New 2021 Skoda Fabia interior previewed

Skoda has continued to tease the incoming new-generation Skoda Fabia, this time releasing a design sketch of the fourth-generation supermini's cabin.

Set to be revealed in May, the new drawings of the 2021 Skoda Fabia give us a first glimpse of the interior that suggests it will get a cabin heavily inspired by the new Skoda Octavia.

Sharing its large 'floating' infotainment screen, the Fabia gets a completely reshaped dash that gains a pair of larger circular vents beneath the A-pillar.

Speaking of infotainment, Skoda will offer two units – a 9.2-inch or 10.25-inch central touch-screen, both running the Volkswagen Group's latest MIB 3.0 infotainment system.

Other details suggest physical rotary dials for the climate control beneath a pair of central vents, and that the new Fabia will also get a large digital instrument panel and a two-spoke steering wheel.

The new dash design reflects the fact that the new Fabia will be all-new from the ground up when it's revealed next month.

Already confirmed to be significantly larger than the model it replaces, the Czech car-maker's rival to a Mazda2 migrates to the Volkswagen Group’s MQB-A0 architecture that sees it gain 111mm in length and 48mm in width.

Thanks to a 94mm-longer wheelbase, space within the cabin is set to be class-leading. Skoda has also confirmed the new Fabia will come with a 380-litre boot, which is large for this class.

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

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, new-gen Skoda Fabia models will be powered by upgraded ‘EVO’ versions of the existing model'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.

Australian cars are likely to stick with the 1.0-litre turbo triple.

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