In every respect, Skoda’s 4th-gen Fabia is a giant-killer
Having settled into a belief that Skoda was being ‘punished’ by VW Group for its frequent wilfulness, Iain Robertson perceives that the Czech brand’s newcomer is now in indefatigable mode, set for success to outweigh Polo, A1, Ibiza and ALL rivals!
Me and Skoda: we have history. I broke the original Octavia story in the UK. I owned the first UK registered Octavia (Skoda’s continued best-seller); however, subsequently, I also owned the first Fabia model registered in the UK. Me and Fabia have history. Considering the relative dullness of the preceding Felicia, when Fabia arrived it heralded the application of soft-touch interior mouldings, exceptional packaging in class and a design crispness shared remarkably with the phenomenal new Bentley Continental (thanks to having the same styling chief).
I adored my silver Fabia, acquiring a later vRS PD130 version in red, which became a minor diesel-fuelled cult machine in its own right. My last Fabia was actually a limited-edition Mark Two variant known as the ‘S2000’, an homologation version that enabled the firm’s rally car development. It was powered by the twincharger (super and turbocharger), 1.4-litre TFSi petrol motor that developed 211bhp, could despatch 0-60mph in 5.7s, with a top speed of 157mph. It was rare and ridiculous, somehow never as complete as the Mark One but replaced by Skoda with the neat, angular styled Mark Three that became plastic-fantastic inside and somehow looked like a ‘punishment’ exercise levied by parent VW Group on a brand that was daring to be different. I lost interest.
Yet, Skoda is being allowed currently to explore its worldwide potential and, by all accounts, is making a pretty darned good fist of things, as it punches markedly above its apparent might. VW Group has gifted it finally the MQB-AO platform for the all-new fourth generation of the Fabia, which I believe to be a masterstroke in a market segment that is shimmying upwards with vastly improved Fords, Peugeots, Vauxhalls et alia. Skoda is exceptional at making impact way above its station and now it is equipped to do it again and with a sense of real style.
By exceeding the four-metre mark, at 4,108 mm, the new Fabia is considerably longer than its predecessor. The boot, at 330-litres was already the largest in the compact class but has gained an additional 50-litres to 380, which is really roomy. Other advantages of the new group platform mean that the new Fabia also boasts innumerable ADAS driver assistance systems that had been the preserve of higher-tier models. However, in conjunction with much improved structural rigidity, the compact car offers even greater active and passive safety. At last Fabia can compete head-on with its rivals.
Needless to say, even with the application of the latest Skoda front grille, its relationship with the VW Group is stronger than ever and while some elements of character tend to be subsumed by this factor, there are enough retained Skoda qualities to maintain brand buoyancy. Detailing elements, such as razor-sharp headlights, taillights packed with LED technology and crystalline structures, emphasise a truly dynamic appearance.
The thoroughly redesigned interior features a symmetrical dashboard with a free‑standing central display, an optional all-digital instrument cluster and horizontal decorative strips. From launch, S, SE and SE L trim levels will be available. The sporty Monte Carlo variant will follow later. There is still no official word on whether a vRS version will join the mix but one of the five petrol engines from Volkswagen Group’s current EVO generation may provide some respite. They deliver power outputs ranging from 62bhp to 147bhp, the latter unit perhaps lacking the punch of the Mark Two vRS’s stock 178bhp but still capable of considerable heft. Combine that with a drag coefficient (cd) of a most slippery 0.28 and the Fabia has become the most aerodynamic car in its class, which, together with an optional 50-litre fuel tank, allows for a range in excess of 560mls in the WLTP cycle…no fears of range anxiety then!
Of course, Skoda would not be Skoda without a commensurate blend of ingenious ‘smart’ features, the brand’s omnipresent calling card. These include automatic shut-off vanes in the lower front air intake that help to reduce CO2 but also improve aerodynamics. Twelve panels now cover a larger part of the underbody instead of three, especially in the areas that are crucial for aerodynamics, such as the engine bay and the axles. New aero-acoustic simulation methods have reduced wind noise and even vibrations on the side windows, which can cause whistling and increased interior noise levels. Wheel diameters range from 14.0 to 18.0-inches in a much-improved range of wheel styles.
I almost forgot to mention that at 2,564mm, the new Fabia’s wheelbase is even greater than that of the first-generation Octavia (launched in 1996), which measured only 2,512mm. The new interior design emphasises Fabia’s spaciousness, the front section of the dashboard being upholstered in fabric with contrast stitching. Large circular air vents on the right and left that feature chrome trim from SE upwards, as well as the newly designed chrome-plated door handles create new visual touches. Ambient lighting adds to the appeal at night-time. Unsurprisingly, levels of connectivity are now class leading, the new Fabia always being ‘online’ thanks to its in-built e-Sim.
For returning Fabia fans, the 147bhp turbo-petrol engine is going to prove a great draw. Delivering performance in spades, mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox (with paddles), it can despatch the 0-60mph dash in around 7.6s, before reaching a top whack of around 135mph. In today’s driving conditions, this is going to be more than adequate and, thanks to typically taut chassis dynamics, this ‘top’ model will look the part on its 18.0-inch alloys and handle impeccably into the bargain.
The new Skoda Fabia is set to arrive this late summer and, as long as its pricing can be maintained at competitive levels, its future does look assured. It is a massive step in the right direction for the brand and I can already sense a personal sizing up taking place!
