Skoda Fabia Puts On A Fresh Face

Last month, Skoda gave us our first preview of an updated Fabia. Now it’s revealed the facelifted hatchback in full.

Slated to debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the refreshed Skoda Fabia has been tweaked inside and out. But the big news is what you’ll find under the hood.

Or rather what you won’t: no diesels, no four-pots, just a 1.0-liter inline-three running on gasoline and offered in four states of tune. Two naturally aspirated versions produce 60 and 75 horsepower, while two turbocharged units offer 95 and 110 horsepower, respectively.

The Fabia isn’t the first B-segment supermini to embrace the power of three, but it’s kind of a big deal to see Skoda ditch the diesel. But such are the post-emissions-scandal times in which we find ourselves. “Boasting further improved economy and exceptional emissions performance, the state-of-the-art three-cylinder power units are on a par with frugal diesel engines for fuel efficiency,” says the automaker.

Along with the new engines, Skoda has equipped the refreshed Fabia with the latest infotainment and safety technologies. Available blind-spot detection, rear traffic alert, and automatic high-beam systems promise to make the new Fabia safer than ever before, while a 6.5-inch infotainment display provides better connectivity.

There’s new interior trim as well and a refreshed instrument cluster. And the entire package is differentiated from the outgoing model with updated styling and LED lighting both front and rear.

The Czech automaker will once again offer the Fabia in both five-door hatchback and extended Combi wagon bodystyles. The updates ought to help keep the Fabia – introduced in its current iteration in 2014 – relevant and competitive for another few years before it needs replacement.

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