A lesser powered version of the 1.4 MPI with just 60 PS (44 kW) is also sold in Eastern Europe.
Also sold in such markets is the Fabia Praktik, which is a panel van version of the Fabia with the rear windows and seats removed. Because of that, it was slightly bigger, with a diameter of 380 mm instead of the regular 370 mm found on all the other Fabia models. The Junior didn't have power steering and the steering wheel was 'borrowed' from Octavia I. Some of these Fabias do not have painted bumpers, side mirrors or gloveboxes. Easy and Junior models were sold in Eastern European markets where the buying power is lower. Various safety features and minor changes were made over time. Other models available throughout the car's lifespan included Ambiente SE, Blackline, Silverline, Sport, Bohemia (estate only, run-out model) and RS.
Later in the Fabia's life the mid-range Comfort model was dropped for the name Ambiente to fit in with the rest of the range. It was also the highest displacement 3 cylinder petrol engine until 2014 and BMW's 1.5-litre 3 cylinder turbo engine.Īt launch, the Fabia was available in three trim levels: Classic, Comfort, and Elegance. However, the 1.2 HTP (High Torque Performance) engine was developed specifically for the Fabia and offers better performance and fuel economy, and was later used in Volkswagen's own Polo due to its high acclaim. The Fabia's overall performance and fuel consumption figures fall behind other city cars and small family cars as it is larger and heavier.
The 75 PS (55 kW) version of the 1.4 16v was only mated to Volkswagen's four-speed automatic transmission with fuzzy logic operation until the addition of earlier Sport models which mated it with a manual transmission. The term MPI (Multi-Point Injection) is used by Škoda to differentiate from 16v models and (in the case of the Octavia Mk2) FSI engines. The 1.4 16v 75 PS (55 kW) petrol engine was replaced with a more powerful 1.4 16v 80 PS (59 kW) engine. These include a center rear headrest, a central three-point seatbelt and an additional four bodywork colours. Īgain in 2006, the Fabia range was shown at the Geneva Motor Show had minor specification revisions. The Sport also had its specification changed to include red seat belts and sunset privacy glass from the B pillar to the rear.
This engine was quickly dropped for the 1.2 HTP, which while not as powerful, was a much more free revving engine giving a more sporty feel and flexible drive. Most importantly, the Sport model was added, with the 75 PS (55 kW) 1.4 petrol being offered with a manual transmission. The RS also had its final gearbox ratio changed. In 2004 the Fabia received a facelift, with changed front fog lights and grille, slightly different rear lights, new steering wheel and revised specification levels. The only traces of non-VW Škoda left in the Fabia are the 1.0 and 1.4 8v "MPI" engines, which were modifications to Škoda's own 1.3 engine, and were used in pre-Volkswagen Škodas such as the Estelle and Favorit. Part of the Fabia's success was the fact that all of its mechanical parts were developed by or in conjunction with Volkswagen, but were offered in a package that is priced to undercut other models in the Volkswagen Group. The range started with the 1.0 8v Classic (which was cheaper than Volkswagen's smaller 3-door 1.0 Lupo when it went on sale) to the 1.9 PD TDi RS.
In the United Kingdom, for 2000, this car won What Car?'s "Car of the Year". It was the first model to use the Volkswagen Group's A04 platform, which it shared with the Volkswagen Polo Mk4 and SEAT Ibiza. The estate version Fabia Combi was introduced in September 2000 at the Paris Motor Show.
If (document.The first generation Fabia (given the internal type code 6Y) was officially presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1999 and production of this model started in October the same year. Always handy to have a copy although hardback do not seem to be available any more.