Skoda has started testing its new-generation Fabia in the international market and the hot hatchback has been spotted sans camouflage. The Skoda Fabia is expected to come with new underpinnings making the hot hatch slightly larger and roomier, a new TSI (Turbocharged Stratified Injection) powerplant, revamped exterior and interior design as well as newly upgraded comfort and convenience features. The new Skoda Fabia is expected to be introduced in a few months in Europe.
The test mule of the Fabia has been spotted without any camouflage and the design language suggests that the brand has tried to retain the classic design of the hatchback as much as possible. Though the design is familiar it is modernised and the keen-eyed would observe that the new Fabia comes with a new radiator grille which is sharper in design, new headlamps new taillamps with 3D inserts and mild tweaks to the bodywork.
But the major change in the hot hatch is expected to be its platform. The new model is likely to be based on the MQB platform which is also expected to underpin the next-generation Polo. The new chassis is likely to grow the Fabia in exterior size and well as make the car roomier on the inside. The new Fabia is also expected to come with revamped interior features that come with the latest generation infotainment system, two-point steering wheel and Skoda’s Virtual Cockpit fully digital instrumentation on higher-spec models.
In the engine department, the Fabia is expected to be powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged stratified injection (TSI) turbo-petrol engine that makes 110 PS of power and 175 Nm of torque matched to a manual as well as a torque converter automatic gearbox. Additionally, a larger 1.5-litre TSI motor is also expected to be offered in a performance variant of the Fabia.
While the Skoda Fabia is expected to debut in the next couple of months in Europe, the brand may not introduce the car to the Indian market. If the Fabia does arrive in India it will compete with the likes of the Hyundai i20, Volkswagen Polo, Tata Altroz, Honda Jazz and the likes.