Skoda’s new Fabia is not any dud Czech

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ntil Skoda launched its now defunct model of the VW Up, referred to as the Citigo, its entry mannequin was the Fabia, and for 21 years it has been an enormous success for the Czech firm, promoting greater than 4.5 million vehicles worldwide.

Now a brand new model is imminent on the finish of the 12 months, and to get the publicity ball rolling Skoda introduced three Czech-registered left-hand-drive vehicles to the UK for journalists to pattern, albeit briefly, forward of the automobile’s launch.

The brand new mannequin is slightly bigger than earlier than and is the primary Fabia to sit down on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB-AO platform.

The automobile I attempted had a 110PS three-cylinder engine and a clean six-speed guide gearbox, though UK vehicles with that engine will get a seven-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox.

It was loaded with all types of bells and whistles which could not make it onto the UK spec. However as a sign of what the brand new Fabia is like, it’s nonetheless related.

Its styling you continue to recognise as Fabia however it seems to be slightly sleeker and is 11cms longer than earlier than, and it comes with 4 EVO petrol engines with 65, 80, 95 or 110PS.

Skoda Fabia

On the street the very first thing that struck me was how quiet the engine was, though being so quiet made you discover various tyre roar. This can be a very simple automobile to drive, with glorious experience high quality, good steering and a beautiful cabin with a digital dashboard.

The check automobile’s cabin got here with numerous bronze-coloured trim particulars, which apparently have been to not do with the automobile’s metallic bronze paintwork, however the trim degree. There have been additionally hints of piano black and chrome-look gildings on the knobs and switches in widespread with different higher trim-level Skodas.

Cramped

There may be loads of head and legroom within the entrance, though the rear seats felt a bit cramped with out adjusting the place of the entrance ones.

Skoda Fabia

There shall be 4 trim ranges, S, SE Consolation, SE L and Color Version, and all could have LED headlights, Entrance Help, Lane Help and air con. Skoda claims the Fabia’s boot capability of 380 litres with the rear seats in place is the biggest within the phase and 50 litres greater than earlier than.

Costs will begin at £14,905 and rise to £17,495 for the Color Version, which could have 16-inch black Proxima alloy wheels, a Digital Cockpit with 10-inch color show, keyless engine begin/cease and an umbrella in a particular door pocket, as within the flagship Skoda Excellent. There can even be a sporty Fabia Monte Carlo arriving subsequent 12 months.

This fourth-generation Fabia seems to be like it is going to deliver extra of the identical traits which made earlier variations such successful.