Next Skoda Fabia to be bigger, higher tech

Full details have been announced for the fourth generation of carsales’ 2020 Best First Car, the Skoda Fabia, ahead of its official global reveal and European launch later this year.

However, the 2022 Skoda Fabia won’t arrive in Australia, where an MY21 Run-Out Edition of the existing model has just been released, for another 12 months.

These new official images of camouflaged prototypes don’t reveal the finished product already seen in spy shots back in January, but first official details confirm the new Skoda Fabia will be based on the Volkswagen Group’s new MQB A0 platform and grow significantly in almost all directions.

Riding on a 94mm-longer (2564mm) wheelbase, it will measure 4107mm in length (+110mm) and 1780 in width (+48mm), while height is 7mm down at 1460mm tall.

The bigger new dimensions allow boot space to increase by 50 litres, to 380 litres, and total capacity to rise to 1190 litres.

Skoda’s answer to the Mazda2, Toyota Yaris and the closely 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 USB-C socket in the rear-view mirror, a folding front passenger backrest, smartphone storage pockets on the front seatbacks, a multi-function storage pocket and front-operated rear reading light.

In addition, there will be five new-to-Skoda features: a removable cup-holder, a foldaway flexible boot storage compartment, removable sun visor for the panoramic roof and other storage units in the glovebox 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 Scala – including a new front grille, bumper and rear spoiler, among others.

Skoda says the new Fabia will be the most aerodynamic car in its class, with the drag coefficient dropping from 0.32 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 with seven-speed DSG auto.

In Europe, where all engines will be fitted with a petrol particular 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 could 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, which is due mid-year.