Skoda has shown off the Monte Carlo version of its Fabia light car, which is expected to top the new-generation hatchback line-up when it enters Australian showrooms later this year.
Like Monte Carlo variants of the past, the latest adopts unique exterior and interior styling touches to justify its higher positioning, including a blacked-out front grille, roof, side-view mirrors and bodykit.
Wheel sizes on offer start at 16 inches, while 17- and 18-inch options are available, though only the first two sizes come with removable Aero trims to lower drag.
In fact, aerodynamics is one of the Fabia Monte Carlo’s fortes, with Skoda claiming a 0.28 drag coefficient to make it best in class.
To achieve such a feat, Skoda has fitted the Fabia Monte Carlo with a nearly-flat underbody and an active cooling shutter in the front lower air inlet that can lower fuel economy by as much as 0.2 litres per 100km, according to the brand.
Inside, the black interior is broken up with red accents on the dashboard, door trims and transmission tunnel, while faux carbon-fibre is also used throughout the lift the ambience.
Other interior highlights include the standard fitment of sports seats and a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel.
As for the multimedia system, three sizes are available starting from a 6.5-inch unit, stepping up to an 8.0-inch screen and topped by a 9.2-inch display.
All three feature digital radio and touch input, but the larger options also gain Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support.
Standard equipment includes partial-LED headlights (full LEDs are available as an option in overseas markets), fog lights, interior ambient lighting, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, while options include a heated steering wheel and front seats, and a wireless smartphone charger.
For safety, the Fabia Monte Carlo is equipped with up to nine airbags, and advanced safety tech includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
In overseas markets, the Monte Carlo will be available with four engine choices, kicking off with a 59kW/93Nm 1.0-litre three-cylinder option, paired exclusively to a five-speed manual gearbox.
A more potent 70kW/175Nm and 81kW/200Nm tune is also available thanks to a turbocharger, with the former exclusively paired to a five-speed manual, while the latter is offered with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The flagship powertrain however – and likely the one to be offered in Australian versions of the Fabia Monte Carlo – is a 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, which comes matched with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto.
The most potent Fabia Monte Carlo will need 8.0 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100km/h, while fuel economy is pegged at 5.6L/100km.
Australian pricing and specs are still to be locked in for the Monte Carlo and the rest of the new-generation Fabia range, which was revealed back in May 2021.
The light hatch line-up was expected to launch in the first quarter of this year, but appears to be have been delayed to sometime in the second half of 2022.
Though Skoda originally had plans to bring to market a wagon version of the fourth-gen Fabia, the Czech brand has since cancelled the long-roof version due to tightening emissions standards.
Keyword: Watch out Mazda 2, Toyota Yaris and MG3! 2022 Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo revealed as sporty, upmarket city hatchback