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Skoda Fabia 77TSI wagon

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Skoda Fabia RS hatch

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Skoda Fabia RS wagon

Skoda Fabia line-up increases

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26th June, 2012

The Skoda Fabia model range has been extended to include the roomy Fabia wagon and the sporty Fabia RS hatch and wagon. Now the combination of low running costs, advanced powertrain technology and value, all includeded in the Fabia equation, has been extended to those customers looking for both space and performance.

The Fabia is an important car for Skoda – a fact reflected in the level of detail that has gone into its design and construction. Key to the Fabia’s low running costs and strong performance are the range of engines which are among the cleanest and most fuel-efficient in the class. Fabia customers now also benefit from the availability of a 7-speed DSG gearbox across the range. This innovative unit offers significant efficiency savings over traditional automatic transmissions, and is also fitted as standard to the RS model.

The Fabia’s design is distinctive inside and out. All models in the range offer outstanding value for money and are equipped with a high standard of safety and convenience features such as dual front, side and curtain airbags, electric front and rear windows, three-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel (with radio and phone controls) and Bluetooth® phone connectivity.

Design

The Fabia has a unique look that continues Skoda’s bold new design direction. Although instantly recognisable as a Skoda, the Fabia has a contemporary feel thanks to its smooth lines and striking external details. Pronounced wheel arches, combined with a dramatic rising waistline, and the distinctive curved windscreen give it a more dynamic profile, while the black A and B pillars make the roof appear to float above the car.

The Fabia shares aspects of its front end design with the Roomster, including the large radiator grille and headlights that sweep their way up the mudguards of the car. Further back, large rear windows allow plenty of natural light to filter into the cabin while the tail light units also incorporate Skoda’s trademark ‘C’-shaped light cluster that makes the new car instantly recognisable at night.

The Fabia’s generous exterior dimensions also have significant safety benefits. By incorporating a large gap between the bonnet and the engine, Skoda engineers have made a car that meets pedestrian safety.

Customers wanting the Fabia wagon have a plethora of colours to choose from to individualise their car. However, in contrast to the Fabia hatch, customers are not able to choose a contrasting roof colour for the wagon.

Interior

The Skoda Fabia sets high standards for cabin design and practicality, and features equipment usually reserved for larger cars. In terms of driver comfort, the Fabia features a high driving position that allows greater visibility of the road ahead and makes access easier and more comfortable. All models feature height adjustment on the driver’s seat, along with height and reach adjustment on the steering wheel.

Practicality is a Fabia core strength with the both the hatch and wagon boasting large cabins and practical boot areas.

With the rear seats up, the hatch offers 300 litres of space while the wagon boasts 480 litres – figures that many larger family cars struggle to match.

To maximise the available space, the boot capacity can be varied to ensure that delicate objects can be protected during transit. It can also be stowed behind the rear seats.

In terms of equipment, the Fabia comes with Bluetooth® phone connectivity as standard and can be the optioned with a Media Device Interface (MDI) for use with iPod, Aux-In, USB and Mini-USB devices.

Fabia RS

With bold details and a sporty stance, the new Fabia RS forges a strong visual link with Skoda’s all-conquering Fabia S2000 rally car. Externally, the RS is distinguished by a rear spoiler, front spoiler with integrated LED daytime running lights, 17” alloy wheels and trademark RS red brake callipers. Twin exhausts and tinted windows further enhance the sporty feel, while the availability of a contrasting roof colour (white, silver or black on Fabia RS hatch only) along with white, anthracite, black-and-silver alloy wheel finishes, allow customers to personalise the look of their car like never before.

Inside, the Fabia RS features height-adjustable sports seats along with a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel. The latter is fitted with paddles for manual control of the 7-speed DSG gearbox. Powering the Fabia RS is a 1.4 litre TSI 132 kW twincharged engine. It is the most powerful engine ever offered in a production Fabia. Maximum torque of 250 Nm is delivered between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm and the Fabia RS accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds.

This feat of power and efficiency is achieved by using direct fuel injection and dual-charging via a turbocharger and a mechanical supercharger. In addition, an intercooler increases the volume of air within the combustion chambers, boosting compression. The injectors run at pressures of up to 150 bar, while the camshaft controlling the two inlet valves is continuously adjustable on each cylinder. The supercharger and turbocharger work hand-in-hand to provide power delivery across the engine’s rev range.

The mechanically-driven supercharger supplies the combustion chambers up to engine speeds of 2,000 rpm when the engine is under part load. By this point the exhaust-driven turbocharger has reached its full effectiveness and continues to boost the engine in the higher rev range. The use of double fuel injection during cold starting reduces harmful emissions by allowing the catalyst to reach optimum operating temperature after driving just a few metres, guaranteeing effective exhaust gas treatment. Another key advantage of the TSI engine’s direct fuel injection system is that it allows a high compression ratio of 10:1 and a maximum boost pressure of 2.5 bar. This gives the engine unusually high torque levels, which in turn allows for longer gear ratios to be used. As a result, the Fabia RS enjoys exceptional fuel economy, particularly at motorway cruising speeds. Combined cycle fuel economy is 6.2 l/100 km and CO2 emissions are 148 g/km.

The 1.4 litre TSI 132 kW is matched to a 7-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox which can operate in two modes – fully automated and manual Tiptronic. In both modes, shifts are executed efficiently with none of the performance loss usually experienced with traditional automatics. The paddleshift system works electronically through the ECU, and incorporates a feature that prevents the engine from over-revving. The Fabia’s DSG gearbox uses a pair of dry clutches to deliver optimum fuel economy and performance and is remarkably light and compact.

The new Skoda Fabia RS features a sports suspension set up that delivers a dynamic and agile driving experience. Incorporating a host of modifications, the new RS has been engineered to strike a balance between sportiness and refinement. Changes to the power steering system have resulted in a sharper, more direct response, while stiffer dampers and firmer rear axle springs to give the Fabia RS even greater stability through corners.

Finally, the ride height has been reduced to lower the centre of gravity. The RS also features a bespoke braking set up designed to complement the car’s sporting nature. The RS is also fitted with the innovative Extended Electronic Differential Lock (XDL) as standard. This system increases cornering traction by braking the inside front wheel when accelerating through corners, transferring torque to the outside wheel. This prevents the unloaded inside wheel from spinning and helps deliver better handling.

Engines and Transmissions

The Fabia’s engines have all been designed and engineered to offer strong performance, low running costs and refinement.

All engines in the Fabia range are offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard. A 7-speed DSG transmission is available as an option for the first time with the 1.2 litre TSI 77 kW engine, and is fitted as standard on the RS model.

The Fabia is available with a 1.2 litre TSI engine producing 77 kW. Designed and engineered to offer performance, lower emissions and improved fuel consumption, this engine combines significantly lower running costs with improved drivability and refinement. The 1.2 litre TSI engine uses direct injection and turbocharging to deliver a smooth and economical driving experience which also delivers a combined cycle fuel consumption of 5.5 litres/100 km (128 g/km CO2). Peak power is reached at 5,000 rpm and maximum torque of 175 Newton-metres is available between 1,500 and 4,100 rpm.

The Fabia is fitted as standard with a 5-speed fully synchronised manual transmission. Here the connection between the gearbox and the gear lever is via two gearshift cables, which makes it easy to position the gear lever smoothly and precisely with short movements while at the same time reducing vibrations from the engine.

The optional 7-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox can be operated in two modes – fully automated and manual Tiptronic. In both modes, shifts are executed extremely efficiently with none of the performance loss usually experienced with traditional automatics.

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Chassis and Safety

The Fabia comes standard with six airbags and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) including ABS, ASR, EBD and Brake Assist. In terms of design, the Fabia features McPherson struts mounted to a three-part subframe. This assembly is attached to the bodywork with anti-vibration mounts that help to keep noise and vibration transfer into the cabin to a minimum.

At the rear, a semi-independent set-up ensures that the optimum wheel angle is maintained at all times. The Fabia enjoys superb body control and feels remarkably secure through corners. Ride quality is another Fabia strong point. The spring and damper settings have been tuned to give a smooth ride without compromising handling ability. As a result, the Fabia glides over poor surfaces and filters out imperfections before they reach the cabin.

Another key element of the Fabia’s dynamic package is the steering system. All models are equipped with electrohydraulic power steering as standard, and a combination of a tight 10.0 metre turning circle and an unobstructed view makes manoeuvring and parking simple. The steering system has also been designed to minimise power drain and draws significantly less power away from the engine than a fully-hydraulic system.

The safety of passengers was one of the most crucial aspects in the development of the Fabia. The high safety level has been achieved by using the latest design methods, progressive technological solutions and state-of-the-art vehicle construction techniques. Isofix mountings for children’s seats are available in the rear.

The Fabia is also designed to protect outside the car. Pedestrian safety was a major target in the development and the bonnet and front bumper are designed in such a way that they deform on impact and absorb energy.

Value and Equipment

Reach and rake adjustable steering column, height-adjustable driver’s seat, electric front and rear windows, 60/40 split rear seat, and an integrated CD player that features a 3.5mm jack input for MP3 devices, all come as standard in every Fabia.

The three-spoke leather steering wheel with radio and phone controls, multi-function trip computer, cruise control and Bluetooth® phone connectivity as standard further adds to the high comfort and convenience levels. Chrome-trimmed air vent inserts, gear lever frame and handbrake button enhance the interior quality feel, and so does the available touchscreen technology with optional Media Device Interface (MDI) for use with iPod, Aux-In, USB and Mini-USB devices.

Standard Equipment Highlights
• Six airbags - Dual front, front side and curtain airbags
• ESC - Electronic Stability Control (incl. ABS, ASR, EBD and Brake Assist)
• ‘Satellite’ 15” steel wheels
• Leather package (three-spoke steering wheel, handbrake handle, gear lever handle)
• Tinted windows
• Protective side running strips
• Body coloured front and rear bumpers
• Body coloured wing mirrors and door handles
• Chrome Package (gear lever, gear lever frame, handbrake button, ventilation controls)
• Three-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel (with radio and phone controls)
• Bluetooth® phone connectivity
• Front foglights
• Multi-function trip computer (time, outside temperature, average and current fuel consumption, mileage, driving time, average speed, service interval display, distance to empty)
• Cruise control
• Radio ‘Swing’ - 2 DIN with CD, MP3
• Power heated door mirrors

Optional Equipment Highlights
• Rear parking sensors
• Climate control air conditioning
• MDI - Media device interface (only with radio Swing)
• ‘Antares’ 15” alloy wheels
• Electric glass sunroof

Fabia RS Standard Equipment Highlights
• 17” Gigaro silver alloy wheels
• Climatronic air-conditioning with electronic regulation Front lip spoiler
• Red painted brake callipers
• Polished black finish on B-pillar and door mirrors
• Chrome trim on radiator grille
• Power heated door mirrors
• Chrome double exhaust pipe
• Rear black diffuser
• Rear spoiler on boot (in vehicle or roof colour)
• RS badging (on grille and boot)
• Front sport seats (grey or red with RS badging)
• Small leather package (3-spoke steering wheel, hand brake handle, gear level handle)
• Chrome package – gearstick/DSG lever, frame of gearstick/DSG lever, air-conditioning controls, handbrake button
• Stainless steel sports pedals
• Projector halogen headlights with LED

Pricing*

Fabia 77TSI hatch 5-speed manual $18,990*
Fabia 77TSI hatch 7-speed DSG $21,290*
Fabia 77TSI Wagon 5-speed manual $20,990*
Fabia 77TSI Wagon 7-speed DSG $23,290*
Fabia Monte Carlo 77TSI hatch 5-speed manual $21,990*
Fabia Monte Carlo 77TSI hatch 7-speed DSG $24,290*
Fabia RS 132TSI hatch 7-speed DSG $27,990*
Fabia RS 132TSI Wagon 7-speed DSG $29,990*


NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.


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