Photo: Automedia
Earlier this year, Czech carmaker Skoda announced the third generation of its simply clever small hatchback, the Fabia, would officially be revealed this year.
Numerous executives have talked about the Fabia 3, giving us an abundance of details in the run-up to the first spotting of prototypes, which took place about a week ago. The camouflage has been taken off those cars, revealing no less than four different but almost completely revealed cars.
Predictably, the design is quite similar to the Rapid compact. A large and quite simple grille design is flanked by big headlights. They're actually much bigger than the photos would let you believe, since camouflage is obstructing the lower part. The wing mirrors, meanwhile, look almost identical to those of a VW Polo and so do the door handles. Drum brakes are still used because they're cheaper to make and service.
Around the back, large stickers obstruct the taillights. We don't, for a second believe, they will use a two-part system, like the camo would lead you to believe, because it's a costly and unnecessary solution. The wipers are also a common part with the Polo and Ibiza and that's because this new Fabia is based on the old one and can thus keep a lot of the older parts.
Rather than use the new MQB platform, Skoda has decided to stick with the old architecture and make a new body. This is, again due to cost reasons. While the new Golf, Leon and Octavia were developed at the same time, the Ibiza precedes its sisters by about two years. Skoda is thus having to develop this car all-new car by itself.
Most of the engines for the new Fabia will be carryovers from other VW Group models. Base models will have the same 1-liter with 60 or 75 hp as the smaller Citigo, followed by updated 1.2 TSI units. The only diesel option is likely to be a 1.4-liter three-cylinder that VW Group has designed to replace both 1.2 TDI and 1.6 TDIs.
Speaking of carryovers, we have to talk about the colors which will help sell this new supermini. We're looking at Brilliant Silver Metallic, Denim Blue Metallic, Rally Green Metallic and Rio Red Metallic, all existing shaded. The green car features a black grille and trim, but isn't actually a rally-inspired Fabia vRS. That model has been dropped from the model range due to slow sales.
The fact that these prototypes have been equipped with drum brakes confirms speculation that the Octavia vRS will soon become the only hot Skoda model, a shame if you ask us.
Predictably, the design is quite similar to the Rapid compact. A large and quite simple grille design is flanked by big headlights. They're actually much bigger than the photos would let you believe, since camouflage is obstructing the lower part. The wing mirrors, meanwhile, look almost identical to those of a VW Polo and so do the door handles. Drum brakes are still used because they're cheaper to make and service.
Around the back, large stickers obstruct the taillights. We don't, for a second believe, they will use a two-part system, like the camo would lead you to believe, because it's a costly and unnecessary solution. The wipers are also a common part with the Polo and Ibiza and that's because this new Fabia is based on the old one and can thus keep a lot of the older parts.
Rather than use the new MQB platform, Skoda has decided to stick with the old architecture and make a new body. This is, again due to cost reasons. While the new Golf, Leon and Octavia were developed at the same time, the Ibiza precedes its sisters by about two years. Skoda is thus having to develop this car all-new car by itself.
Most of the engines for the new Fabia will be carryovers from other VW Group models. Base models will have the same 1-liter with 60 or 75 hp as the smaller Citigo, followed by updated 1.2 TSI units. The only diesel option is likely to be a 1.4-liter three-cylinder that VW Group has designed to replace both 1.2 TDI and 1.6 TDIs.
Speaking of carryovers, we have to talk about the colors which will help sell this new supermini. We're looking at Brilliant Silver Metallic, Denim Blue Metallic, Rally Green Metallic and Rio Red Metallic, all existing shaded. The green car features a black grille and trim, but isn't actually a rally-inspired Fabia vRS. That model has been dropped from the model range due to slow sales.
The fact that these prototypes have been equipped with drum brakes confirms speculation that the Octavia vRS will soon become the only hot Skoda model, a shame if you ask us.
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