Skoda lands Fabia RS, wagon, DSG

Skoda Australia has broadened the appeal of its smallest model by introducing new wagon and RS hot-hatch variants of its Fabia light-car, all versions of which are now also available with the Volkswagen Group’s latest seven-speed DSG automatic transmission.

The sporting and load-lugging Fabia derivatives bookend the mainstream 1.2-litre turbo petrol hatch variants released Down Under last September, including the entry-level 77TSI (which at $18,990 matches the price of Volkswagen’s mechanically identical Polo 1.2 TSI Comfortline) and more sporting Fabia 1.2 77TSI Monte Carlo edition ($21,990).

Now joining the two launch models are the Fabia 77TSI Wagon, which adds $2000 to the hatchback price at $20,990, and the range-topping Fabia RS 132TSI, which costs $27,990 in hatch form. This is $200 more than its three-door VW Polo GTI cousin and $1000 less than the five-door Polo GTI. In its unique wagon guise, the RS is $29,990 -- $1000 more than the five-door Polo GTI.

As with the Polo GTI, a seven-speed DSG automated manual transmission is the only gearbox available with both Fabia RS models. The same dual-clutch auto adds $2300 to price of the 77TSI hatch and wagon.

The Monte Carlo edition continue to be a $3000 option across the MY13 Fabia range, while a host of new Fabia options includes an electric glass sunroof ($990), alarm ($590), metallic/pearl paint ($490), rear parking sensors ($390), climate-control air-conditioning ($390) and mobile device interface ($190).

New Fabia options unavailable on the Monte Carlo include partial leather seat trim ($1190), 15-inch Antares alloy wheels ($990), a white or silver roof ($390) and rear privacy glass ($190), while ‘Champion iRC 2011’ stickers are available for the RS and Monte Carlo for $15.

Options specific to the Fabia RS are a white, silver or black roof ($390; hatch only) and a set of black, white or anthracite 17-inch ‘Gigaro’ alloy wheels, priced at $120.

The entry-level manual Fabia 77TSI wears the same pricetag as the mid-range Ford Fiesta LX and Suzuki Swift GLX and, in terms of standard specifications, also compares favourably against its other closest rivals, including the Mazda2, Toyota Yaris, Holden Barina, Kia Rio and Hyundai i20 and Accent.

At 5.5L/100km (95 RON premium unleaded), the manual 77TSI was already more efficient than all but the Swift in this class, and the seven-speed DSG version lowers that further to 5.3L/100km in both the base Fabia hatch and wagon. However, the 1154kg hatch takes one-tenth more to sprint to 100km/h, in 10.2 seconds (10.3 for the 1165kg 77TSI wagon).

The new Fabia wagon’s cargo space is a standout in the class -- 480 litres or 1460 with the rear seats tumbled. For details on the Fabia standard equipment and specifications see our launch review

The Fabia RS hatch and wagon add an extra sports option to the Light car class.

As standard the warm pair score 17-inch Gigaro silver alloy wheels, a front lip spoiler, chromed grille, chromed dual exhaust outlet, red brake callipers, polished black B-pillars and door mirrors, black rear diffuser, rear spoiler, RS grille and boot badging, projector beam headlights and LED daytime running lights. Inside, the RS adds Climatronic electronic air-conditioning, front sport seats (in grey or red trim with RS badging), a leather-trimmed steering wheel, hand brake lever and gearshifter, chromed interior highlights, stainless steel sports pedals.

The highlight of the RS is its engine, which is shared with the Polo GTI and also seen in the Golf. The ‘twincharged’ (supercharged and turbocharged) direct-injection 1.4-litre petrol four delivers 132kW and 250Nm between 2000-4500rpm. The 0-100km/h sprint takes 7.3 seconds for both hatch and wagon models, while combined fuel consumption (using recommended 98 RON premium unleaded petrol) is just 6.2L/100km for both models.

A host of RS chassis and refinement includes a sportier electric power steering tune, a lower ride height, firmer rear springs, stiffer dampers and Extended Electronic Differential Lock (XDL), which increases cornering traction by braking the inside front wheel under acceleration in corners.

2013 Skoda Fabia pricing:
77TSI manual hatch - $18,990
77TSI DSG hatch - $21,290
RS 132TSI DSG hatch - $27,990
77TSI manual wagon - $20,990
77TSI DSG wagon - $23,290
RS 132TSI DSG wagon - $29,990

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