The new model is larger and more technologically advanced than the predecessor, but it packs extra punch.
Skoda is now in charge of the Fabia’s tuning after SEAT and Volkswagen updated the Polo. The Czech supermini, which was based on its sister models, received a mid-cycle upgrade. However, it is now switching to a new generation. This brings the hatchback back in line with its A0 siblings.
The Fabia Mk4 marks a significant departure from its predecessor in all aspects. It is larger than the platform-sharing Skodas to allow for spacious interiors and best-in class practicality. The hatch measures 4,108 millimeters (161.7 in) in length and is now 111mm (4.4in) wider than it was before. The wheelbase is where most of the stretch is located. It’s now 94mm (3.7in) longer than it was before, which makes it a generous 2,564mm (101 in).
The Fabia remains a city-oriented vehicle, but the cargo space has increased by 50 liters (1.76 cuft) to a Volkswagen Golf Mk8-matching 338 liters (13.4 cuft). This makes it a great car for weekend getaways. The total volume is 1,190 liters (42 cu.ft) when you fold the rear bench. Skoda claims that the new body is sleeker and more aerodynamic than ever before. The drag coefficient has dropped from 0.32 to 0.28, which Skoda believes is the best in its class. This improves fuel efficiency.
Many spy photos had provided a clear picture of the exterior design before it was officially launched. It shouldn’t be surprising that the exterior design is reminiscent of Scala, but Skoda has added some spice to the mix with new Orange Sunset paints and Graphite Grey wheels up to 18 inches. The Fabia’s top-end models will come with contrasting Black Magic and Graphite Grey roofs, side mirror caps, grille frames, and front grille frames.
The adjacent gallery shows a Fabia range-topping model with full-LED front and rear lights, as well as a panoramic glass roof. This is consistent with press images that were released at a new model launch. The Fabia also features a grille-mounted radar to provide safety and assistance, as well sensors for Park Assist which can work at speeds up to 25 mph (40 km/h), and takes care the steering.
The interior was completely redesigned with strong Scala (and Kamiq inspiration). It also has a striking resemblance with the Ibizia’s cabin after facelift. This is due to the SEAT circular air vents that were introduced for the supermini’s midcycle update. The Fabia receives the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster from SEAT and a touchscreen infotainment of up to 9.2 inches.
The Fabia also has dual-zone climate control and heated steering wheel, heated windshield and LED ambient lighting. There are also central air vents in the rear seats. A central armrest is also found in the back, something we don’t often see in Europe’s B hatchback market. The VW Group’s new underpinnings have brought about skin-deep improvements, some of which are not obvious to the naked eye. After performing aeroacoustic simulations to eliminate and detect noise sources, we are talking about a quieter cabin.
The standard engine lineup features the usual suspects. It starts with a naturally-aspirated 1.0-liter gasoline engine with 3 cylinders. The engine is available with 65 horsepower or 80 horsepower. In both cases, it produces 93 Newton-meters (69 pounds-feet), of torque, which is channeled exclusively to the wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox. The base Fabia hits 62 mph in 15.5 seconds (100 km/h), and then sprints to 107 mph (172 km/h), with the MPI engine.
The turbocharged 1.0-liter engine produces 95 horsepower and 129 lbft (175 Nm), while the five-speed manual continues to be used. This setup can sprint in 10.6 seconds with a maximum speed of 121 mph (195 km/h). The more powerful version, which has 110 horsepower and 148 lbft (200 Nm), can be upgraded to a six speed manual or optional seven-speed DSG. It covers the sprint in 9.7 seconds (9.5s for the automatic), before reaching its maximum speed of 127 mph (205 km/h).
A four-cylinder engine will be available in the flagship Skoda Fabian, a 1.5 TSI with 150 hp (250 Nm) and 184 lbft (184 lb-ft) as seen in the larger Scala and Octavia. The DSG is the only option for the supermini. It can sprint at 140 mph (225 km/h) in 7.9 seconds. With the facelift to the third-gen Fabia, the diesel engine was removed and the Fabia’s Mk4 will not be getting it back. Any kind of electrification is also missing from the Fabia. This means that those looking for mild, full, or plug-in hybrids will need to search elsewhere. Electronically controlled cooling vents in lower intake reduce fuel consumption by 0.2 Liters/100 km at 75 mph (120 km/h) constant speed. Aero wheels also play a part in maximising every drop of gasoline consumed. Skoda will offer an optional 50-liter fuel container to allow a diesel-like range of over 900 km (559 miles) based upon the WLTP cycle. A Skoda would not be complete without its 43 Simply Clever features. The Fabia boasts 43 of these clever little features. Five of these features are being introduced on a Mlada Boleslav car: a removable cup holder between front seats, a credit card clip in center console, storage container at the transmission tunnel for rear passengers and flexible trunk compartment.
The Fabia, Skoda’s second-best-selling car, is now more than 4.5 millions in sales since its 1999 launch. The Mk4 was initially available only as a hatchback. In 2023, it will be offered in a wagon model. The current Fabia Mk3 wagon, which is still available as a hatchback, will be sold along with the new model.