A less conspicuous color than this rally green metallic, then the Prague police patrol would probably not have discovered the Skoda Fabia so quickly. Admittedly, the pose of the Czech Combi in the middle of Wenceslas Square was quite unabashed. Now he can only try to use his home advantage. The current, refreshed third generation of the Fabia also rolls off the assembly line at the nearby Skoda plant in Mlada Boleslav. In addition, the Czech capital is not only teeming with Fabias, the other models of the Czech Volkswagen subsidiary are also well represented. While Skoda has a market share of almost six Percent holds, more than a third of domestic cars in the Czech Republic have the arrow in their radiator grilles. So people are still loyal to him in his homeland. In 1905 Skoda manufactured the first automobile, making it one of the oldest companies in this branch.
The Skoda Fabia Combi is unique in its segment
The four eyes of the law, hidden behind cool sunglasses, now examine the Fabia. It seems as if the Skoda wants - better Schhcodda, as they say in this country - just make it smaller than it already is. Only a few small cars apart from him remain below the guard height of four meters, the mass towers over that rather abundantly. The classic Fabia measures one centimeter less, but the Combi then comes to 4,27 meters. It is one of the last in its segment after the Seat Ibiza ST is no longer available. For a surcharge of 600 euros, it offers a volume of up to 1395 liters, 70 liters more than the five-door model. More than half of the Fabia drivers still opt for the Combi, as a pram can fit behind the tailgate.
Skoda focused on the equipment
The new radiator grille and modified headlights, which are now running below, stand out and stand for a sporty touch. Unlike its group brothers Seat Ibiza and VW Polo, the Skoda continues to drive on the old platform of these series. To compensate, the little Czech now gets standard LED daytime running lights, and for the first time LED rear lights are also available for this model. Skoda clearly put the focus of the revision on the equipment. The interior is adorned with a new instrument cluster, chic decorative strips and two-tone seat surfaces. The base now always has a radio with a USB interface, and for an extra charge the Fabia warns of vehicles in the blind spot or of cross traffic when pulling out of a parking space and automatically switches off the high beam.
Skoda is removing the diesel from the Fabia range
Starting with the infotainment system in the “Swing” equipment line, Skoda is now installing a 6,5 inch display, “Swing Plus” and “Amudsen” optionally come with the smartphone standards Android Auto, Apple Carplay and Mirror Link. An internet connection and WiFi are also available on request. All engines now also meet the Euro 6d-Temp emissions standard. The basis - the 2018 PS petrol engine announced for the end of 60 - and the 75 PS petrol engine should do this without any technical changes. Skoda has given the two gasoline direct injection engines a gasoline particulate filter. Skoda does without a diesel in the Fabia, anyway only ten percent of buyers recently opted for a diesel engine. Not a bad loss, especially since the turbo gasoline engine has long since reached the level of consumption of diesel engines. This means that his engine range is now clearly laid out. All units are one-liter three-cylinder, available with either 75 HP, 95 HP or 110 HP. The direct injection engine with 95 hp under the hood is now starting to growl, which can hardly be attributed to the obliging police officers and the fine they imposed. Its modest amount is obviously still based on the price of the little Czech, which is available from 13.400 euros.
Text: Solveig Grewe
Photos: Solveig Grewe, manufacturer