FABIA: first look at the fourth-generation model

The first details of the fourth-generation FABIA have been unveiled - with a striking design, increased comfort, a larger interior and greater levels of safety with advanced assistance and safety systems.

Clear-cut headlights that extend to the radiator grille characterise the front view of this FABIA, with the standard variant featuring modern LED technology. A full LED variant is also available as an option for the tail lights, which include crystalline structures typical of the brand.

The new interior design enhances the small car’s feeling of spaciousness even further. The symmetrical instrument panel emphasises the width of the interior, and the Virtual Cockpit will appear in the FABIA for the first time.

The car’s occupants are protected by up to nine airbags in the event of an accident. Additional ISOFIX anchors and top tether anchor points are available - and for the front passenger seat for the first time. The comprehensive safety equipment means the FABIA is one of the safest vehicles in its segment.

There will be 13 new Simply Clever features added to the FABIA, with five being a ŠKODA first. The new 13 features include a folding backrest for the front passenger seat, a multifunction storage pocket, a USB-C socket on the rearview mirror - plus a removable cup holder and a foldaway, flexible storage compartment in the boot.

This will also be the first FABIA model to be based on the MQB-A0 platform and, despite increasing in size, the vehicle will maintain a weight close to that of the third-generation model. Its drag coefficient has also dropped from 0.32 to 0.28 - making it the most aerodynamically efficient small car in its segment.

There will be five efficient petrol engines from which to choose - from 48 kW to 110 kW - so the FABIA is ideally equipped to cover both short and long distances. All five engines are from Volkswagen Group’s new EVO generation. This model is now also available with a new top-of-the-range engine: the 1.5 TSI produces 150PS and is combined with a 7-speed DSG as standard.