Sporty new Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo teased

Skoda has released the first design sketches of a sportier take on the fourth-generation Fabia that's due on sale in Australia by April, and the all-new 2022 Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo appears certain to join the new Fabia line-up Down Under later this year.

Continuing a sporty trim level that's been used by the Czech car-maker for more than a decade, the new Fabia Monte Carlo gets a similar treatment to the Scala Monte Carlo and Kamiq Monte Carlo models already on sale.

That means a sportier front bumper with gloss-black grille surround, beefier side skirts and a black diffuser on the lower half of the rear bumper.

Completing the external changes designed to ensure the range-topping Fabia stands out from lesser models are a gloss-black roof, rear spoiler and mirror caps, plus new 18-inch five-spoke diamond-cut alloy wheels.

Inside, the sporty theme continues with bright red accents throughout, and carbon-fibre trim around the front door armrests and lower half of the instrument panel. There's also a Monte Carlo badge on the lower spoke of the leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel.

Skoda says the Fabia Monte Carlo will also come with height-adjustable sport seats.

The design drawings show the Fabia gets the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that is optional on other models, plus a 9.2-inch infotainment system.

Under the bonnet Skoda has yet to confirm what will power its Fabia but with mainstream versions likely to continue with a 81kW/200Nm 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, it could score the Volkswagen Group's punchier 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbo four.

Both engines should be available with both a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Sadly, for those on the lookout for a more powerful, sportier-still Fabia RS, currently there are no plans for a Czech version of the Volkswagen Polo GTI. And nor will Skoda produce a replacement for the outgoing Fabia wagon.

The new Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo will make its world debut on February 15. Skoda's new flagship light-car is one of three versions of the new Fabia already certified by the Australian government (also including the Ambition and Style), so expect the new Monte Carlo to join the next-gen Fabia line-up here later this year.

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