Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo 2022

• Model: Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo
• Engine: Turbo Petrol
• Transmission: Seven Speed DSG Auto
• Power: 110 kW
• Torque: 250 Nm
• Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 8.0
• Price: $40,990 + ORC -$1,820 CCR

Introduction

The fourth generation ŠKODA FABIA Monte Carlo has arrived, and we had the privilege of test driving this pocket rocket. For those who aren’t familiar with the brand, the ŠKODA FABIA is a small four-door hatch that was first launched back in 1999.

Since its market launch 23 years ago, the Czech carmaker has produced more than 4.5 million units, making the FABIA one of the bestselling vehicles in its segment.

Here in New Zealand, we have seen the popularity of this small car grow over the years, from a rather boxy design to a stylish and sporty small car class leader.

Exterior

The third-generation FABIA has been around since 2014, so quite a stint between seeing an all-new model change. Apart from distinctly different exterior looks, there are quite a few changes worth highlighting: it is 111mm longer and 48mm wider, has a sporty aerodynamic design, a MQB-AO platform, there are seven colours to choose from, including two new colours (Graphite Grey and Phoenix Orange), and has 17” Procyon Alloy wheels with Aero trims

The all-new FABIA has ventured away from its previous conservative look to a sportier design. At the same time ŠKODA realises that not everyone wanting a small car with sporty styling is necessarily after a hot hatchback. So, while it may now look the part, performance wise it isn’t quite the ŠKODA FABIA R5 rally car.

New interior

Sitting in the FABIA you are immediately greeted by firm-ish seats with an integrated headrest and sports like upholstery. The latter features dramatic red and grey lines down the seat back, framed by white stitching on Black Carbon fibre upholstery. We also liked how the panels on the sides of the instrument cluster are emblazoned with the word FABIA, looks kind of special – no doubt a little nostalgic for FABIA fans.

The more conservatively designed gear lever with Drive Model Select Locking and Parking and the conveniently located Jumbo Box storage compartment and Removable Cup Holder up front, do however, pull you back into the 21st century. In fact, there is a tonne of storage for a small car. The storage pockets in the front door can easily hold a 1.5L drink bottle, plus there is a conveniently located adjustable storage compartment on the right side of the boot.

The centre console, inside door and dash, all feature a splash of bright red trim. Other mod-cons include climate dual-one air-con, wireless phone charging, ambient lighting, a free-standing display and circular air-con vents.

The fancy instrument cluster with Maxi DOT display is another sporty feature, with a 3.5’ TFT black and white display and analogue gauges.

Deceptively spacious – unlike other sporty hatchbacks, the FABIA has adequate leg room thanks to its longer wheelbase. It can also come with a panoramic roof to give the impression of even more space; however, it is an optional feature and will cost you more.

ŠKODA’s ‘Simply Clever’ is there in abundance too with an umbrella in the driver’s door, an ice scraper with tyre thread depth gauge on the fuel filler flap, mobile phone pockets on the backs of the seats, a handy pen holder in the front of the gear lever – and there’s much more on the list.

Styled to look like a race car

The all-new FABIA is also based on the Volkswagen Group’s modular MQB-AO platform allowing for a larger model both inside and out. It is 48mm wider and 8mm lower than its predecessor, delivering the hotter hatch look.

Thanks to its sleek low profile and aerodynamic measures it also has a claimed best-in-class drag coefficient of 0.28. Other aerodynamic measures include a rear spoiler with finlets, active cooling shutters, air curtains, aerodynamic optimised wing mirrors, covered underbody and wheels with aerotrims.

On closer inspection of its front doors, you may notice the striking lines stylise the characteristic triangle of the Czech flag. At the rear, the two-piece lights extend into the tail gate optically widening the car’s rear section. With a new grill and LED headlights, the all-new FABIA certainly looks much more dynamic and grown up.

Price

For a starting price of $40,990 + ORC (there are a lot of optional extras) the FABIA is slightly pricier than other sporty hatchbacks on the market, however the FABIA is uniquely in a class of its own as it sits somewhere between a hot hatchback and a standard small car. Also, the FABIA is eligible for a Clean Car Rebate of $2,340.

Performance

The 1.5-litre TSI engine boasts 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque – quite a lot for a small hatch. With a fuel consumption of 5.4L/100km and an emissions rating of 125g/km. The Fabia is more environmentally friendly compared to is competitors. (Hyundai i30, Volkswagen Golf, and Kia Cerato).

Safety advancements

Safety has been improved too with Adaptive Cruise Control, Front and Lane Assist, Auto Light Assist, Manoeuvre Assist, and a host of new driving aids from multifunction cameras to radars and ultrasonic sensors.

Conclusion

The ŠKODA FABIA Monte Carlo is a stylish and sporty small car class leader that offers a unique blend of hot hatchback and standard small car features. It boasts a sleek aerodynamic design and a larger model both inside and out, with plenty of storage options and mod-cons. The car's 1.5-litre TSI engine delivers impressive power and torque while maintaining fuel efficiency and low emissions. Safety features have also been significantly improved with the introduction of adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and a host of new driving aids. While the FABIA comes at a slightly higher price point, it is eligible for the Clean Car Rebate and offers excellent value for money.

Pros

• Attractive interior design
• Quick performance and great handling
• Comfortable

Cons

• Small central cupholders
• Not really a five-seater

Safety systems

• Airbags (x6): Driver & Front passenger, Front side, Front & Rear curtain 
• Attention assist fatigue detection
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD)
• ISOFIX child restraint anchorage points (outer rear seats)
• Electronic stability control (ESC)
• Emergency brake assist
• Following distance warning
• Lane keeping support system
• Parking assistance system
• Pre crash systems
• Seat belt interlock reminder
• Top speed limiter
• Traction control

Find out more on how the AA can help you when buying a new car:

• AA Money - aa.co.nz/money
• AA Insurance - aa.co.nz/insurance
• AA Car Reviews - aa.co.nz/car-reviews
• AA Running Cost Reports - aa.co.nz/runningcosts

Vehicle experts you can trust