Skoda Fabia

A new arrival in the family is always something to celebrate, but when that new arrival is the successor to the biggest selling model range in the history of Skoda, than it’s understandable to get enthusiastic.

In early May this year, the new Skoda Fabia will go on sale in the UK. The new model takes all that is good about the original car and makes it better, building on attributes like huge amounts of space, excellent quality and outstanding value. It has the biggest boot capacity in the sector, improved comfort, higher quality levels and it has a modern eye-catching design.

The first generation Fabia was launched in 2000 and has since sold 1.5 million models worldwide with 112,000 finding happy homes with buyers here in the UK.

The new supermini has a modern youthful look that reflects Skoda’s unique design direction, moving away from the square box shape. There is a range of exciting bodywork colours, coupled with fresh high quality materials in the interior.

What a refreshing change to find trim levels which are easy to memorise, basically 1, 2 and 3 being the top of the range. Fabia 1 offers height adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel, central door locking, electric front windows, radio/CD with MP3 and 4 speakers, and immobiliser. Air conditioning comes with the next trim up.

Optional features include electronically controlled Climatronic air conditioning and an MP3/iPod compatible stereo.

Improved comfort levels are made possible due to an increase in size over its predecessor. It is 22mm longer and 47mm taller than the model it replaces, making it one of the largest cars in its class. Boot capacity is impressive too, holding 300 litres with the rear seats up and 1,163 litres when they’re folded.

And for those requiring even more space, an estate version of the new car is due to come to Britain in January 2008.

A total of seven engines will be available in the new Fabia – four petrol and three diesels. Five of them are new to the range. At its launch I drove the 1.2 petrol with 70bhp which will account for 70% of sales and the 1.4 litre diesel with 80bhp which will be a popular company car. The petrol engine has a grunt to it which is reminiscent of a diesel but neither the diesel or petrol can be heard in the cabin which is ultra quiet. The 1.2 model is branded ‘HTP’ on the rear which apparently stands for ‘High Torque Performance’. The 3 cylinder engine offers high performance at low revs and is excellent for city driving.

Both the entry level 1.2 litre engines with 60bhp and 70bhp now have more power than before and offer greater driving pleasure as a result. There is also a 1.4 litre and a 1.6 litre petrol. The two other diesels include another 1.4 litre TDI with 70bhp and a 1.9 TDi which will also be a popular fleet choice.

Not only does it look good but the Fabia is now also safer than ever before. In addition to the dual front airbags, passengers will also be protected by front side airbags.

For the first time there is an optional six speed automatic Tiptronic gearbox.

The supermini sector is one of the biggest and most competitive but as the finest Czech export since Pilsner lager, the popularity of the Skoda Fabia looks set to continue with this new model.

By Sue Cooke