Skoda’s hot Fabia vRS, revealed at the Geneva motor show, will get 178bhp and more aggressive styling than its predecessor when it arrives in the UK later this year.
Borrowed from the Seat Ibiza Cupra, the 1.4-litre ‘Twincharger’ unit propels the car to 60mph in 7.3sec and on to 140mph. Fuel economy is rated at 44.1mpg. A seven-speed DSG ‘box, equipped with paddle shift, comes as standard.
Shunning the conservative styling of the last vRS, the new car will have a tough sporting look and will be easily identifiable against the standard car. Styling upgrades include a new front bumper, a new rear bumper, rear diffuser, 17-inch alloys and twin exhausts.
The previous Fabia vRS was diesel-powered, but Skoda has ruled out an oil burning version.
Skoda has also confirmed an estate version of the car will be sold. Skoda is predicting annual sales of around 1500 units.
The car will be available in the UK from June, priced from around £16,000.
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Re: Skoda Fabia vRS gets 178bhp
I think there's a big difference in the reasons for buying the MK1 and 2 vRS Fabia. When I bought mine 6.5 years ago (still have it), I didn't go out to buy a warm sporty hatch. I went out to buy a small economical diesel car and with the exception of the Fabia vRS and the Seat cousin, they were all dull and slow. The Fabia was a good price, economical and a bit of a laugh. That sealed the deal. Back in the day I remember a lot of people stating similar reasons for buying there's too. For many the torquey fun bit was a bonus, not the whole reason for buying it.
The MK2 is different. It is an out and hot sporry hatch (warm/hot - whatever). The thing is, how many people want a funny looking Skoda as a fun car?
Re: Skoda Fabia vRS gets 178bhp
The Cooper, petrol or diesel, is missing two doors, a decent boot and a decent ride (on 17"s). If you want to do more than 200 miles in one go, any money you save on fuel will go straight to your osteopath.
To be honest, I can't see people that go for the image of the Mini going for the Skoda. I owned a Cooper S, before going for function over form a couple of cars later with the Fabia.
I agree the new Fabia isn't shifting but more suprising are the used prices of the original vrs. Something is only worth what someone will pay for it but the low uptake of the new vrs does appear to be inflating the prices of the old one.
I really do think the diesel engined version of the new vrs will come, hopefully with xenons as an option, too.
Re: Skoda Fabia vRS gets 178bhp
As mentioned earlier,see above, MINI announce their CooperSD today!!!!
Don't say I didn't tell you Skoda!!
Such a missed opportunity by you -now watch the additional sales of this Mini,they won't hang around in the showroom like the new Fabia vRS..