Skoda Fabia RS 2011 Review - International

Skoda Fabia RS Hatch & Combi

The notion that common is better needn't apply to most small modern cars, especially those conceived in close collaboration with the Volkswagen juggernaut. Case in point the Polo-based Skoda Fabia, or indeed any model produced by the Czech marque who since 1991 has worked closely with its German masters to develop vehicles of a quality those old enough to recall older Skodas would have never thought possible.

Currently the smallest in Skoda's five-car portfolio, Fabia carries many of the same lines and exterior styling cues familiar to that of its larger brother Skoda Octavia, at least up front, and much like that model was facelifted in 2010 to keep pace with the brand's ongoing evolution.

More than a simple change in facade, however, the latest Fabia (available in both hatch and Combi, or wagon, versions) was thoroughly revised beneath the skin with a raft of technical and powertrain innovations, again many of which are familiar to the locally available Mark V Polo range.

The redesign allowed Fabia's engineroom the space required to receive a number of new engines, including a twincharged 1.4-litre unit familiar to Volkswagen models usually brandishing the 118 TSI badge, but in the case of Fabia RS, is uprated Polo GTI-style to deliver 132kW.

The rorty four-cylinder picks up quickly, revving freely to 7000rpm. Power delivery is clean, crisp, the DSG (automated sequential manual twin-clutch) transmission responding with fluidity for the most part. The DSG is occasionally caught napping on kick down (and when in Drive mode), but Sport mode or the availability to override transmission decisions independently with steering wheel-mounted toggles really sharpens things up.

The suspension tune copes well with rougher roads, possibly as a result of so many cobblestoned streets in the car's home country. Nonetheless, the ride is firm for the most part, even if not so harsh as that of its cousin, Polo GTI. As a result, Fabia RS is less skittish than its derivative, but being slightly softer is it sometimes unsettled over mid-corner lumps and bumps (something that was far more pronounced in weightier, Combi).

Road noise is evident when the surface degrades, and we'd suggest on coarse chipped local roads this may present an issue for some buyers. Steering and brake feel is typically Volkswagen (sorry Skoda), the tune of each barely distinguishable from Polo GTI.

Like Polo GTI, Fabia RS is revised with a bigger brake servo, for added pedal response, and rides on MacPherson struts at the front and triangular wishbones at the rear (assisted by a torsion beam). Steel and alloy wheels of varying diameter are offered depending on model grade and market. Expect 17-inch alloys standard when it arrives Down Under.

Indoors, there's easily enough space for four adults and a pleasant and functional decor complemented by a modern but plain dashboard. The clunky dash design, as well screwed together as it is, looks a little outdated by comparison to Polo, especially where the protruding centre stack is concerned (its proximity to one's kneecaps is mildly uneasing).

That aside, cabin space is accommodating and well presented. Interior plastics are durable (read: hard) but are punctuated with nice touches of chrome garnish and even a leather-bound steering wheel rim on some model specifications to keep things interesting.

Infotainment packages, too, are upgraded with the Amundsen package from larger Skoda models now available. This system features remote steering wheel controls, a five-inch touch screen, SD card reader, a connection point for external music devices (located in the oddment tray beneath the glovebox), Bluetooth telephony, voice activation and satellite navigation.

A total of eight Euro5 compliant turbo and twincharged petrol engines, and a choice of three common rail turbodiesel mills, are at the heart of Fabia in Europe, their outputs ranging from 44 to 132kW for the petrol units and between 55 and 77kW in diesel. Again, like its Volkswagen cousins, this four-cylinder range also utilises direct injection.

All manual models feature a gear selection indicator on the dashboard to encourage fuel efficient driving, the most environmentally responsible petrol model returning a fuel consumption average of just 5.3L/100km and CO2 emissions of 124g/km. In Australia, we will receive 77kW (Monte Carlo) and 132kW (RS) versions only, at least initially.

In Europe, all Fabia models are equipped with four airbags with curtain bags also available optionally. Plans for Australia suggest six bags standard. Key safety equipment includes antilock brakes with brake assist, and stability control with tyre pressure monitoring and hill start assist. As well, and in heavy braking scenarios, Fabia will flash its brake and hazard lights to warn following traffic of its intent.

Skoda will debut Fabia at July's Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne, the manual-only 77kW Fabia Monte Carlo and regular spec hatch models leading the sales charge from late August. The sportier DSG-only Fabia RS and Fabia Combi (wagon) models will follow in early 2012.

Speaking to Skoda Australia head Matthew Wiesner during this week's drive program, the Carsales Network learned that Fabia RS will be offered locally at a price "five to 10 per cent below Polo GTI" in what Wiesner says is "aggressive positioning by Skoda, who will invest appropriately to make sure Fabia really works in the Australian market".

Wiesner also told us the local team is working hard to ensure sufficient stock will be "on grass" in the lead up to the launch, circumventing many of the supply issues now plaguing prospective Polo GTI buyers.

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