The Škoda Fabia has always offered plenty of space and a good price-performance ratio, while the small Czech car as an offshoot of the VW Polo has always remained conspicuously inconspicuous. The dimensions and space of the new, fourth generation are almost the same as those of the compact class, and the new one can also be really classy if desired. Stretched eleven centimeters to a length of 4.11 meters, it towers over Cousin Polo by four centimeters. The wheelbase grew by almost ten centimeters to 2.56 meters, which means more space for the backbenchers. And for the luggage, because with the trunk that has been expanded by 50 to 380 liters, Škoda's entry-level model now not only swallows more than all of the competition, but also as much as the significantly larger and more expensive VW Golf. With the rear seat backs folded down, there is a maximum of 1190 liters,However, the loading area will not be completely flat.
In the fresher-looking, tidy interior, hardly anything is reminiscent of its predecessor. Digital instruments and a 9.2-inch free-standing infotainment screen are available on request. It measures 6.5 inches as standard. Of course, there is the usual hard plastic in this class, but the dashboard, which is covered with fabric in the lower part and with the large ventilation nozzles, does not look cheap. Operation is not a mystery, the climate can be controlled with conventional rotary knobs, and there is also a classic handbrake.
With the modular transverse toolkit MQB-A0 from the VW Group, numerous new assistance and comfort systems are moving into the Fabia. In addition to the standard lane departure warning system, a reversing camera or a park steering assistant are available at an additional cost. The optional Travel Assist also enables semi-autonomous driving. The Fabia can be further upgraded with ambient lighting, heating for the steering wheel and windscreen or two-zone climate.
The engine range remains conventional with five petrol engines, which are supposed to be cautious in terms of consumption with 4.5 to 4.7 liters of Super per 100 kilometers. Škoda had already retired diesel engines in the Fabia due to insufficient demand. But electrification is also being dispensed with, which is said to be too expensive. At the market launch on September 18, there will initially be a choice of three one-liter, three-cylinder models, with prices starting at 16,290 euros for the 80 hp version. Like the 66 hp basic petrol engine, which can be ordered from the end of the year, it has to get along without turbo support. The entry-level Fabia is slightly cheaper than its predecessor at 13,990 euros. According to the Škoda strategists, the volume model is the 95 PS TSI for 17,590 euros.
As the first test drives showed, the rather rough-sounding three-cylinder is sufficiently lively and lets the front-wheel drive four-door sprint from standstill to 100 km / h in 10.6 seconds. A maximum of 195 km / h is possible. A six-speed gearbox is only offered in combination with the 110 hp TSI for 19,890 euros, 7-speed DSG is available for an extra charge of 1500 euros. The 1.5-liter four-cylinder TSI with 150 PS and DSG, which will debut in early 2022, should satisfy sporting ambitions. Price and consumption values have not yet been determined.
No question about it, the Fabia has grown up and has become even more spacious, the comfortable chassis offers good long-distance comfort, and the price is right. The only thing missing is a chic station wagon. In the next few weeks it will be decided whether there will be another practical packhorse or not. The signs are rather bad.