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All-New 2014 Skoda Fabia Spied in More Detail

A day after it was spotted at the Nurburgring track, the same Skoda Fabia prototype was also seen on the road in Germany. This is a car many Europeans are waiting to buy, so a closer look is in order.
All-New 2014 Skoda Fabia 7 photos
Photo: autoevolution
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The third-generation hatchback is based on a revised version of the old platform, but doesn't share a single body panel. Skoda's decision to ignore the newer MQB platform and go for the old one is just one in a series of cost-cutting measures. Unfortunately, this means people will still have to put up with rigid rear suspension.

Fuel Consumption Down by up to 20%

As we've told you before, the engines for the new Fabia will be carried over from the Volkswagen Polo facelift. Base models will get a 1.0-liter FSI with either 60 or 75 hp. Turbo 1.2-liter TSI turbos will fill in the petrol range and offer 90 or 110 hp, also being available with DSG gearboxes. Diesel options will start and end with a new 1.4-liter three-cylinder making either 75 or 90 hp. Unfortunately, the RS model has been killed off, so no twin-charger 1.4 with 180 hp any more. Skoda might decide to offer a 125 hp 1.4-liter to spice up the Monte Carlo family, but we're really not holding our breath.

The cleanest model is going to be the new Fabia Greenline, which is almost certainly going to come with the 90 hp version of the 1.4-liter diesel. Helped by energy recovery systems and slim tires, this could consume as little as 3.2 l/100km, equivalent to just over 80 g/100km of CO2.

The Most Underdesigned Supermini Ever

The Czechs know their customers very well and are keen to offer them exactly what they want for a price they can afford. The new Fabia is in stark contrast to other superminis launched recently, like the Renault Clio or Peugeot 208. The side profile is as straight as an arrow, which will make repair a doodle. The front bumper looks just like that of the Rapid sedan and there are no LED lights, not even ones for accenting. The greenhouse is, again, very simple and straight. Another benefit of the understated design is that the trunk opening is huge, which means loading and unloading will be simple.

Compact, practical, maneuverable and economical – these will be the main characteristics of the new Fabia. Simply Clever will also be applied to the interior, which will be peppered with storage cubbies for your iPod, iPhone, your cups and of course numerous connectivity features. High-spec cars will have a new infotainment system that works with the apps in your smartphone, so Facebook, Twitter or Google Maps will be within easy reach.

Extra Insurance against Crashing

The Fabia prototype has a black cube-shaped bulge in the middle of its lower front bumper. This is indication that it will receive some sort of City Assist technology. Based on radar readings, this optional system will slow or even stop your Fabia completely if for some reason you're about to have a crash.

Sister cars from the Volkswagen group also have similar systems. For example, the 2014 Polo is available with Automatic Post-Collision Braking System (automatically initiates braking after a collision), Driver Alert System, Front Assist ambient traffic monitoring system with City Emergency Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

Of all these features, City Emergency Braking is the most important. It uses a radar sensor integrated at the front end to continually monitor the distance to the vehicle ahead. If it get dangerously small, the system puts out visual and acoustic warnings to inform the driver. At speeds of up to 30 km/h, the system can also decide to intervene and stop the car completely on its own.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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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.
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