Skoda has unveiled the upgraded version of the latest-gen Fabia for the European markets. The popular hatch comes with restyled front and rear sections, addition of LED head and tail lights, as well as revised interior.
Front and rear design updates freshen up the look of the new Fabia. Meanwhile, LED headlights and LED rear lights are now being offered for the first time. The choice of alloy wheels has been extended too, including the addition of 18-inch wheels for the hatchback. The redesigned instrument cluster, new trim strips for the dashboard and two-tone finishes for the seats help improve the cabin look.
Mechanically, the Fabia range will consist of four petrol drivetrains, each with three cylinders and a capacity of 1-litre. The MPI engines feature indirect injection and produce outputs of 60bhp and 75bhp respectively. The two TSI drivetrains pack 95 and 110bhp. The most powerful of the quartet of engines can be matched with a seven-speed DSG gearbox as an option.
The new Fabia gets several active safety features such as Blind Spot Detection feature alerts the driver to the presence of vehicles in the blind spot or approaching from behind when driving on multi-lane highways. The Rear Traffic Alert system monitors what is going on behind the vehicle and warns of a risk of collision when reversing. Another newly available feature is Light Assist, which automatically switches to low beam as soon as the system detects oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead.
The Fabia plays a key role in Skoda's current model range. Since 1999, over four million units have been sold worldwide, with the current third generation alone accumulating sales in excess of the 500,000 mark. The revised model will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March and the market launch is in the second half of 2018.