2009 Skoda Fabia

Press release

Škoda has further developed its bestseller. The new Fabia is making its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show with a comprehensive safety concept and an exceptionally large interior space offering. With these strengths, the new Fabia offers even better value than its predecessor model.

Packed in a refreshing modern design, the new Fabia is among the most spacious cars in its class. When discussing CO2 emissions, the Fabia does very well. Although the new model is larger than its predecessor in interior as well as exterior dimensions, it has maintained its low CO2 emissions values in comparison with industry-average, beginning with that of the 1.4 TDI PD/59 kW at 120 g/km.

The design of the new Fabia expresses clearly emotional characteristics. The fresh design, with its strongly accentuated radiator grille, the integrated headlights which are both dynamic and harmonious, and the sideline which expresses both agility and value, combine to make the new Škoda stand out clearly from the hordes of its competitors. This is also achieved by means of the optional white roof.

Interior space is exceptionally generous despite its compact measurements and the 5 centimetres greater rear headspace is impressive. The ergonomic driver’s seat position is a matter of course in the new Fabia, while the higher seat position affords a better overview of the bodywork and also makes entering and leaving far more comfortable. The new Fabia offers all of the occupants more knee- and footroom, setting new standards in its class in travelling comfort.

With these excellent virtues and the marked degree of emotionalism achieved and the even higher usage value, the new Fabia addresses the needs and desires of Fabia customers who purchased the previous model. Simultaneously it addresses new circles of customers, who value independent, dynamic design and want a wide range of possibilities to individualise their car.

The Fabia provides a wide range of standard and optional equipment, enabling owners to express his or her own individual taste. Advanced technology, high safety standards, simple operating concepts and safe and agile driving characteristics make the Fabia excel. However, the new Fabia has not lost the excellent price-performance ratio for which the first generation model is famous. The sum total of its outstanding characteristics ensures that it will continue the success of its predecessor and, even more, to exceed this by far. It creates new incentives both for the design-oriented driver and the price-conscious customer alike, allowing both to enter the world of Škoda Auto.

There are seven different engines in the programme. Four are petrol engines, and the diesel engines make up the remaining three. Their performance spectrum covers the requirements of the small car segment completely. They ranges from the economic 44 kW (60 HP) to the agile 77 kW (105 HP). Diesel particle filters are offered with the 1.4 litre (59 kW) and the 1.9 litre (77 kW) diesel engines. The most powerful petrol engine can be combined with a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

Although the new model is larger than its predecessor in interior as well as exterior dimensions, it has maintained its low CO2 emissions values in comparison with industry-average, beginning with that of the 1.4 TDI PD/59 kW at 120 g/km.

THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NEW ŠKODA FABIA:

• Large boot with a capacity, from 300 to 1163 litres
• Above average knee space for all passengers
• The best rear headroom in the compact class
• Choice of seven different engines – four petrol and three diesel
• Compliance with the regulations regarding pedestrian protection (Phase I) which do not come into force until 2010
• Audio/mobile phone operation via remote control on the steering wheel (optional)
• Large sun roof (optional)
• “Climatronic” electronically controlled air conditioning (optional)
• Integrated six-CD changer (optional)
• Two-tier boot cover
• Curve halogen projector headlights (optional)
• Fog lamps with cornering lights (optional)
• Seven different wheel designs, four steel and three alloy wheel
• Diesel particle filter for the 1.4 TDI PD/59 kW and 1.9 TDI PD/77 kW engines
• The most powerful petrol engine, the 1.6 16V/77 kW, is available also with a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic function
• Attractive C-shaped rear lights, typical for Škoda

• Higher driver and front passenger seat positions afford better view and better comfort in entering

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The Design

The new Fabia presents itself as powerful, dynamic and self-assured. Its front view is friendly but not playful. The emphasis of the clearly larger and more integrated radiator grille gives it the typical Škoda face of the brand. The design of the bodywork is modern but not overly sophisticated. The new Fabia has a youthful, fresh appearance and will appeal to younger audiences than those of its predecessor without, however, disappointing owners of the first generation model. More pronounced side lines and wheel housings make the car unmistakeable on the road and the rear with its lights in the C design make it clear from behind even at night that it is a Škoda. As with its predecessor, the new Fabia comes as a hatchback in only a five-door model. The Fabia has a drag coefficient of cw 0.33, an impressive result for a car in the compact vehicle class.

In spite of its modest growth in size, an improved package of standard equipment and the optimisation of the chassis for a higher degree of safety, the new Fabia is scarcely heavier than its predecessor. In the basic model, the 1.2 HTP, the weight has even been reduced by 5 kilograms. The length has increased by 22 mm to 3992 mm and theheight has increased by 47 mm to 1498 mm. The width of the vehicle remains virtually unchanged at 1642 mm. The payload for all EU models is 515 kilograms, a truly record-breaking amount. The boot holds 300 litres when all five seats are in place and, when the rear seats are folded down, a luggage compartment of 1163 litres in size is created.

The new Fabia has grown in a measured form and thus requires little more space in traffic than the previous model, creating a decisive advantage when driving in the city, looking for a parking space or when manoeuvring. The greatest increase in the Fabia’s size is found where this adds to comfort and without detracting from handling – namely, in the height.

PARALLELS TO THE ROOMSTER

The new Fabia follows the new design direction that began with the Škoda Roomster and has its own unique, convincing language. Exceptional characteristics of this are found in the dominant Škoda logo on the radiator grille, which has now been sculptured into the line of the car. The front headlamps, reaching far back into the front wings, with their large lighting surface areas and clearly visible indicator lights not only create the prerequisites for safety but also give the Fabia an exceptional, characteristic look. The expressive line of the side of the vehicle also runs from the upper edge of the radiator grille, extending along the vehicle above both doors to encompass the rear through a line running across the boot lid. The surrounding line is typical of the new five-door compact car from Škoda.

ALWAYS IN THE PICTURE: THE FORM FOLLOWS THE FUNCTION

In comparison to that of its predecessor, the rear window is considerably larger, making the Fabia appear larger and more mature. In addition, this improves the exterior view considerably. Thanks to the large exterior rearview mirrors, the new Fabia offers its driver an exceptionally good view of traffic. The rear lights have been designed in a more pronounced form and now appear more modern and sporty. In addition, they have been installed at a higher level, giving them a more self-assured look and, in bad weather conditions, makes the Fabia more visible to following traffic. The fact that they are mounted higher also minimises the extent to which the rear lights are dirtied by unclean road surfaces.

An individual and sportier orientation in the new Fabia is created by the optional white roof. This option will ensure that the customer will get a car with an unmistakable and anything-but-everyday appearance. In combination with selected external colours, the Fabia, thanks to the contrasting colour on the roof, makes the car stand out from the masses.

A GREAT DEAL MORE: THE FABIA IS VERY SPACIOUS

The new Fabia is going to the starting line with several new records in comfort measurements. It offers its rear seat occupants exceptionally generous knee and headspace. In addition, it has a boot volume that is among the best in its class. When the rear seats are folded down, the boot provides 1,163 litres of luggage space and with all 5 seats in the raised position, 300 litres of luggage can be taken on board.

The interior design of the new Fabia presents itself as attractive but nevertheless highly functional. The logical and well-laid out instruments, the ergonomic positioning of the individual groups of functions combined with high quality materials makes them easy and enjoyable to use. All of the surfaces are constructed of or coated with materials that are pleasant to the touch and easy on the eye so that everyone who travels in the new Fabia love the feel of the car. Thanks to the careful choice of high-quality materials, the comprehensive workmanship and the generous amount of interior space, the occupants in the Fabia feel as if they are in a vehicle off higher class. More emphasis has been placed on the interior design than was the case in the first generation Fabia. The twin-coloured instrument panel, practical storage compartments and spaces, the attractive design of the functional elements, which is perfect in form, a high standard of equipment through to a partial leather interior make the Fabia more than just a practical car for daily use. It affords the car style and charm.

The boot is practical not only because of its capacity. The boot cover can be positioned at two different levels, which considerably increases the flexibility of the boot even further. A further innovation is the adjustable front seat armrest , the holders for 1.5 litre bottles in the front doors and the storage space for spectacles in the ceiling. There are three different steering wheels available for the Fabia. The basic model is a four-spoke design made of polyurethane plastic that is pleasant to the touch. An optional leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel is availablewhile the sports version has a three-spoke leather-wrapped sports steering wheel. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is include in the of the small leather package which also includes leather on the gear shift sleeve and knob as well as the handle grip of the hand brake.

The safe and comfortable operation of the mobile phone and audio system via the new multi-function module on the steering wheel is already well known from the Roomster. This allows the radio to be operated, with radio station choice and volume control o, without taking your hands from the steering wheel. In the case of versions equipped with a hands-free phone system, the mobile phone operations can be carried out remotely from the multi-function module.

In the central console itself, the new, optionally available, electronically-controlled Climatronic air-conditioning is located below the generously dimensioned, moveable air exit vents. This automatically ensures that the desired interior temperature is constantly maintained. Below this is the audio system; two different radios with CD player units – Beat and Dance – are available for the Fabia as options. As an optional extra there is a navigation system available for the Fabia. Audio instructions are also shown in the Maxi-Dot Display. The optional 6-CD changer is installed under the glovebox in the lower part of the dashboard and ensures rapid access as well as easy changing.

The occupants in the Fabia will find their correct seat position without any effort whatsoever thanks to the generous of adjustment possibilities. By means the height- and reach-adjustable steering wheel, the driver can very easily find the most comfortable and correct seating position for himself. An even firmer hold than that provided by the standard seats is that of the sports seats. Flanks on the seat base and seatbacks provide more support in curves, making stress-free driving possible even when a sporting driving style is chosen. As an option, there is also a partial leather interior available. An armrest between the front seats which can be angled and which is standard in the Elegance trim makes travelling in the Fabia even more pleasant.

There are a large number of storage areas in the Fabia. A storage space for the driver on the left below the steering wheel is part of the standard equipment and there are holders for large bottles of up to 1.5 litres in the doors. There are smaller integrated storage compartments are in the dashboard and storage compartments in the centre console with a slip-proof surface that provide space for things in daily use. In addition, the rear of the front seats contain large pockets in which magazines or travel guides can be easily stored.

The backs of the rear seats can be folded forward to provide an increase in the boot space of up to 1,163 litres. In the basic version, the Classic, the back of the rear seat is a single unit while in all other versions it is divided 60:40. As the rear seats can also be folded forward, the backs of the rear seats can be positioned almost horizontally. A boot cover which can be set at two different heights also varies the volume of the boot capacity. It can either be installed flush with the upper edge of the rear seat back or some 250 millimetres lower in a second mounting provided for this purpose. Between the wheel housings, the loading space of the new Fabia measures 958 mm in width. The height from the floor to the boot cover is 525 mm and when the cover is set in the lower position, 276 mm. The depth of the boot ranges from 703 mm when the seats are in an upright position to a maximum of 1,383 mm when the rear seats are folded forward. A loop makes it easier to pull the tailgate closed.

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The equipment

The new Fabia is available in four different equipment levels. All of these have carefully compiled and coordinated safety and comfort features, while a comprehensive choice of optional equipment makes it possible for the Fabia buyer to achieve a high level of individuality in his vehicle, adapting it to suit his own requirements.

The basis is formed by the Classic, where emphasis has been placed on maximum functionality and safety at a favourable price. The higher equipment levels, the Ambiente, Sport and Elegance, offer additional elements of comfort and, in addition, cater for the different wishes of customers with their adapted interiors and exteriors.

Due to other different demands and requirements in each market, the level of equipment specified in each trim level can vary according to the individual country.

The equipment in the Classic includes, among other things:

• Driver and front passenger airbag with front seat belt pre-tensioners.
• Side airbags
• ABS with brake assistant and brake pad control
• Immobiliser
• Electro-hydraulic power steering
• Steering wheel adjustable in height and reach
• Pollen filter

In the Ambiente, the following items are also included:

• Central locking, SAFE System
• Preparation for radio with four front speakers
• Overhead package I (four folding grab handles, clothing hooks in the rear, two reading lights at the
front, sun visor on the front passenger side with makeup mirror)
• Multifunctional display (on-board computer)
• Electrically operated front windows
• Fold-down rear seat back, divided 60:40

The Sport version also includes:

• Halogen projector headlamps
• Storage space for spectacles
• Height-adjustable driver’s seat
• Tinted windows
• Black side protection strips
• Front fog lights

The top version, the Elegance, is also equipped with the following:

• Height-adjustable front passenger’s seat
• Electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors
• Central locking system with remote control
• Air-conditioning with automatic control (Climatic)
• Adjustable central armrest at the front with storage compartment
• Windscreen with grey sunstrip
• Overhead package II (Overhead Package I + reading lamp in the centre at the rear)
• Woven carpeting
• 14" or 15" (for 1.9 TDI PD/77 kW) alloy wheels

Fine differentiation: design dependent upon the equipment

The various versions of the new Škoda Fabia differ not only in the volume of equipment provided. The higher equipment versions, Ambiente, Sport and Elegance, also differ in design as a result of individual details. For example, the basic version has exterior mirrors and door handles in black; in the higher versions, these components are in bodycolour. The upper trim and of the radiator grille frame are chromed and the Apillar emphasises the cockpit design. In line with this, the B-pillars are black. The basic version has a matte finish, suited to the black exterior mirrors and door handles, while the B-pillars in the Ambiente, Sport and Elegance versions have a glossy black finish.

Your own favourite programme: the optional equipment

The range of optional equipment offered in the new Fabia is very comprehensive. A large number of possibilities to individualise the Fabia are created as a result, giving each Fabia its own individual character, suited to the its owner’s tastes. The list also contains a number of exceptional details many of which are being offered for the first time ever in the Fabia range and are completely new in this segment. These contain such things as the halogen projector headlamps with their curve function, front fog lights with cornering function and tyre pressure monitoring (TPM).

Among some of the completely new safety standards are things such as head airbags which protect the occupants on the front seats in the event of a side impact. Among the further innovations are electronically controlled air-conditioning, Climatronic, GSM telephone preparation with Bluetooth technology, multi-function module for the operation of the audio unit and mobile phones next to the steering wheel or audio units with the possibility of connecting an MP3 player or an iPod via the aux-in connection in the centre console.

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Safety

The new Fabia protects not only its occupants but also other road users with its extensive, modern safety systems. The anti-lockbraking system, ABS, is of course, standard in the European Union; in all other countries it is a standard part of the top-level engine versions, the 1.9 TDI PD and
1,4 TDI PD/59 kW with DPF for the world model specification. In addition, Škoda Auto provides the ESP stability program for all models with the exception of the entry-level1.2 HTP/44 kW (60 HP).

In the most powerful petrol engine version, the 1.6 16V with automatic transmission, ESP is standard. Also standard is the engine drag torque control, MSR, which prevents unfavourable influences in drive power in dangerous situations and the Dual Rate Brake Assistant, a mechanical aid which generates maximum brake pressure immediately in the case of an emergency braking situation, thus drastically reducing the braking distance.

Also available is anti-spin regulation, ASR, which prevents wheel spin providing traction when on a smooth surface. In this way, traction is kept within the limits of the friction grip. A maximum in active safety is also provided by the additional use of EDS, the electronic differential lock, which is combined with a hydraulic brake assistant. The tyre pressure monitoring system, TPM, is also available in the new Fabia. TPM informs the driver immediately of any possible loss in tyre pressure.

The exterior lights of the new Fabia also ensure safety. There is both the curve headlamp system which illuminates the road surface in the direction in which the car is travelling to a much better degree and makes hindrances visible for the driver sooner. The headlights rotate at different angles in the direction of the inside of the curve being taken. In addition, Škoda also offers cornering lights in the new Fabia where, depending upon the direction in which the car turns, the left or the right fog lamp is activated, illuminating a wide area of 60° next to the car. In this way, pedestrians and cyclists are more easily seen but in addition to this, things such as high curbs or other boundary posts are brought into view and to the attention of the driver. This cornering light function operates at speeds of up to 40 km/h, the legally specified limit.

There are six airbags for the new Fabia. In addition to the two front airbags, side airbags protect the occupants in the case of a side collision. As an option, head airbags are also offered in which the airbag expands like a curtain along the window surfaces effectively preventing the occupant’s head from making direct contact with the hard surface of the glass or the B pillars. Isofix mountings for children’s seats are available for the rear seats and the airbag on the front passenger’s side can be deactivated. The rear seats of the new Fabia models are also prepared for mounting a child’s seat by means of the Top Tether belt which, after being attached to the rear of the seat, forms a further mounting point on the child’s seat. This limits the movement of the upper part of the seat in the case of a direct head-on collision.

The new Fabia also provides protection for people who have not even taken a seat in the car. Pedestrian protection was a major development target in the creation of the new Fabia. The front bonnet and bumper give way on impact and absorb energy, reducing the risk of injury to the pedestrian.

The new Fabia has passed all of its crash tests with flying colours, including a comprehensive test range at the new facility in Mladá Boleslav. In this, the developers followed an innovative construction method using load paths. The use of different material strengths and differing degrees of rigidity in individual construction elements leads, on the one hand, to a planned, energy-absorbing deformation of the bodywork and, on the other hand, to a distribution of the impact forces across the whole of the bodywork structure. In this way, the energy generated is dissipated simultaneously in two ways and the survival space in the occupant cell is maintained even at high collision speeds. In the most ambitious range of tests to date, the Fabia has effortlessly survived a crash at a speed of 64 km/h against the 40% barrier, with the doors able to be opened without problem after the test.

The load values placed upon occupants, measured with a new generation of dummies, remained well below the specified values in all of the tests. These measures create a good prerequisite for a positive evaluation in independent tests for passive safety, such as, for example, Euro NCAP.

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The engines

Low operating costs, low fuel consumption – the range of the engine possibilities in the new Fabia is designed to cater for the needs of the customers and leaves practically no wish unfulfilled. In total, there are seven different engines to choose from, four petrol and three diesel. No particular engine is bound to a specific level of equipment so that the most powerful engine can be combined with the basic level of equipment or the entry-level engine with the top level.

The well proven, thrifty three-cylinder 1.2 litre engine has been further optimised and is now offered in a version with increased power and torque, now providing 44 kW (60 HP) and 51 kW (70 HP). The modern aluminium engines with chain drive for the camshafts are characterised by their low fuel consumption and low degree of internal friction. In the new Fabia excellent acceleration and top speeds of 155 to 161 km/h are the result. Naturally, both engines already fulfil the requirements of the Emission Standard Euro 4. For markets with poorer quality of fuels, special applications are offered for safe operation.

The 1.4 litre petrol engine with its 63 kW (89 HP) excels as a result of its smooth running properties and powerful torque of 132 Nm at only 3800rpm. New in the program is the 1.6 litre aluminium petrol engine which with its 77 kW (105 HP) and a convincing torque of 153 Nm accelerates the new Fabia from 0 to 100 km/h in only 10.1 seconds.

The thrifty three-cylinder diesel TDI engines with their displacement of 1.4 litres are offered as 51 and 59 kW (60 / 70 HP) versions, whereby the more powerful version has a diesel particle filter as an optional extra. Both engines with their carbon dioxide emission values of 120 g/km and 127 g/km respectively fall well below the limiting value of 140 g/km to be reached within the scope of the ACEA self-imposed obligation by 2008. The excellent torques of 155 and 195 Nm throughout a wide range of revs make good acceleration possible and quick reaction in the case of overtaking manoeuvres.
 

The strongest diesel engine in the range, with 1.9 litre displacement and 77 kW (105 HP) is a smooth running four-cylinder which is also offered with a diesel particle filter as an option. The maximum torque of 240 Nm is achieved at a figure of 1800/min-1 and remains constant throughout a wide range of rev counts. This in turn provides good elasticity and excellent acceleration properties.

All of the cars are supplied with an extended maintenance interval system (WIV). This system allows up to 30,000 kilometres to be driven before the instrument display requests the driver to call in at the workshop for service. Sensors constantly record data on oil temperature, rev count, driving profile, and distance driven, enabling the computer to determine the ideal time at which the service should be carried out. With a conservative driving style, the Fabia driver not only saves money, but also time, thanks to the extended maintenance intervals.

The most powerful petrol engine can be combined with a six-speed automatic transmission. In addition to the standard automatic function, this transmission is also equipped with the Tiptronic mode which makes it possible to Shift gears manually.

Combined consumptions and CO2 emissions of Fabia range:

Petrol engines:
• 1.2 HTP/44 kW: 5.9 l/100 km; 140 g/km
• 1.2 12V HTP/51 kW: 5.9 l/100 km; 140 g/km
• 1.4 16V/63 kW: 6.5 l/100 km; 155 g/km
• 1.6 16V/77 kW: 6.9 l/100 km; 165 g/km
• 1.6 16V/77 kW (A): 7.5 l/100 km; 180 g/km

Diesel engines:
• 1.4 TDI PD/51 kW: 4.8 l/100 km; 127 g/km
• 1.4 TDI PD/59 kW: 4.6 l/100 km; 120 g/km
• 1.4 TDI PD DPF/59 kW: 4.8 l/100 km; 127 g/km
• 1.9 TDI PD/77 kW: 4.9 l/100 km; 129 g/km
• 1.9 TDI PD DPF/77 kW: 5.1 l/100 km; 135 g/km

ALWAYS WITH A SAFE HOLD: THE CHASSIS

The front suspension of the new Fabia is fitted with MacPherson struts. The front axle is mounted on
a three-part sub frame which decouples the bodywork from the chassis, thus drastically reducing vibration and noise. At the rear, a semi-independent suspension reduces weight and makes the payload of an amount of 515 kilograms possible. The new Fabia understeers so that it reaches a high degree of stability and safety in curves.

The new Fabia is equipped with electro-hydraulic power steering. This enables hydraulic support to be provided exactly when needed. By means of this system, driving straight ahead requires less fuel consumption than in the case of conventional power steering and simultaneously provides the necessary power support based upon the driving situation. The new Fabia is offered with ESP as on option for the versions in the 51 kW range and higher.