New Skoda Fabia Goes Into Testing Phase, Launch Next Year

It is reported that Skoda has started working on the new-gen Skoda Fabia. Lately, the upcoming hatchback was spotted while doing testing for the first time. It is expected that the European market will receive the new-gen Skoda Fabia in 2021. 

Details about the upcoming next-gen Skoda Fabia are scarce at this point. Luckily, some spotted the new hatchback during testing in Europe and took pictures. These spy shots give us some valuable clues about the design of the upcoming model. As per the spy pictures, the new Fabia borrows some styling elements from the Skoda Scala and the new-gen Octavia. The split headlamp setting looks thin and sleek. It is likely that the new hatchback will come with full use of LED for the light system.

On the inside, it is expected that the new hatchback will get an enhanced interior room with a higher level of practicality, better quality materials, more refined fit and finishes, as well as neater arrangement. However, all of these are predictions since no image of the Fabia interior is leaked yet.

The upcoming model is developed on the MBQ AO modular platform which also underpins other Volkswagen models, including Polo, SEAT Ibiza and Audi A1. Presumably, the employment of this platform allows the hatchback to have larger cabin room. It is also confirmed through the recent spy shots that the new model will be bigger than the outgoing version. Additionally, the driving dynamics will also benefit from the new platform.

Similar to the platform, the engines of the new Skoda Fabia will be brought from other Volkswagen models. It is likely to share the 1.0 3-cylinder petrol engine used on the Polo, SEAT Ibiza, Nivus and T-Cross. This engine comes in two forms, naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. However, it is unlikely that the new hatchback will adopt the 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine powering the Polo and Audi A1. About the transmission options, it might get a 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT and a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox. A mild hybrid variant might be introduced on the new-gen model.