The ŠKODA FABIA: setting a new benchmark in its segment

The fourth-generation FABIA continues ŠKODA’s extraordinary success story of offering all you need and a little more.

Twenty-two years after its debut, the popular small car is more emotive and dynamic than ever before. This is the first FABIA to be based on Volkswagen Group’s modular MQB-A0 platform. It is the most spacious car within its segment and boasts further enhanced comfort features as well as a plethora of new safety and assistance systems. Classic brand qualities, such as excellent value for money, high functionality and a host of Simply Clever features, make this car the perfect entry-level model to the ŠKODA range.

“The new FABIA provides the perfect entry to our range. We have combined the well-known ŠKODA attributes – such as generous amounts of space, the highest levels of quality and safety, and excellent value for money – with an emotive design and the lowest drag coefficient (cd) within its class. I am convinced that this overall package will allow us to further strengthen our position in the entry-level segment and attract new customers to the brand.“ – Thomas Schäfer, ŠKODA AUTO CEO

Exterior

Showcasing an emotive design, new proportions and even more space, the ŠKODA FABIA has taken the next step in its evolution. The fourth generation exceeds the four-metre mark for the first time, offering an even more spacious interior. At the same time, the new FABIA continues the current ŠKODA design language and looks particularly dynamic with its athletic proportions, sculptural lines, and sharply drawn headlights and tail lights featuring LED technology. Sophisticated details, such as aerodynamically optimised wheels and actively adjustable cooling shutters in the front bumper’s lower air inlet, allow for a drag coefficient (cd) of 0.28, setting a new record in the small car segment.

The latest FABIA’s significantly more emotive appearance is the result of new dynamic proportions, ŠKODA-typical crystalline features, such as the razor-sharp headlights and tail lights, as well as sculptural lines on the bonnet. Small details really add to the overall look. These include body lines on the front doors stylising the characteristic triangle of the Czech flag.

Interior

The new ŠKODA FABIA’s interior is more spacious and comes with additional comfort features, striking a perfect balance between emotiveness and ergonomics. In keeping with ŠKODA’s current interior design concept, its look is characterised by fresh colours and the free-standing infotainment display measuring up to 9.2 inches. Large circular air vents and the new FABIA lettering on the sides of the instrument-cluster housing add further visual design touches. Other options making their FABIA debut include a heated windscreen and steering wheel (features previously found in higher-tier vehicles). ŠKODA will offer three trim levels and a special First Edition from market launch.

For the fourth-generation FABIA, which will be launched in the Active, Ambition and Style trim levels as well as in a special First Edition, the ŠKODA interior designers have added new visual touches to the brand’s current interior design concept. Besides the symmetrical instrument panel and the line below the large, free-standing central display which reflects the contours of the ŠKODA grille, the large circular air vents on the right and left also stand out. From the Ambition level upwards, these feature a chrome trim, as do the restyled door handles, and the front section of the dashboard is upholstered in fabric with contrasting stitching. A brand-new feature is the large FABIA lettering on both sides of the instrument-cluster housing.

Engines

There is a choice of five advanced and efficient EVO‑generation petrol engines for this latest, mark IV FABIA. ŠKODA has not only increased the number of different engines available, but also the range of power outputs – from 48 kW (65 PS) to 110 kW (150 PS). For the first time, the FABIA can be equipped with a larger, 50‑litre fuel tank, allowing four of the five engines to cover more than 900 km in the WLTP cycle. A 15-mm-lower sports chassis with stiffer suspension is another option as is the Rough-Road package that offers 15 mm more ground clearance.

All engines offered for the new FABIA come from the EVO generation. They are even more economical than the predecessor units and fulfil the Euro 6d emissions standard. The new range‑topping engine is the 1.5 TSI with an output of 110 kW (150 PS) and a 7-speed DSG as standard. Up to a power output of 70 kW (95 PS), the FABIA comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox; for the 1.0 TSI producing 81 kW (110 PS), there is a choice between a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 7‑speed DSG. When fitted with the 50-litre tank – a new option for the range – instead of the standard 40-litre fuel tank, four of the five engines can achieve a maximum mileage of more than 900 km.

Safety

With up to nine airbags, the new ŠKODA FABIA is one of the safest vehicles in its segment. As a result of the FABIA now being built on the modular MQB-A0 platform, its active and passive safety features have been further improved, and it now includes assistance systems that were previously reserved exclusively for higher-tier vehicles. Travel Assist, Park Assist, Lane Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Side Assist, Front Assist with Predictive Pedestrian and Cyclist Protection, and Manoeuvre Assist are all available for the first time in the FABIA. In addition, the latest generation can now be equipped with up to nine airbags.

The new model is based on Volkswagen Group’s modular MQB-A0 and ŠKODA AUTO has fully exploited the possibilities this platform has to offer. It enabled advanced assistance systems from higher-tier vehicles to be used in the FABIA. Overall, seven systems which increase safety and comfort make their debut in the range.

Connectivity

An optional digital instrument cluster makes its debut in the range and infotainment systems feature permanent internet connection: in terms of connectivity, the new ŠKODA FABIA is state of the art. With a built-in eSIM, the FABIA is always online and enables access to web radio, extensive mobile online services from ŠKODA Connect and the latest infotainment apps. The largest touchscreen measures 9.2 inches, and the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster offers five different display options. Amundsen, the range-topping system, can be operated by gesture control and via the Laura digital voice assistant.

The latest-generation FABIA can now be ordered with a digital instrument cluster – this is a first. The driver can configure the 10.25-inch digital display to suit their needs, choosing from up to five basic layouts. These include the Classic layout, which is based on the style of analogue round instruments, as well as the Modern, Reduced and Extended layouts, and – as part of the optional Dynamics pack – the Sport layout, in which the rev counter takes centre stage. The digital instrument cluster – or ‘Virtual Cockpit’ – can display the map including a close-up of junctions, radio station logos, music album covers and caller profile photos, among other things. As standard, the FABIA comes with an analogue instrument panel and a 3.5-inch information screen.

Simple Clever

For many years, ŠKODA has made it easy for customers to use their vehicles on a daily basis by offering new and sophisticated Simply Clever solutions. The Czech carmaker is continuing this tradition by adding five all-new features to the range, and another eight make their FABIA debut in the fourth generation of this popular small car. Depending on the specification, the new ŠKODA FABIA offers up to 43 practical features that make everyday life that little bit easier – that’s more than ever before. In addition to ŠKODA classics – such as the ice scraper in the fuel filler flap with a tyre tread depth gauge and an umbrella in the driver’s door – the range now includes all-new clever details that make the interior and boot much tidier with very little effort.

First Edition

To mark the launch of the new FABIA, ŠKODA is offering an exclusive First Edition model boasting a more extensive range of standard equipment. The special series is based on the Style trim level and sports a two-tone design. The two paint finishes available, metallic Phoenix Orange and pearlescent Moon White, are each combined with a contrasting pearl-effect Magic Black roof, wing mirror caps and ŠKODA grille surround. There are also two engines to choose from: the 1.0 TSI producing 70 kW (95 PS) and the 1.0 TSI with an output of 81 kW (110 PS). Highlights in the interior include the digital instrument cluster and copper-coloured contrasting stitching and decorative trim.

Twenty-two years after the FABIA’s market launch, ŠKODA continues to build on the success of this popular small car with its fourth generation. After the OCTAVIA, the FABIA is the second most produced ŠKODA model and an important cornerstone for the Czech car manufacturer. More than 4.5 million units of the hatchback variant and the FABIA COMBI have been delivered to date.

Overall deliveries of the FABIA exceed 4.5 million vehicles to date – a figure that is only surpassed in the ŠKODA range by the OCTAVIA. The largest single market for the FABIA is Germany, with 18,070 deliveries in 2020, ahead of the Czech Republic (17,750), Poland (12,556) and the UK (9,771).