The fourth-generation ŠKODA FABIA Monte Carlo has arrived and the AA was invited to the official launch event last week in Auckland. 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 of the popular small car. This makes the FABIA one of the bestselling vehicles in its segment.
Here in New Zealand, we have seen the popularity for this small car grow over the years, from a rather boxy design to a stylish and sporty small car class leader. We have also seen the small car segment grow in popularity too in recent months, influenced by the introduction of the Government’s Clean Car discount and the increase in fuel prices.
For a start price of $39,990 + 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.
The 1.5-litre TSI engine boasts 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque – rather a lot for a small hatch. With a fuel consumption of 5.4L/100km and an emissions rating of 125g/km it is also eligible for the NZ Government's Clean Car rebate of $2,181.
What’s different?
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
- 50mm more boot space
- Sporty aerodynamic design
- New assist systems
- MQB-AO platform
- 3rd Generation infotainment
- Seven colours to choose from
- Two new colours – Graphite Grey and Phoenix Orange
- 17” Procyon Alloy wheels with Aero trims
How it compares to its ŠKODA siblings
Racy styling
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.
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 rear 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.
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.
New interior concept
From the moment you slide into the driver’s seat and grip the three-spoke heated steering wheel there is no doubting that sports hatchback feel. Everything about it screams sporty not conservative.
For starters you are immediately greeted by firm-ish seats with an integrated headrest and sports like upholstery featuring dramatic red and grey lines running 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 reality. 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.
If the infotainment system is important than the FABIA’s infotainment ticks the boxes with its 8’ colour touchscreen and wireless phone charger.
Skoda’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 packets 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.
We were pleasantly surprised by what this all-new small hatchback has to offer. We can't wait to get the opportunity to do a full review of its performance. Be sure to visit our website in the coming weeks for our full car review.
Until then we recommend taking a test drive if you are in the market for a small car that punches above its weight and is a is a little unique.