Much bigger new Skoda Fabia set for May debut

Skoda has released new design sketches of the all-new 2021 Skoda Fabia and confirmed that when it's unveiled in May it will be significantly larger than the model it replaces.

Confirming it will migrate to the Volkswagen Group's MQB-A0 architecture, the Czech car-maker says the fourth instalment of the light hatch is 111mm longer and 48mm wider.

It also has a 94mm-longer wheelbase that's claimed to both liberate more space for passengers and provide 380 litres of luggage-swallowing capacity.

Those figures should ensure the new Skoda Fabia leads the class for space, since it's 55mm longer and 29mm wider than the Volkswagen Polo, despite sharing the same underpinnings.

The cargo volume is also 29 litres higher than in the Polo.

Skoda’s answer to the Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris (as well as the related Volkswagen Polo) will also come packed with the latest driver assistance gear.

Safety equipment will comprise nine airbags (including extra front knee and rear side airbags), adaptive cruise control with stop/go function, lane keep assist and park assist.

Other new tech borrowed from sister brand Volkswagen will include the latest MIB 3.0 infotainment system with either a 9.2-inch or 10.25-inch central touch-screen.

Skoda says 13 new ‘simply clever’ features will be added, including a USB-C socket in the rear-view mirror, a folding front passenger back rest, smartphone storage pockets on the front seat backs, a multifunction storage pocket and front-operated rear reading light.

In addition, there will be five new-to-Skoda features: a removable cup holder, a fold-away flexible boot storage compartment, removable sun visor for the panoramic roof and other storage units in the glove box lid, on the tunnel in front of the rear seats and ahead of the gear shifter.

As we’ve seen from previous spy shots, the new light hatch (and unique-in-segment wagon) will bring updated styling cues – some taken from the all-new Skoda Scala – including a new front grille, bumper and rear spoiler.

Skoda says the new Fabia will be the most aerodynamic car in its class, with the drag coefficient dropping from 0.32Cd to just 0.28Cd.

In terms of power, 2022 Skoda Fabia models will be powered by upgraded ‘EVO’ versions of the existing Fabia’s punchy 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI turbo-petrol engine, plus a new 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder with seven-speed DSG auto.

In Europe, where all engines will be fitted with a petrol particulate filter to meet the current Euro 6d emissions standard, the range will extend from the 48kW 1.0 MPI EVO to the 81kW/200Nm 1.0 TSI EVO and the 110 TSI EVO.

But Australian cars are likely to stick with the current Fabia’s punchy 1.0-litre turbo triple.

Full details and specifications will be revealed closer to the Fabia’s global unveiling next month.