Simply clever-er.
Czech marque Skoda intends to continue the success of its highly-regarded Fabia hatchback, revealing a mild refresh for 2018, incorporating minor aesthetic tweaks, less-minor infotainment updates, and a pretty-major powertrain overhaul.
“Since 1999, over 4,000,000 units of the Skoda Fabia have been sold worldwide, with the current third model generation alone accumulating sales in excess of the 500,000 mark. As a result, the Skoda Fabia is presently ranked third in the brand’s list of best-selling model series. The main markets for the hatchback model are Germany, UK and Poland, whereas the Skoda Fabia Estate is particularly popular in Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland.” — Skoda
The success of the Fabia isn’t based on luck or timing: By incorporating simply clever features into a smartly-packaged and efficient city car, the Fabia has long been regarded as one of the very best contenders in its segment, backed further by the engineering and technical knowhow of the Volkswagen Group.
The biggest change to the Fabia is actually under the bonnet: The engine range for the facelift Fabia consist exclusively of three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol mills, either in atmo MPI guises or forced-induction TSI forms. The MPI engines consist of 44kW and 56kW units, while the TSI motors offer 70kW and 82kW outputs. The TSI models will also be offered with a 7-speed double-clutch automatic gearbox, while a six-speed manual is standard.
Exterior revisions are limited to LED headlights and taillights and a very mildly tweaked front end, with the changes topped off by a new, wider range of alloys wheels. Inside, the big change comes in the form of the ‘Swing’ infotainment system, which offers a 6.5-inch display and the ‘Skoda Connect’ range of mobile online services (like live traffic updates for the satellite navigation, if so equipped). Further, Swing will offer smartphone mirroring in the form of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink, and SmartGate. No, we haven’t heard of that last one, either.
Further underlining the Fabia’s appeal to a wide range of customers, the Skoda hatch will now be offered with a range of new (to the Fabia) driver assistance features, ensuring that passengers can be confident in the safety offered by their Czech hatch. Blind spot monitoring is being offered for the first time, along with rear cross-traffic alert, and high-beam assist. While these features might be commonplace among the premium marques, we think it’s fabulous that the practical, thoughtful Skoda is now getting that little bit smarter.
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