The fourth generation of the Skoda Fabia never got the hot hatch equivalent of the closely-related VW Polo GTI, despite serving as a base for a wild-looking rally car. Still, the latter served as an inspiration for the Fabia Rally2, a limited edition of the subcompact hatchback for the Spanish market, featuring performance upgrades by ABT Sportsline. The Skoda Fabia Rally2 was created to honor José Antonio “Cohete” Suárez, an Asturian rally driver who won the Spanish Rally Super Championship (S-CER) in 2021 and 2023. As such, the Fabia Rally2 benefits from a power boost, making it the most powerful version of the Czech supermini and elevating it to hot hatch territory.
The turbocharged 1.5-liter TSI
four-cylinder engine has been tuned to produce 188 hp and 290
Nm of torque. This represents an increase of 39 hp and 40 Nm compared to the stock version, made possible by the ABT
Sportsline kit. Power is transmitted to the front wheels exclusively via a
seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic. Besides the extra oomph, the Fabia Rally2
features a sports chassis, lowered by 15 mm (0.6 inches). It also sits on a new
set of black 17-inch OZ Racing Superturismo WRC wheels shod in Michelin Pilot
Sport 5 tires.
The Skoda Fabia Rally2 doesn’t get the
wide bodykit of the rally car, but features a few sporty touches to distinguish
it from the rest of the lineup. The highlight is the Mamba Green paint, which
is usually reserved for Skoda RS models. Furthermore, the vivid shade matches
the Fabia RS Rally2 driven by José Antonio Suárez and Alberto Iglesias Pin at
the S-CER championship. Other motorsport references include the rear spoiler,
and the matte black rear mudguards. In terms of badging, there is an ABT emblem
on the front fenders, Rally2 and “Cohete” Suarez badges on the tailgate, plus a
laurel on the rear pillar, commemorating the victories in the Spanish Rally
Super Championship.
Inside, there is black upholstery for the
seats, a sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles, the Rally2 emblem, and a
numbered plate featuring the signature of the driver. The Skoda Fabia Rally2
will be manufactured in 100 units, all reserved for the Spanish market.
Predictably, the special edition is the priciest Fabia yet, with a cost of
€ 30,900 (US$ 33,461). The first deliveries will take place in March 2025. Those
who will place their orders first will be able to join “Cohete” Suárez for a
ride with the Fabia RS Rally2, as part of a special event.