Skoda Fabia 2022: bigger footprint, steps up in safety

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Skoda has unveiled the all-new Fabia small hatch which promises more space inside along with an increase in safety and technology with an expected local arrival date of early 2022.

The new generation wears a refreshed and we think handsome design that echoes that of the Skoda Kamiq small SUV and its bigger brother the Skoda Scala.

The fourth-generation Fabia also now sits on the same MQB-A0 as its aforementioned siblings, and has grown as a result. Expanding by a sizable 111mm to 4.11m in length.

Of that added length, 94mm has gone into the wheelbase that, when matched with the 48mm expansion in width, should make the Fabia far more spacious inside. 

Boot storage has also expanded by 50L to an impressive 380L, pop the rear seats down and that space opens up to 1,190L – making it the most spacious car in its segment according to Skoda. 

As part of the new design, Skoda has also included a new cooling shutter system at the front that opens in temperature-challenging conditions such as start-stop traffic but slams shut on the highway to provide an improved drag coefficient of 0.28.

Skoda has attempted to neutralise sound in the cabin with the design reducing air turbulence and vibrations – along with the redesigned and more slick wheels that range from 14 to 18-inch sizes.

Aside from the inherent increase in space, Skoda has also updated the interior with a new dual-zone climate control system – with air vents also fitted to the rear in somewhat of a rarity in this segment.

Buyers can also option a panoramic roof which can be entirely blocked out with a foldable sun visor when not needed.

While Australia-specific equipment is yet to be confirmed, internationally Skoda is offering a range of infotainment screens ranging from a 6.5 to 9.2-inch display with digital radio, four speakers in the front and two in the rear as standard.

The cockpit now can be equipped with up to five USB C ports but you might not even need them with the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an optional wireless charger.

One of the USB C ports has been placed directly behind the mirror for dash cam fitment, along with other handy features such as hooks in the boot area to hang up coats without bothering passengers in the back seat.

Working in conjunction with the centre screen is the new digital instrument cluster that can also be had in a wide range of choices from a 10.25-inch all-encompassing display to a 3.5-inch unit that works alongside an analogue dial.

Skoda has yet to fully detail what engines will be available locally in the new Fabia but says five different petrol engines will be offered from the factory, with power outputs ranging from a three-cylinder engine making 48kW to a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine making 110kW/250Nm. 

Historically Australia has received the more powerful engine options, with the Skoda Scala exclusively fitted with the 110kW 1.5L turbocharged engine in Australia – but we’ll have to wait for official confirmation to know for sure.

With the updated platform now in use, Skoda says it could fit more active safety systems which includes the likes of adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and blind-spot monitoring. 

The Fabia now has AEB with pedestrian and cyclist recognition, along with a full suite of sensors around the car. Additionally, features such as Park Assist allow the Fabia to park itself if it identifies a suitable position. 

But even if a crash is unavoidable the Fabia should be a safe place to be with up to nine airbags, including a knee airbag for the front occupants – along with a range of ISOFIX points and tether anchor points in the backseats allowing families to fit up to three child seats if needed.

Skoda has yet to confirm if the Fabia will be coming to Australia but Chasing Cars understands it will likely make its way to our shores early next year, with more details likely to follow closer to the launch date.