range and arguably the most attractive of the bunch is the Fabia Monte Carlo. This model is enhanced by sporty styling and a bespoke interior. Launched to celebrate 100 years of the legendary Monte Carlo Rally, and to commemorate the 110-year anniversary of Škoda's motorsport involvement, this special edition model is a nod towards the brand's sporting pedigree.

From the outside, the Škoda Fabia Monte Carlo boasts a dynamic look, underlined by the introduction of piano-black body trim, which extends over the wheelarches and down the full length of the car, a black roof, black wing mirror covers, a black radiator grille, smoked headlights and black 16” lightweight alloy wheels.

Inside the Fabia Monte Carlo, customers can choose between all black or, red and black sports seats which boast additional side support. Both versions come with black roof lining, a perforated leather steering wheel with red stitching, and leather handbrake and gearstick cover with red stitching (with the red-black interior option). To complete the enhanced sporty appeal silver kick plates and steel pedals are fitted as standard.

The Škoda Fabia Monte Carlo will be launched in conjunction with the Škoda Fabia 77TSI Hatchback later this year with more information coming available closer to launch.

And, sitting at the top of the range is the high performance Škoda Fabia RS 132TSI. This model is powered by a 1.4-litre TSI twincharged engine that produces 132kW of power and 175Nm of torque between 1550 and 4100rpm. The Fabia RS can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds.

Externally, the RS is distinguished by a rear spoiler, front spoiler with integrated LED daytime running lights, 17" alloys and trademark RS red brake callipers. Twin exhausts and tinted windows further enhance the sporty feel, while the availability of a contrasting roof colour (white or black) along with white, silver, dark chrome and black alloy wheel finishes, allow customers to personalise the look of their car.

Inside, the Škoda Fabia RS features height-adjustable sports seats along with a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel. The latter is fitted with paddles for manual control of the seven-speed DSG gearbox.

The Škoda Fabia RS 132TSI will be launched in combination with other Fabia models in 2012.

Pricing:
Fabia 77TSI Hatchback - $18,990*
Fabia Monte Carlo 77TSI - $21,990*
Fabia RS 132TSI - Pricing not available until launch in 2012

* Prices quoted are Manufacturer List Prices excluding dealer delivery charges, which may vary from dealer to dealer and statutory charges, which vary from state to state.

Related Links:
- Skoda Octavia (Road Test)
- Skoda Octavia 1.8 TSI (Road Test)
- Skoda Octavia & Roomster (First Drive)