Skoda’s popular hatchback, the Fabia is all set to take a leap in the next generation and was caught testing in the Alps earlier this week. While the official international debut is still due in October at the Paris Motor Show, the Fabia was rather scantily clad with black tape covering the badges, headlights and other essentials but giving away most of the design secrets on the five-door hatchback. The 2015 Fabia continues to use the PQ24 platform from the outgoing model, whereas the design language comes from the new age Mission L and Vision D concepts of the company.
In terms of design, the next gen Skoda Fabia loses its curves while being a lot more angular and was developed along with the current generation Octavia and Euro spec Rapid models. The hatchback retains its understated yet firm appeal with the wide inverted grille with vertical slats, while the side profile has been revised with a cleaner look, but retains trademark Fabia design with the thick C-pillar. The rear though is definitely a notch above with sharper as well as angular looks and also gets an integrated lip spoiler.
As the images indicate, the 2015 Skoda Fabia also looks to be a bit lower and wider than its predecessor, while the wheelbase has also grown longer than the outgoing model. This will result into more space inside the cabin providing better legroom for rear seat passengers. Skoda had confirmed last year that the automaker will not launch the vRS version of the next gen Fabia due to low demand, but will continue to offer special editions like the Monte Carlo on the hatchback that will come with visual enhancements to give the hatchback a sporty appeal.
The 2015 Skoda Fabia will include a host of petrol and diesel engine options with the 1.0-litre motor from the Citigo powering the base version, while the 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre TSI engines will continue to be on offer with revised specifications. In terms of diesel power though, the 1.2-litre and 1.6-litre engines will be replaced by a new 1.4-litre 3-cylinder TDI motor that with either 75 or 90 HP of power on tap.
In the Indian context, there has been no decision taken by Skoda regarding the launch of the third generation Fabia. While the model could see a launch in the country in 2015, the Czech manufacturer is also considering a compact sedan based on the Rapid that could be offered as the most affordable car in Skoda’s India line-up. If the Fabia does make it to our shores once again, expect to see the 1.2-litre petrol unit along with the new 1.5-litre diesel engine that will be first launched on the updated Polo later this month.
Pictures Source – Auto Evoulution