PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Inside Skoda's new Fabia

Last week Skoda's drawn-out teaser campaign finally culminated in the release of first full exterior images of the new Fabia, and now Volkswagen's Czech mate has revealed its classy new interior.

Stepping significantly upmarket without losing its trademark simplicity, the second-generation Fabia's cabin borrows heavily from the facelifted Volkswagen Polo in terms of technology.

As is evident from this single interior image, the replacement for Skoda's smallest model (in Australia) will be available for the first time with a large central colour infotainment touch-screen with phone and media options, push-button starting, engine idle-stop and climate-control.

Other more advanced features include heated seats, a new multi-function steering wheel, trip computer, automatic headlights and foglights with cornering function, along with expected equipment like AUX and USB media connectivity and power windows/mirrors.

Skoda has confirmed 17 'simply clever' features for the MkII Fabia, which makes its global public debut at the Paris motor show on October 2 before hitting Australian showrooms in the second half of next year, nine of which are new.

Although it's based on a reworked version of its predecessor's PQ platform, the 2015 Fabia will be the first Skoda to feature MirrorLink technology, which allows smartphone apps to be displayed on the multimedia screen, which the car-maker says "takes the use of navigation software or personal music files to a new level".

Apart from the smarter five-door hatchback body style now revealed
inside and out, the new Fabia will again be available in Combi wagon
guise, the first spy shots of which have now also emerged.

As in other Skodas, there's also an ice scraper in the fuel filler cap, a parcel tray that can be stored behind the rear seats, a multimedia device cradle in the centre console, a parking ticket holder on the inside of the left-hand A-pillar, two optional bag hooks in the boot and a high-vis vest in a driver’s door compartment, for which a rubbish bin is also available.

Storage solutions include nets on the inside edges of the front seats, an optional flexible storage compartment for the boot, 500ml bottle holders in both rear doors and space for a one-litre bottle in the glovebox. Throw in two more bottles in the centre console and one in each front door and the new Fabia can hold up to seven bottles.

While the new Fabia exterior 8mm shorter, interior passenger space is 8mm longer than before at 1674mm. Skoda sys there's more head room front and rear too, while a 90mm wider body liberates 21mm more elbow room up front (1401mm) and 2mm more at the rear (1386mm).

Continuing the theme, the new Fabia will offer best-in-class boot space of 330 litres (up 15 litres), expanding to 1150 litres with the rear seats folded. Boot access is aided by a load area width of 960mm (up 20mm), a rear access width of 1098mm, a tailgate that swings open to 1915mm and a low sill height make loading easier.

Previously, Skoda said the new Fabia will come with "innovative assistance systems from higher class cars", efficiency gains of up to 17 per cent and more customisation options than ever, including three interior colour schemes, 15 body colours and various contrasting roof and wheel shades.

"The new ŠKODA Fabia is a real champion in terms of practicality, offering a wide variety of opportunities for use," said Dr Frank Welsch, ŠKODA Board Member for Technical Development.

"It is the ideal car for modern yet practical urban mobility and also possesses the perfect combination of functionality and emotionally-rich design."