Next-gen Skoda Fabia Debuts: Bigger, Safer, And More Technologically Advanced

• It has grown considerably in length, width, and wheelbase thanks to the MQB-A0 platform.

• It is sharper in design with LED headlights, a bigger butterfly grille, multiple alloy wheel options, and LED tail lights.

• Cabin looks inspired by the Kushaq with the two-spoke steering wheel and centrally mounted infotainment system.

• Safety kit consists of nine airbags and a host of driver assists.

• It is powered by 1.0-litre MPI, 1.0-litre TSI, and 1.5-litre TSI petrol engines with multiple transmission combinations.

• It could arrive in India via the localised MQB-A0-IN platform.

After a long teaser campaign, it's finally here. Skoda has unleashed the fourth iteration of the Fabia hatchback and quite frankly, it's an understatement to say that this generational update is ‘big’. Not only is the new Fabia bigger and bolder in design but it also gets more tech and is a lot safer than before. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this new hatchback.

With the new Fabia utilising Volkswagen Group’s smallest modular platform, the MQB-A0, for the first time, it has grown significantly in length, width, and wheelbase over its predecessor. Even its boot space has gone up by 50 litres, to 380 litres. Folding down the rear seats takes it to 1,190 litres. 

The new Fabia’s design has gotten sharper than before with prominent character lines. At the front, it gets LED headlights extending to the more prominent butterfly grille. It gets a number of uniquely designed alloy wheels as well, with sizes ranging from 14-18-inches. The rear features LED tail lamps with the classic Skoka crystalline effect and a larger roof spoiler. In fact, the rear is so bulky, it looks more crossover than a hatchback. 

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

Fun fact, this bolder body has increased the aerodynamic efficiency of the hatchback, which now has a drag coefficient of 0.28. Adjustable cooling shutters in the front bumper’s air intake aid its aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

The cabin sees a complete overhaul with inspiration from the Kushaq, especially with the two-spoke steering wheel and the 9.2-inch centrally mounted infotainment system. That said, it has a unique identity with elements such as circular AC vents. Copper accents around the centre console and front door armrests and a chrome strip running across the width of the dashboard add a nice touch of contrast to the all-black cabin.

The new iteration also gets an optional 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit digital driver’s display, heated steering wheel, LED ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and heated windshield. Create comforts include a panoramic glass roof with a sun visor, Skoda Connect connected car tech, and wireless hotspot. It also gets what the carmaker calls 'Simply Clever’ features -- essentially, utility additions such as a USB-C socket (on the inside rear-view mirror) to power the dashcam and a removable cup holder. 

The new Fabia is loaded with safety features such as nine airbags, ISOFIX anchors for child safety, and a range of assists including adaptive cruise control, parking assist, blind spot detection, traffic sign recognition, and travel assist. This travel assist system basically checks whether the driver is touching the steering wheel or has possibly lost control. 

 

The hatchback is powered by a range of petrol-powered 1.0-litre MPI, 1.0-litre TSI, and 1.5-litre engines. The 1.0-litre mills can be specced in different states of tune. You can also opt for a larger 50-litre fuel tank, compared to the standard 40-litre tank to increase the range to over 950km. If the Fabia makes it to India, it is likely to be powered by the 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine that’s manufactured here.

Here’s how the engines stack up:

There’s no word on whether the next-gen Skoda Fabia will make it to India, but it may just be brought alongside the new Polo by 2023 via the MQB-A0-IN -- the localised version of the MQB-A0 platform. It could be priced from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom). The Skoda will take on the Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, Honda Jazz, and Maruti Suzuki Baleno.