The latest generation of Škoda’s little hatchback, the Fabia, was launched back in 2021, but to keep things spicy, the Czech automaker finally announced the Fabia RS Rally2 race car. This iteration of the Fabia is not only more powerful but also comes with a five-speed sequential gearbox, dual-axle differentials, and all-wheel-drive madness. Built for racing, the new Fabia RS Rally2 is wider, longer, and has all the qualities of a rally car from your dream. But is it worth it?

The motorsport division of Škoda has been busy developing the RS Rally2. The exterior of the RS Rally2 is heavily based on the current Fabia but has racing livery, along with broader body panels and more aerodynamic bodywork for maximum downforce. Based on VW’s MQB platform, the racing iteration of the Fabia has the attention it needs, especially from the front end. The LED headlights remain unchanged, but the intake grille is broader and more significant than standard Fabia. Also, a lip spoiler is mounted on the bumper for increased downforce. Finally, a pair of hood vents add the sportiness that was missing on the default car.

The wide fenders and 18-inch blacked-out wheels are exposed from the sides, along with the 13.7-inch front discs. However, Škoda will offer a gravel-specific variant of the Rally2 with small 15-inch wheels. From the rear, the RS Rally2 looks kind of boxy with the wide rear fenders. In addition, there is a single exhaust tip that is placed on the right. But, the roof spoiler looks vast and sticks out quite a bit more than other mainstream hot hatches, like the Toyota GR Corolla.

It is finally the time to talk engine specs, and the Fabia RS Rally2 will surprise you. You might expect a 2.0-liter engine like the one would find under the hood of the Golf GTI and Golf R. The Fabia RS Rally2, however, is powered by a rebuilt 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four that cranks out a healthy 291 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The automaker confirmed that the top speed is limited to 124 mph, which is decent since nobody cares about the top speed of rally cars. However, the gearbox is a five-speed sequential gearbox, and the engine drives all four wheels. To make things more spirited, Škoda has fitted two mechanical differentials on each axle for taking sharp turns without losing stability, both on and off the road. Since there is no traction control system onboard, this system will come in handy.

Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 specifications

Engine

1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four

Power

291 horsepower

Torque

317 LB-FT

Top speed

124 mph

Transmission

five-speed sequential


The Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 will not make it to the States, as other Škoda cars didn’t. But don’t get upset. There are plenty of hot hatches to consider, including the Volkswagen Golf R,, Hyundai Veloster N, and the Toyota GR Corolla. But the RS Rally2 would be a great car, given it has all the specs of a rally car.