Sharper Monte Carlo becomes Fabia flagship when it eventually arrives Down Under late in 2022
Skoda has unwrapped its new Fabia Monte Carlo that offers buyers sportier styling, extra tech and the option of a punchier 110kW 1.5-litre turbo.
With no plans for a replacement RS based on the sprightly VW Polo GTI, when it eventually arrives late this year in Australia the Fabia Monte Carlo will become the fourth-generation Skoda supermini’s flagship model.
Following the tyre tracks of both the outgoing Fabia Monte Carlo, current Scala Monte Carlo and Kamiq Monte Carlo, the latest addition to the all-new Fabia line-up follows a tried and tested formula that includes extra gloss black design elements designed to ramp up its sportiness.
These include a striking new grille surround and a lower spoiler lip and redesigned front bumper, black mirror caps, side skirts and a prominent rear diffuser that are all finished in gloss black.
The gloss black theme continues with the 17-inch rims (18s are a cost-extra), black Skoda lettering on the rear tail gate, plus the option of a black painted roof, dark rear tinted windows and a pair of new Monte Carlo badges stuck to the front fenders complete the external changes.
Within the cabin the Monte Carlo gets a pair of new height-adjustable sport seats, a flat-bottomed multifunction steering wheel, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and carbon-fibre-look black inserts that are blended with red details.
An 8.0-inch infotainment system is standard, with the option of upgrading to a more sophisticated 9.2-inch version that includes gesture control and an on-board digital assistant. Wireless charging and cable-free Apple CarPlay and android Auto are both available.
Beneath your feet, a set of stainless-steel pedals have also been added.
New tech included with the Fabia Monte Carlo consists of LED headlamps, extra semi-autonomous driver aids that introduces an adaptive cruise that features lane keep assist, blind spot assist and park assist.
Under the bonnet, as well as the 81kW/200Nm 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder the Monte Carlo version introduces a punchier 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder option.
Combined with only the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (the 1.0-litre’s six-speed isn’t available), Skoda claims the Fabia Monte Carlo can sprint from 0-100km/h in 8.0 seconds and top out at 225km/h.
Now expected to touch down this July – four months later than originally planned – the fourth-gen Fabia will be initially introduced in Ambition and Style trims.
Despite not explicitly confirmed by Volkswagen Australia, the sporty Monte Carlo derivative should arrive shortly after in late 2022 buoyed by the success of high-grade Skoda models elsewhere in the range.
Keyword: New Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo makes debut