Slated to
debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the refreshed Skoda Fabia has been
tweaked inside and out. But the big news is what you’ll find under the hood.
Or rather what you won’t: no diesels, no four-pots,
just a 1.0-liter inline-three running on gasoline and offered in four states of
tune. Two naturally aspirated versions produce 60 and 75 horsepower, while two
turbocharged units offer 95 and 110 horsepower, respectively. The Fabia isn’t the first B-segment supermini to
embrace the power of three, but it’s kind of a big deal to see Skoda ditch the
diesel. But such are the post-emissions-scandal times in which we find
ourselves.
Along with the new engines, Skoda has equipped the
refreshed Fabia with the latest infotainment and safety technologies. Available
blind-spot detection, rear traffic alert, and automatic high-beam systems
promise to make the new Fabia safer than ever before, while a 6.5-inch
infotainment display provides better connectivity.
There’s new interior trim as well and a refreshed
instrument cluster. And the entire package is differentiated from the outgoing
model with updated styling and LED lighting both front and rear. The Czech
automaker will once again offer the Fabia in both five-door hatchback and
extended Combi wagon bodystyles. The updates ought to help keep the Fabia –
introduced in its current iteration in 2014 – relevant and competitive for
another few years before it needs replacement.
