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New foundations, same great value
Twenty-two years after the FABIA made its debut, we are lining up the fourth generation of our popular small car. It is now based on Volkswagen Group’s modular MQB-A0 platform and is the most spacious car in the B segment, boasting improved comfort features and advanced safety and assistance systems.
The new car features classic ŠKODA qualities, such as value for money, high levels of functionality, and a plethora of Simply Clever features.
The new platform also means the new FABIA features many assistance systems that were previously reserved for higher-tier vehicles. Coupled with a stiff body, the small car offers excellent active and passive safety.
Exterior: emotive design and new proportions
The fourth generation FABIA has grown in size and continues the brand’s current design language.
Sculptural lines, for example on the bonnet, dynamic proportions and modern light units with LED technology and the ŠKODA-typical crystalline structures create an emotive look. A small design highlight can be found on the front doors, where body lines stylise the characteristic triangle of the Czech flag. The clear-cut headlights featuring LED technology as standard extend to the ŠKODA grille. The full-LED variants provide light-intensive low beam and high beam, as well as cornering and adaptive light functions. Full-LED tail lights are another optional extra.
Larger in every aspect
Compared to the first three model generations, the latest FABIA is larger both inside and out, while its weight remains virtually unchanged. At a length of 4,108mm, it exceeds the four metre mark for the first time. Compared to its predecessor, the new FABIA is 111mm longer; its wheelbase has increased by 94mm to 2,564mm, and at 1,780mm, it is 48mm wider.
The increased overall dimensions make it possible to offer a spacious interior. ŠKODA has also significantly increased the FABIA’s boot capacity, which was already the largest in the B segment for the predecessor. The new FABIA now offers 380 litres of storage space, which is 50 litres more than before. By folding down the rear seats, the capacity of the boot can be increased to 1,190 litres.
Aerodynamics set benchmark in small car segment
ŠKODA has reduced the new FABIA’s drag coefficient to 0.28 (previous generation: 0.32), setting a record in the small car segment. During the development of the aerodynamics, ŠKODA predominately used what is known as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Within approximately three-and-a-half years, the ŠKODA engineers computed more than 3,000 of these fluid dynamics simulations.
Cooling shutters reduce fuel consumption
An important aerodynamic feature is the new type of cooling shutter in the front bumper’s lower air inlet, which ŠKODA is using for the first time in this vehicle segment. Actively adjustable slats automatically close when there is little need for cooling, improving aerodynamics. This results in fuel savings of up to 0.2 litres per 100km when travelling at a constant speed of 120km/h. For every kilometre driven with the shutters closed, the new FABIA emits up to five grams less CO2. To allow for a high level of cooling or to accommodate short stops, the system opens the shutters so that the maximum amount of air can flow in.
Optimised drag at the rear and aerodynamically optimised wheels
Approximately one third of a vehicle’s overall drag is caused by turbulence at the rear. The new FABIA has a large roof spoiler and side finlets that optimise the air flow at the rear. Small and specifically designed aerodynamic wing mirror housings reduce drag further and direct the air flow to the rear in a targeted manner.
At the front, air is guided to flow through vents in the front bumper, known as air curtains, close to the side of the body and the wheels. Because approximately 25 per cent of the drag is generated by the wheels alone, ŠKODA has now also fitted special plastic wheel trims to improve the aerodynamics. These trims are suitable for the Proxima and Procyon wheels. Twelve panels now cover a larger part of the underbody instead of three, especially in the areas that are crucial for aerodynamics, such as the engine bay and the axles.
Less noise thanks to aero-acoustic simulations
During the development of the new FABIA, ŠKODA used aero-acoustic simulation methods for the first time to reduce wind noise. Using computations based on CFD simulations, air turbulence and air flow on the body, as well as vibrations on the side windows, can be detected, which can increase noise levels in the interior. This allows the sources of noise to be localised and eliminated, for example by adjusting the position of the wing mirrors.
New colours and wheels with a diameter of up to 18 inches
There is a choice of nine body colours for the new FABIA, with the two metallic paint finishes – Phoenix orange and Graphite grey – making their debut for the brand. Metallic Graphite grey and pearl-effect black magic can also be chosen as contrasting paintwork for the roof, wing mirror caps and the grille surround.
The options for the wheels include 14-inch and 15-inch steel wheels, as well as nine different alloys ranging from 15 to 18 inches. The optional, burnished 18-inch Libra alloy wheels in black are the range-topping variant.
Interior: more space, more comfort features and large displays
The FABIA’s interior strikes a perfect balance between emotiveness and ergonomics. Visually, it is characterised by the free-standing infotainment display measuring up to 9.2 inches. In addition to state-of-the-art infotainment systems, the FABIA can also be fitted with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster for the first time.
Comfort features usually found in higher-tier vehicles, such as a heated windscreen and heated steering wheel, are other options making their FABIA debut.
The new FABIA offers more space for passengers than in the past, thanks to its longer wheelbase, especially in the rear. The small car’s wheelbase is even longer than that of the first-generation OCTAVIA (launched in 1996) which measured just 2,512mm.
The new interior design further improves the FABIA’s feeling of spaciousness, and will be available in the three familiar trim levels – S, SE and SE L – at market launch. The symmetrical dashboard with a free-standing central display and the horizontal decorative strips (offered in six different versions depending on the trim level) emphasise the width of the interior. From SE upwards, the front section of the dashboard is upholstered in fabric with contrasting stitching. Large circular air vents on the right and left – featuring a chrome trim from SE upwards – as well as the newly designed door handles, which are also chrome-plated, create new visual touches.
New colours, ambient lighting and comfort features from higher-tier vehicles
Copper-coloured and grey contrasting stitching coupled with decorative trims bring new colour accents to the interior of the FABIA.
The new LED ambient lighting (standard in SE L) lets the driver illuminate the decorative trim on the dashboard in white or red. The centre console and front door handles can also be lit up and the ambient lighting includes LED reading lights in the front and rear. The newly designed multi-function steering wheel is available in leather and in a three-spoke sports style, with shift paddles for the direct-shift gearbox (DSG). A heated steering wheel as well as a heated windscreen for a clear view and improved safety in winter also make their debut in the range.
Digital instrument cluster with five layouts
This is the first-ever FABIA that offers a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster as an option. Drivers can choose from different layouts to suit their needs. These include the ‘classic’ layout, which is based on the style of analogue round instruments, as well as the ‘modern’, ‘reduced’ and ‘extended’ layouts. As part of the optional Dynamics pack, there’s a fifth option – the ‘sport’ layout, in which the rev counter takes centre stage. The virtual cockpit, as the digital instrument cluster is also referred to, can display radio station emblems, covers of music albums and stored pictures of callers, among other things. The map can zoom in on junctions and display them in a separate window. As standard, the FABIA comes with an analogue instrument panel and a 3.5-inch information screen.
ŠKODA’s latest generation of its small car is the first FABIA that can be ordered with a dual-zone Climatronic air-conditioning, as well as air vents on the centre console to keep rear passengers cool. When equipped with this optional air-conditioning system, the centre console features two rotary knobs to allow the temperature to be regulated separately for the right- and left-hand sides of the vehicle. All of the system’s functions can be intuitively operated using eight buttons.
Connectivity: always online and wirelessly networked
There is a choice of three different infotainment systems in the new FABIA. Swing, the entry-level system, features a modern 6.5-inch colour touchscreen, a radio with digital DAB receiver and four front speakers as standard. Bolero offers a radio, an eight-inch screen, a bluetooth hands-free system and two additional surround-sound speakers in the rear doors. A smartphone can be connected without the need of a cable via wireless smartlink and Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, while the optional phone box enables inductive charging.
The Amundsen infotainment system features a customisable 9.2-inch display and a navigation function that is backed by online data. This option also includes a wi-fi hotspot. Music streaming services can be accessed through a paired smartphone. Maps can be stored on the 64GB SSD hard drive and updated online. The gesture control feature comes as standard, while online-backed voice control, through the Laura digital voice assistant, who understands 15 languages, is optional.
The new FABIA boasts up to five USB-C sockets for charging mobile devices – one of which can be found on the rear-view mirror to charge a dashcam, for example. The ŠKODA sound system, with an additional amplifier and a subwoofer in the boot, is an optional extra providing superior acoustics.
Infotainment apps for weather, news, calendar and traffic alerts
The customer can create a ŠKODA Connect account or transfer an existing account to the FABIA directly via the Amundsen system’s display. The new infotainment apps are just as easy to download. They offer weather reports and news, allow access to a personal Google calendar or warn of hazards. The Amundsen system also enables mobile online services from ŠKODA Connect to be used. These include eCall, which automatically calls for emergency assistance in the event of an accident, proactive service (breakdown call) and remote vehicle access via the MyŠKODA app and the ŠKODA Connect web portal.
Safety: new assistance systems and up to nine airbags
ŠKODA is exploiting the possibilities Volkswagen Group’s modular MQB-A0 platform has to offer in the new FABIA, and has optimised the small car in terms of active and passive safety. A robust body structure with a high degree of torsional stiffness provides the technical basis. A high proportion of high-strength, ultra-high-strength or specially hardened hot-formed steels guarantee great stability. The MQB-A0 platform makes it possible to use advanced assistance systems from higher-tier vehicles.
Safe journeys with travel assist, more comfort thanks to park assist
This is the first FABIA that can be equipped with travel assist, which provides automatic support with longitudinal and lateral steering. This can be activated at the touch of a button and combines several assistance systems at the same time. Up to 210km/h, adaptive cruise control (ACC) automatically adjusts the speed of the car to that of vehicles ahead. Lane assist, as the name suggests, helps to keep the FABIA in lane by performing corrective steering inputs if needed. Using hands-on detection, travel assist checks whether the driver touches the steering wheel consistently.
The improved blind spot detection (side assist) is another option. This warns the driver of vehicles that are up to 70 metres away and wanting to overtake or that are in the car’s blind spot. The FABIA can now also lend the driver a hand when parking: park assist works at speeds of up to 40km/h displaying suitable parallel and bay parking spaces and, if desired, taking over the driver’s steering work when parking. Manoeuvre assist uses sensors to detect an obstacle in front of or behind the car during parking and applies the brakes automatically. Traffic sign recognition and front assist, with predictive pedestrian and cyclist protection are also new features for the FABIA.
Up to nine airbags protect occupants in the event of an accident
The new FABIA comes with airbags for the driver and front passenger, curtain airbags, and front side airbags as standard. A knee airbag for the driver and rear side airbags are optional extras to further enhance safety. ISOFIX anchors and top tether anchor points on the back seats are part of the standard equipment and are optional on the front passenger seat. The top tether eyelets on the front passenger’s backrest, and on the outer seats in the rear, mean that the FABIA can accommodate three securely fastened child seats.
Engines: lower fuel consumption, greater mileage
There are far more powertrain variants to choose from in the fourth-generation FABIA than in its predecessor. ŠKODA offers five engines from Volkswagen Group’s latest EVO and all engines comply with the stringent Euro 6d emissions standard.
The 1.5 TSI with a power output of 150PS and a seven-speed DSG as standard is the latest top-of-the-range powertrain variant. The models delivering up to 95PS are fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox, while there is a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox and an automatic seven-speed DSG for the 1.0 TSI producing 110PS.
More power for the MPI engines developed by ŠKODA AUTO
ŠKODA offers two multi-point injection petrol engines to choose from for the entry-level FABIA, which is a front-wheel drive. These 1.0 MPI three-cylinder engines have a displacement of one litre and generate 65PS and 80PS respectively. Both engines were developed by ŠKODA AUTO and are produced in the Czech Republic.
Innovative plasma coating reduces fuel consumption and emissions
The two direct-injection 1.0 TSI engines feature plasma-coated cylinder blocks that replace the cast-iron cylinder liners, which reduces internal friction in the three cylinders. This lowers fuel consumption, emissions and, by better distribution and dissipation of heat in the combustion chamber, the thermal load on the engine.
New top-of-the-range engine with active cylinder technology
The 1.5 TSI four-cylinder, with a power output 150PS, is the new range-topping engine for the FABIA. Its active cylinder technology (ACT) reduces fuel consumption as well as CO2 emissions. When engine load is low, the system automatically, and virtually without the driver noticing, shuts down two cylinders. All TSI engines available for the FABIA have a petrol particulate filter.
Low fuel consumption makes for great mileage
In conjunction with the optional 50-litre fuel tank, instead of the standard 40-litre tank, the three cylinder engines can cover more than 900km in the WLTP cycle.
Simply Clever: five new features in the new FABIA
For many years, ŠKODA has been making everyday use of a car that little bit easier for customers with a constant stream of new and ingenious Simply Clever features. The new FABIA offers no fewer than five new details.
In the centre console storage compartment, for example, a new clip for a credit card or car park ticket and an elastic band as a pen holder keep things tidy. A removable cup holder between the front seats is an optional extra to provide more flexibility, while a box on the transmission tunnel offers rear passengers a clever storage option for small items. The box just needs to be placed between the centre console and the rear seats and then locks itself into place. A flexible storage compartment for the boot is another feature to choose from. This saves space by being located on the side wall, and can be pulled out to secure items if required. The fifth solution to premiere is the sun visor, available as an accessory for the optional panoramic roof. When not in use, it easily folds to a third of its size and can be stored under the boot cover.
Smartphone storage pockets, and USB-C sockets on the rear-view mirror
Some Simply Clever solutions that are already well-known from other ŠKODA models are now also available for the FABIA. These include a multi-function storage pocket that attaches below the boot cover. This converts an otherwise mostly unused space into a perfect storage area for coats or jackets, and can accommodate items weighing up to 3.5kg. The easy-to-reach smartphone storage pockets on the front seatbacks, as found in the OCTAVIA and ENYAQ iV, also make their FABIA debut. The folding backrest of the front passenger seat is another addition to the range, as is the USB-C socket on the rear-view mirror. This is available as an option for the SE L trim level and can be used to power a dashcam, for example, without a dangling cable obstructing the driver’s view.