With fourth-gen RS replacement off the cards, new Fabia flagship steps out of the shadows
Skoda has released the first design sketches of a sportier take on its all-new supermini that will be named the Fabia Monte Carlo.
Reviving a trim it’s used for more than a decade, the Fabia Monte Carlo gets a similar treatment to the current Scala and Kamiq Monte Carlo models already on sale.
That means the fourth-generation Fabia comes with a black gloss grille surround, a sportier front bumper, side skirts and a lower half of the rear bumper that now features a black diffuser.
Gloss black mirror caps, rear spoiler and roof, plus new 18-inch five-spoke diamond-cut alloy wheels complete the external changes that are designed to ensure the range-topping Fabia stands out from lesser models.
Inside, the sporty theme continues with bright red accents used throughout and carbon-fibre trim around the front door armrests and lower half of the instrument panel. There’s also a Monte Carlo badge on the lower spoke of the leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel.
Skoda says the Fabia Monte Carlo will also come with height-adjustable sport seats.
The design drawings show the Fabia gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that is optional on other models, plus a 9.2-inch infotainment system.
Under the bonnet Skoda has yet to confirm what will power its Fabia but a safe bet is it will come with both the 81kW/200Nm 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder and the punchier 110kW turbocharged 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder.
The latter will come with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, while the entry 1.0-litre will be matched with a six-speed manual.
Sadly, for those on the lookout for a more powerful, sportier-still Fabia RS, currently there’s no plans for a Czech version of the current Volkswagen Polo GTI.
Set for a proper unveiling on February 15, there’s no timescale yet, but it’s feasible it will touchdown shortly after the Fabia goes on sale in Australia this March.
Keyword: Sporty new Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo teased