Skoda Fabia: official spy photos and key specifications for the fourth generation

First introduced in 1999 and with 4.5 million units sold, the Skoda Fabia holds the crown as the Czech brand’s second most popular model (behind the Octavia).

With the fourth generation now close to its official unveiling, Skoda has released a set of official “spy photos” of its supermini, while also confirming many of the final specifications.

Although the camouflage prevents a full view of the finished styling, Skoda says the new design has been shaped to cut through the air more efficiently. The brand is quoting a drag coefficient of 0.28, an excellent figure for a compact two-box car.

Bigger in (almost) every way

In terms of size, the switch to the MQB-A0 platform - shared with its cousins, the SEAT Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo - is clear to see. The new Skoda Fabia grows in virtually every direction, with the exception of height, which drops slightly.

As a result, the Czech supermini will measure 4107 mm in length (+110 mm versus its predecessor), 1780 mm in width (+48 mm), and 1460 mm in height (-7 mm). Wheelbase also increases to 2564 mm (+94 mm).

Boot space is rated at 380 litres, up from 330 litres in the current generation. It also betters the 355 litres of the SEAT Ibiza and the 351 litres of the Volkswagen Polo, and sits comfortably alongside many models from the class above.

Petrol engines only

As widely expected, diesel power has been dropped for good from the Skoda Fabia line-up, with this new generation offered exclusively with petrol engines.

The entry point is a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre three-cylinder producing 65 hp or 80 hp, with 95 Nm in both versions, and paired with a five-speed manual gearbox.

Above that sits the turbocharged 1.0 TSI, also a three-cylinder, available with 95 hp and 175 Nm or 110 hp and 200 Nm. The 95 hp version comes with a five-speed manual, while the 110 hp option is matched to a six-speed manual or, optionally, a seven-speed DSG (dual-clutch automatic) gearbox.

Topping the range is the 1.5 TSI - the only four-cylinder engine used in the Fabia. With 150 hp and 250 Nm, it is offered exclusively with the seven-speed DSG automatic.

What else do we know?

Beyond the mechanical details, Skoda has confirmed that the new Fabia will feature LED daytime running lights, while the front and rear lamps can also use this technology as an option. It will offer a 10.2-inch digital instrument display and a 6.8-inch central screen (upgradable to 9.2 inches). Inside, USB-C ports are confirmed, along with Skoda’s trademark “Simply Clever” solutions.

On the safety and driver-assistance front, the highlights are the first appearance of “Travel Assist”, “Park Assist” and “Manoeuvre Assist”. In practice, that means the Skoda Fabia will now be able to offer systems such as automatic parking, predictive cruise control, “Traffic Jam Assist” and “Lane Assist”.

All that remains is the full reveal of the fourth-generation Skoda Fabia without camouflage, along with confirmation from the Czech marque of its on-sale date and pricing.