Skoda has given the best preview yet of how its new Skoda Fabia will look, releasing images of the production car's front-end styling ahead of its planned Paris motor show debut.
Order books for the new Fabia are likely to open following its October launch. From these images we can see the new Fabia keeps Skoda's corporate front-end treatment, while new elements like chrome edging around the grille show the car's move upmarket.
Such a move is neccessary if Skoda wishes to challenge hatchback class leaders like Volkswagen's Volkswagen Polo or the Ford Ford Fiesta.
Launching with a range of four petrol and three diesel engines, all the Fabia's powertrain options will meet strict EU6 emissions standards.
An entry-level 1.0-litre MPI three-cylinder option features alongside a turbocharged four-cylinder 1.2-litre TSI, with power outputs ranging from 59bhp to 108bhp.
Diesel options comprise three tuned versions of the same turbocharged direct-injection three-cylinder 1.4-litre unit, with power ranging from 74bhp to 103bhp. Both manual and DSG transmission options will be available.
Following the car's launch, Skoda will also introduce a new Greenline version, based on the 74bhp 1.4-litre diesel, with headline-grabbing figures of 91.1mpg alongside CO2 emissions of 82g/km. Across the range, Skoda says the new Fabia uses 17 per cent less fuel than today's car.
Given the obvious weight-saving potential of the smaller engine and lighter five-speed manual gearbox, the cheapest Skoda Fabia - the 1.0-litre MPI - is also the lightest, with a dry weight of just 980kg.
The firm also recently revealed the first design sketches of the all-new Fabia, revealing the new car would borrow heavily from the styling accents already seen on the new Octavia.
The third-generation car will benefit from the sharply styled panels, shorter overhangs and better shoulder line definition that has become a hallmark of the VW Group’s current output.
Still just under four metres in length, the supermini retains its sub-compact credentials but has swollen 90mm in width to apparently incorporate new axles front and back. Along with the wider wheels already snapped by our spy photographers, this ought to lend the car a broader stance and enhanced on-road presence.
Although few genuine risks have been taken with the model’s crisp new appearance, a 30mm drop in height should mean the Skoda Fabia exudes at least a smidgen more athleticism than the upright model it replaces.
See spy shots of the new Skoda Fabia
Modest reductions made to the kerb weight ought to help Skoda extract the best from the chassis, which is understood to use the same MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension as its predecessor - albeit in realigned format to take account of the lower centre of gravity.
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I agree a diesel like the new
Just wish they put that engine in the new Clio then id be tempted for my next commuter car.
It won't look like the picture at all
Pity it Is getting fatter, hopefully it will lose the awkward shape as a consequence but in view of the VW conglomerate's seeming fear of stylistic innovation don't hope for too much.
Scotty5 refers to the diesel engines "sounding a little rough". To me they can be gutty rough with the exception of the 2litre which is a good unit. Not likely to be in the Fabia though.
Headline grabbing fuel economy.....