Blog Auto Review

With the Škoda Fabia series, Škoda Auto has established a strong foundation for its five-car portfolio. The superminis family roots are evident throughout. From the bold, elegant lines of its exterior styling down to its smallest component, the Fabia exemplifies Škodas attention to detail through simple, clever solutions and innovation. And now, in spring 2010, the Škoda Fabia has been completely revised with a new face and an even greater emphasis on energy efficiency and comfort. The breadth of its technical innovations goes far beyond a mere facelift.

The Škoda Fabia Combi and Škoda Roomster also receive the bold new look inside and out as well as numerous technical changes under the skin. But while the looks might have changed, the characteristics of this multi-talented pair have not have not. With luggage capacity of 505 litres with its rear seats in place and 1485 litres with them flat, the Škoda Fabia Combi continues to provide the sort of boot space that exceeds what is normally offered in this class. Meanwhile the Škoda Roomster, with its extremely versatile VarioFlex rear seat system, continues to fulfil the requirements of families and active people alike. Its boot volume can be extended from a minimum of 480 litres to 1810 litres, making the Škoda Roomster a load-carrying champion.
Skoda Roomster

The new Škoda Fabia RS also celebrates its premiere at the 2010 Geneva Motorshow and, for the first time, the sportiest Škoda Fabia is available as an estate. Its combination of a high performance 132 kW (180 bhp) engine and low fuel consumption of just 6.4 itres/100 km mark it out as a class leader.

With these variants of the Škoda Fabia series, Škoda Auto offers a model range in the small-car segment to meet almost every customer need.

The completely redesigned front end incorporates strong horizontal forms, which visually lower the Škoda Fabia despite its unchanged height. The Fabia now looks much more dynamic but does so without compromising any of its comfort. "With this redevelopment no component escaped our notice," outlines Development Executive Eckhard Scholz of the comprehensive redesign. The reason behind the redesign lies in the range of new, state-of-the-art and often turbo-charged engines, which debut in the Škoda Fabia, including a twin-charged unit. The comprehensive changes in the engine programme made it necessary to redevelop the Škoda Fabias front end and so the opportunity to reprofile its face was taken. The bumper and its mountings, the headlamp shapes, the bonnet and the front floor area - nothing is shared from the previous Škoda Fabia.

The new grille and the three-dimensionally shaped headlamps define the new look of the Škoda Fabia, their horizontal lines emphasising the front ends width. 

Despite its redesign, the Škoda Fabias existing virtues havent been forgotten. The visor-like window surface which wraps around the passenger compartment has always been a key feature of the Škoda Fabia, and remains so. The option for a complementary roof paint have been kept.

Thanks to the new headlamps which stretch back into the front wings, its side profile appears lengthened, while the Škoda Fabias elegant rear lights feature Škodas trademark C-shaped graphic. All of these features ensure that the new Fabia continues to exemplify the brand.

New wheel trims and aluminium wheel designs, together with the new colour options of Rally Green, Aqua Blue and Pacific Blue, finish off the renewal of the smallest Škoda. The hatchback versions of the Škoda Fabia are now also available with roof rails for the first time. Lightweight construction and attention to detail keep their weight down to just two kilograms.

Inside, the passenger compartment is enhanced by new materials and visual inements. The chrome air vent inserts, gear lever frame and handbrake button convey the Škoda Fabias high quality. The new three- and four-spoke are now optionally leather-covered and with multi-function control of the audio and telephone systems. Attractive, breathable seat covers and upgraded Climatronic air conditioning controls give the new Škoda Fabia the feel of a car from a much higher class.

The drivers information display has also been redesigned, the central screen now featuring a gear-change indicator, which makes a significant contribution to higher fuel economy. On versions with DSG gearbox the selected gear is displayed, while the constant display of the outside temperature in the central screen is a significant safety feature. The function of the Tempomat and speed-limit warnings show the permitted top speed in countries with motorway speed limits and on vehicles with speed-restrictions due to winter tyres.

The previous monochrome, arrow-based graphics of the Škoda Fabias navigation system have now been replaced by the sophisticated Amundsen system from larger Škodas. It features a five-inch touchscreen, SD card reader and a connection point for external memory devices. An additional Mobile Device Interface (MDI) for use with the iPod, Aux-In, USB and Mini-USB units is also available and located in the lower glovebox. This replaces the previous CD changer.

The GSM phone preparation is also new. The system is able to maintain two different Bluetooth connections at the same time via audio streaming. This means you can phone via the hands-free device while listening to music from an additional external source. Both connections can be operated via the buttons on the optional multi-function leather steering wheel. Voice control is also activated via a button on the multi-function leather steering wheel or on the phone holster of the GSM II Comfort system.

The new Škoda Fabias enhanced engine range is at the heart of all the innovations. A total of seven petrol and three diesel engines are available. Power outputs range from 44 kW (60 bhp) to 132 kW (180 bhp) for the petrol engines, while the diesel units deliver between 55 kW (75 bhp) and 77 kW (105 bhp). All the engines meet EU5 exhaust emissions regulations, offer excellent fuel efficiency and, theore, extremely low CO2 emissions. All cars with manual gearboxes include a gear selection indicator to encourage fuel-efficient driving. An arrow on the dashboard insert screen suggests when to change gears in order to keep the engine in its most efficient rev range.

As elsewhere in the Škoda family, the engine range is determined by the art of downsizing. Drastically reduced engine capacities are supplemented by turbo-charging or double-charging and high precision direct fuel injection in order to achieve the optimal combination of performance as well as fuel efficiency. Turbo-charging significantly increases torque levels, particularly on petrol engines, while the pulling power is available from much lower revs than with conventional, naturally-aspirated engines. The top power unit of the Škoda Fabia series is the four-cylinder petrol engine in the Škoda Fabia RS. Despite its capacity of just 1.4-litres, double-charging via a turbocharger with wastegate and a mechanical, shiftable supercharger ensures that the power output is 132 kW (180 bhp) while peak torque is a similarly impressive 250 Nm from 2,000 rpm right through to 4,500rpm. Despite the muscular performance, combined consumption is just 6.4 l/100km while CO2 emissions are just 148 g/km.

But the performance wasnt the only development target. The environmental compatibility, smooth running and hence noise levels of the engines set new standards in the Škoda Fabia. When connected to the optimised seven-speed direct shift DSG - the new 1.2 TSI engine with 77 kW (105 bhp) offers outstandingly low running costs. Fuel consumption of just 5.3 litres petrol per 100 km (53.3 mpg) and CO2 emissions of only 124 g/km are exceptional for its performance level. The 1.2 TSI is offered in two performance levels - 63 kW (86 bhp) and 77 kW (105 bhp). Both are combined with a smooth manual five-speed gearbox as standard.

As well as engine improvements, the reduction of friction and the adoption of lightweight construction also increase efficiency. For the 1.2 litre three cylinder engines a new, weight-reduced crankshaft has been developed, which is 1.7 kg lighter than its predecessor. Resources are also saved in production: the casting is a whole kilogram lighter than before and there are fewer production residues.

The diesel engines offer a performance spectrum from 55 kW (75 bhp) to 77 kW (105 bhp), with capacities of 1.2- and 1.6-litres. All are equipped with a diesel particulate filter and high pressure injection via a common-rail system. With an injection pressure of up to 1,600 bar is achieved, and fast-response Piezo injectors which allow up to five injections per cycle, engine inement is noticeably improved and there is a drastic reduction of both fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. An additional cleaning of the exhaust gases is achieved by an oxidation catalyst and the exhaust gas recirculation in all diesel engine versions of the Škoda Fabia series.

A further development area was the reduction of the noise level of the two 1.2 HTP three-cylinder petrol engines. Instead of the normal sleeve-type camshaft chain, a toothed chain was chosen, whose three-part chain elements roll more smoothly and quietly on the gear wheels. This creates significantly reduced running noises, especially during the overrun operation of the three cylinder engines, mainly at higher revs, which were previously perceived as unpleasant. Sound levels through the most commonly used rev range, between 1,600 and 3,400 rpm are also clearly reduced.

The engines range of the new Škoda Fabia:

    * 1.2 HTP/44 kW (60 bhp) - EU 5 (not for the Roomster)
    * 1.2 12V HTP/51 kW (70 bhp) - EU 5/EU2
    * 1.4 16V/63 kW (86 bhp) - EU 5
    * 1.2 TSI/63 kW (86 bhp) - EU 5
    * 1.2 TSI/77 kW (105 bhp) - EU 5
    * 1.6 16V/77 kW (105 bhp) - EU 4/EU 2
    * 1.6 16V/77 kW (105 bhp)(A) - EU 4/EU 2
    * 1.4 TSI/132 kW (180 bhp) - EU 5 for RS
    * 1.2 TDI CR DPF/55 kW (75 bhp) - EU 5/EU 4
    * 1.6 TDI CR DPF/66 kW (90 bhp) - EU 5
    * 1.6 TDI CR DPF/77 kW (105 bhp) - EU 5

A series of safety systems ensure the security all the Škoda Fabias passengers and also of other road users. Four airbags protect the occupants in every Škoda Fabia, while a further two are as options available. ABS with brake assistant is also a standard fitment and, in many markets, ESP, which now includes tyre pressure warning or hill assistant, is also fitted.

The new headlamp system has been designed to offer dazzle-free and wide illumination whether lector or projector units are fitted. An energy-efficient daytime running light system is integrated into the new double-chamber fog lamps, roughly halving their energy consumption. This technology also allows a better illumination of the road in fog.

In emergency braking situations - 7 m/s2 at more than 60 km/h - the brake lights or hazard warning lights flash at a frequency of 3 Hz to warn the following traffic. If, after the emergency braking, the speed is under 10 km/h and the deceleration is under 2.5 m/s2, the hazard warning lights come on with their normal cycle (1.25 Hz) to alert the following drivers.

To increase security, the Škoda Fabias the windows can be controlled via the keys remote control. This can be used to close the windows when leaving the car or open the window from a distance to cool the interior if it is parked in direct sunlight.

In any case, the anti-theft system in the new Fabia has become even more resilient. A new generation immobiliser protects the new Škoda Fabia more effectively against theft.

Mechanically, a bigger brake servo makes the new Škoda Fabia more responsive during braking thanks to the bigger cylinder. This allows a faster and, above all, more sensitive retardation.

Together with the finely-tuned running gear, independent four-wheel suspension - by McPherson struts and triangular wishbones and a rear torsion beam - as well as the excellent crash safety of the body, the Škoda Fabia offers a more comprehensive protection and comfort than ever before.

Standard equipment - Classic:

    * Driver and passenger airbag,
    * Front side airbags,
    * ABS incl. engine torque control + dual rate,
    * Four-spoke steering wheel (height-and reach-adjustable),
    * Power steering,
    * Daytime running lights,
    * Bottle holders in the storage boxes of the front and rear door trim,
    * Outside temperature display.

Standard equipment - Ambiente (in addition to Classic):

    * Dashboard with multi-function display (on-board computer),
    * Split folding rear seats (on average 60/40),
    * Central locking,
    * Radio preparation with 4 speakers,
    * Overhead package I (3 folding roof handles, at rear with coat hook, 2 reading lights at front for driver and passenger, vanity mirror in sun visor on driver and passenger side),
    * Electric front window lifters,
    * Door mirrors and door handles in body colour,
    * Chrome package (gear lever knob, gear lever surround, air supply adjuster, handbrake locking button).

Standard equipment - Active (in addition to Ambiente):

    * Head airbags (for EU, 15 countries),
    * Seat belt fastening signal for driver and passenger (for EU, 15 countries),
    * Front fog lamps and deactivatable day lights,
    * Small leather package (3 spoke steering wheel, gear lever knob, handbrake handle),
    * Projector halogen headlamps,
    * Glasses case,
    * Height adjustable driver seat,
    * Tinted windows,
    * Side protection strips, black.

Standard equipment - Elegance (in addition to Ambiance):

    * Front fog lamps and deactivatable day time running lights,
    * Projector halogen headlamps,
    * Glasses case,
    * Front arm rests,
    * Textile floor mats,
    * Central locking with remote control (folding remote keys),
    * Climatic air conditioning with automatic regulation,
    * Height adjustable driver and front passenger seats,
    * Overhead package II (overhead package I and rear reading light),
    * Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors,
    * Tinted windows,
    * Alloy wheels, Atik 6J×14,
    * Side protection strips, black.

Special equipment:

    * Head airbags,
    * Passenger airbag - deactivatable,
    * ABS Plus including torque control, dual rate and tyre pressure warning,
    * ESP including ABS, engine torque control, TCS, EDL, hydraulic brake assistant,
    * ESP Plus including ABS, torque control, TCS, EDL, hydraulic brake assistant, hill start assist and tyre pressure warning,
    * Cruise control,
    * Projector halogen headlamps with swivel module,
    * Front fog lamps with cornering function,
    * Maxi DOT display,
    * Multi-function steering wheels for radio and phone operation,
    * Roof rails for Hatchback and Estate,
    * Climatic air conditioning with automatic regulation,
    * Climatronic air conditioning with electronic regulation and combined filter,
    * Radios Blues and Swing,
    * Amundsen navigation system,
    * MDI (mobile device interface) (only for Swing or Amundsen),
    * Parking assistance (rear parking sensors),
    * Hands-free devices GSM II Compact and Comfort,
    * Alarm with interior protection, horn, towing protection,
    * 15" alloy wheels Antares, Avior and Line,
    * 16" alloy wheels Atria, Comet and Elba,
    * 17" alloy wheels Trinity with sports running gear,
    * Side protection strips, black,
    * Rear mud flaps,
    * White/silver roof (hatchback only ),
    * Bumpy road package (Fabia and Fabia Combi),
    * Tinted windows,
    * Sun set,
    * Electric glass sun roof (Fabia and Fabia Combi), Panoramic sunroof (Roomster),
    * Sports package (sports seats + three-spoke leather steering wheel),
    * Leather package (seats + steering wheel + gear lever knob + handbrake handle),
    * Heated front seats,
    * Smoker package (lighter and ashtray),
    * Front arm rest,
    * Partition net (Fabia Combi and Roomster),
    * Net programme (3 nets) (only for Fabia Combi and Roomster),
    * Bag hook in the boot,
    * Function package (folding storage boxes under the front seats, storage boxes in rear door trim, folding hooks on sides in the boot, open storage boxes behind rear wheel arches, flexible storage box on right side of boot, glasses case, overhead package II, for Estate version also with 12V socket in boot).