autoevolution
 

Skoda Factory Stops Production in Preparation for New Fabia's Launch

An official press release from Skoda states the company is on schedule for the official launch of the third-generation Fabia supermini hatchback. This will take place at the end of August 2014 after the assembly line and part of the paint shop are re-tooled.
Skoda Fabia 3 sketch 5 photos
Photo: Skoda
Skoda Favia ProductionSkoda Favia ProductionSkoda Favia ProductionSkoda Favia Production
Skoda's central factory at Mladá Boleslav will be shut down for summer break for the two weeks between August 4th and the 15, along with those in Kvasiny and Vrchlabí. Allong with preparing for the arrival of the Fabia, changes will be carried out to the Octavia's production line in order to speed up the conveyer and the brake fluid filling station.

"We will be using the non-production days to further optimize production and so be more able to respond to the increasing consumer demand for our models," said Michael Oeljeklaus, Skoda Board Member for Production and Logistics. "Above all, we shall be preparing Mladá Boleslav for the launch of the next Fabia generation. We are right on schedule to start the production of our newest model on time and to the highest quality."

It's widely expected that the all-new Skoda Fabia will be based on an existing supermini platform and not the revolutionary MQB. Still, Skoda has made it clear that it will be different from bumper to bumper, adding 90mm in width to give passengers more elbowroom.

The sketch above was revealed a few weeks ago and shows Skoda's current design language in action. First seen on the Vision D concept at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, this is used by the Octavia and Rapid, being simple to build and easy to understand.

The engines on offer will include two versions of the 1-liter featured by the Citigo and revised versions of the 1.2 TSI turbo with better fuel consumption. Diesel options should include two 1.4-liter TDI units with thee cylinders and either 75 and 90 PS. The more hardcore Fabia vRS is getting dropped from the range due to lack-luster sales and the Fabia Combi won't be ready until next year.

A new electric power steering system will be installed in the Fabia 3. However, the torsion-beam rear suspension unit will remain in place. For the first time ever, features like active braking, a reversing camera, satellite navigation, post-collision automatic braking and drowsy driver alert will be available.

In the place of the vRS, Skoda will focus on the top-spec Monte Carlo editions which it says better suit customers needs.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories