Škoda Fabia

Škoda Fabia
Manufacturer Škoda Auto
Production 1999–present
Predecessor Škoda Felicia
Class Supermini
Layout FF layout
Platform Volkswagen Group A0 platform
Related SEAT Ibiza Mk3
SEAT Córdoba Mk2
Volkswagen Polo Mk4

The Škoda Fabia is a supermini produced by Czech manufacturer Škoda Auto since 1999. It was the successor to the Škoda Felicia, which was discontinued in 2001. The Fabia was available in hatchback, estate (named Fabia Combi) and saloon (named Fabia Sedan) body styles while from 2007 merging in the second generation  starting with hatchback and awaiting the new estate version. No saloon variant of the current Fabia is planned. It is based on the platform of Volkswagen Polo Mk IV.

Contents


Mk1 (6Y) (1999–2007)

Škoda Fabia Mk1 (6Y)
Also called Škoda Octavia (Kenya & Uganda)[1]
Production 1999–2007
Assembly Kvasiny, Czech Republic
Nairobi, Kenya (CMC)
Solomonovo, Ukraine (Eurocar)
Body style 4-door saloon
5-door hatchback
5-door estate
Platform Volkswagen Group A04 (PQ24)
Engine

Petrol
1.0 MPI 37 kW (50 PS)
1.2 HTP 40 kW (54 PS) and 47 kW (64 PS)
1.4 MPI 44 kW (60 PS) and 50 kW (68 PS)
1.4 16V 55 kW (75 PS), 59 kW (80 PS) and 74 kW (101 PS)
2.0 MPI 85 kW (116 PS) and 88 kW (120 PS)
Diesel
1.4 TDI PD 51 kW (69 PS), 55 kW (75 PS) and 59 kW (80 PS)
1.9 SDI 47 kW (64 PS)
1.9 TDI PD 74 kW (101 PS)

1.9 TDI PD 96 kW (131 PS) - vRS only
Wheelbase 2,460 mm (96.9 in)
Length Hatchback: 3,960 mm (155.9 in)
Saloon/estate: 4,220 mm (166.1 in)
Width 1,650 mm (65.0 in)
Height 1,450 mm (57.1 in)
Related Škoda Fabia Mk2
SEAT Ibiza Mk3
SEAT Córdoba Mk2
Volkswagen Polo Mk IV

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. The estate version Fabia Combi was introduced in September 2000 at the Paris Motor Show. It was the first model to use the Volkswagen Group's A04 platform, which it shares with the Volkswagen Polo Mk IV and SEAT Ibiza. This car won 2000 What Car? "Car of the Year" in the UK.

The range starts with the 1.0 8v Classic (which is cheaper than Volkswagen's smaller 3-door 1.0 Lupo) to the 1.9 PD TDi vRS.

Part of the Fabia's success is the fact that all of its mechanical parts are developed by or in conjunction with Volkswagen, but are offered in a package that is priced to undercut other models in the Volkswagen Group. The only trace of non-VW Škoda left in the Fabia is the 1.0 and 1.4 8v "MPI" engines, which was a modification to Škoda's own 1.3 engine, and was used in pre-Volkswagen Škodas such as the Estelle and Favorit.

In 2005 the Fabia received a facelift, with changed front fog lights and grille, slightly different rear lights, new steering wheel and revised specification levels. The vRS also had its final gearbox ratio changed. Most importantly the Sport model was added, with the 75 PS (55 kW) 1.4 petrol being offered with a manual transmission. This engine was quickly dropped for the 1.2 HTP, which was not as powerful but is a much more free revving engine giving a more sporty feel, the sport also had its specification changed to include red seat belts and sunset privacy glass from the B pillar to the rear.

Again in 2006 the Fabia range shown at the Geneva Motor Show had minor specification revisions. These include a center rear head rest, a central three-point seatbelt and an additional four bodywork colours. The 1.4 16v 75 PS (55 kW) petrol engine was replaced with a more powerful 1.4 16v 80 PS (59 kW) engine.

6Y engines

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 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 1.4 8v was dropped in 2003 as it will fail to meet future emissions requirements. Its performance is heavily hampered by its old OHV (Pushrod) design. The Fabia's overall performance and fuel consumption figures fall behind other city cars and small family cars as it is larger and heavier. However, the 1.2 HTP (High Torque Performance) Engine was developed specifically for the Fabia and offers better performance and fuel economy, but later used in Volkswagen's own Polo due to its high acclaim.

Model Years Engine and code Displ. Power Torque
1.0 8V 1999–2000 I4 AQV/ATY/ARV 997 cc 37 kW (50 PS; 50 hp) @ 5000 rpm 84 N·m (62 lb·ft) @ 2750 rpm
1.2 MPI 6V 2001–2003 I3 AWY/BMD 1198 cc 40 kW (54 PS; 54 hp) @ 4750 rpm 108 N·m (80 lb·ft) @ 3000 rpm
1.2 HTP 6V 2003–2007 I3 AWY/BMD 1198 cc 40 kW (54 PS; 54 hp) @ 4750 rpm 108 N·m (80 lb·ft) @ 3000 rpm
1.2 HTP 12V 2003–2007 I3 AZQ/BME 1198 cc 47 kW (64 PS; 63 hp) @ 5400 rpm 112 N·m (83 lb·ft) @ 3000 rpm
1.4 MPI 2000–2003 I4 AZE/AZF 1397 cc 44 kW (60 PS; 59 hp) @ 5000 rpm 118 N·m (87 lb·ft) @ 2600 rpm
1.4 MPI 1999–2003 I4 AME/AQW/ATZ 1397 cc 50 kW (68 PS; 67 hp) @ 5000 rpm 120 N·m (89 lb·ft) @ 2500 rpm
1.4 16V 2000–2007 I4 APE/AUA/BBY/BKY 1390 cc 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) @ 5000 rpm 126 N·m (93 lb·ft) @ 3800 rpm
1.4 16V 2006–2007 I4 BUD 1390 cc 59 kW (80 PS; 79 hp) @ 5000 rpm 132 N·m (97 lb·ft) @ 3800 rpm
1.4 16V 1999–2007 I4 AUB/BBZ 1390 cc 74 kW (101 PS; 99 hp) @ 6000 rpm 126 N·m (93 lb·ft) @ 4400 rpm
2.0 8V 1999–2000 I4 ATF 1984 cc 88 kW (120 PS; 118 hp) @ 5600 rpm 174 N·m (128 lb·ft) @ 2400 rpm
2.0 8V 2000–2007 I4 AZL/BBX 1984 cc 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) @ 5200 rpm 170 N·m (130 lb·ft) @ 2400 rpm
1.4 TDI 6V 2005–2007 I3 BNM 1422 cc 51 kW (69 PS; 68 hp) @ 4000 rpm 155 N·m (114 lb·ft) @ 1600–2800 rpm
1.4 TDI 6V 2003–2005 I3 AMF 1422 cc 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) @ 4000 rpm 195 N·m (144 lb·ft) @ 2200 rpm
1.4 TDI 6V 2005–2008 I3 BNV 1422 cc 59 kW (80 PS; 79 hp) @ 4000 rpm 195 N·m (144 lb·ft) @ 2200 rpm
1.9 SDI 8V 1999–2006 I4 ASY 1896 cc 47 kW (64 PS; 63 hp) @ 4000 rpm 125 N·m (92 lb·ft) @ 1600–2800 rpm
1.9 TDI PD 8V 2000–2007 I4 ATD/AXR 1896 cc 74 kW (101 PS; 99 hp) @ 4000 rpm 240 N·m (180 lb·ft) @ 1800–2400 rpm
1.9 TDI PD 8V RS 2003–2007 I4 ASZ/BLT 1896 cc 96 kW (131 PS; 129 hp) @ 4000 rpm 310 N·m (230 lb·ft) @ 1900 rpm

6Y trim levels

At launch, the Fabia was available in three trim levels: Classic, Comfort, and Elegance. 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. Other models available throughout the car's lifespan included Ambiente SE, Blackline, Silverline, Sport, Bohemia (Estate only, run-out model) and vRS. Various safety features and minor changes were made over time. Easy and Junior models are sold in Eastern European markets where budgets are lower. Some of these Fabias do not have painted bumpers or gloveboxes. 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. A lesser powered version of the 1.4 MPI with just 60 PS (44 kW) is also sold in Eastern Europe.

Fabia vRS

Introduced in 2003, the Fabia vRS, while not the first diesel hot hatch, was the first exclusively diesel hot hatch, having no petrol equivalent. The engine is Volkswagen Group's 1.9 litre Pumpe-Düse Turbocharged Direct Injection diesel engine, producing 130 metric horsepower (96 kW) and 310 N·m (230 lb·ft) at 1900 rpm, with a six speed manual gearbox. It was named the "Diesel Car of the Year 2003" in the Scottish Car of the Year Awards. It also falls in a low tax band (Band C) in the UK, further increasing its cost benefits over its (chiefly petrol-powered) counterparts.

Official figures state 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 9.6 seconds, but several motoring magazines and websites have measured faster times (around the 7.0-7.5 seconds range) (Autocar: 7.1 seconds,[2] Auto Express: 8.1 seconds,[3] and FastHatchbacks.com: 8.5 seconds[4]). The in gear acceleration times are 50-70 mph in 5.6 seconds, quicker than BMW's 330i which takes 6.0 seconds. 20-40 mph in 2.4 seconds is as quick as the Lotus Elise 111R. Despite this the Fabia vRS can achieve better than 6.2 L/100 km (46 mpg-imp; 38 mpg-US). If driven carefully some drivers have experienced MPG rates of 65-70 mpg over long periods. The Fabia VRS has a top speed of 128 mph (206 km/h).

The vRS was shown to be quicker than a similarly priced MINI Cooper around Top Gear's and Fifth Gear's test tracks.

In 2007 1,000 Special Edition Fabia vRS models were produced[5] featuring individually numbered black leather seats, sporty red brake callipers, Race Blue metallic paint and a 6 CD autochanger. This model was known as the Fabia vRS SE.

The last Mk1 Fabia vRS came off the production plant in March 2007 - being UK 2007/07 registered. According to Skoda UK, there were only 22 of these 2007 registered marks (not including the 1000 Special Edition vRS SE).

Mk2 (5J) (2007–present)

Škoda Fabia Mk2 (5J)
Also called Škoda Fabia Jingrui (China)
Škoda Fabia 5J (Ukraine, 7/2007 bis 4/2010)
Škoda Fabia MG (Ukraine, since 4/2010)
Skoda Rapid(india)
Production 2007–present
Assembly Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic Aurangabad, India (CKD)
Oskemen, Kazakhstan (Azia Avto)
Shanghai, China (SVW)
Solomonovo, Ukraine (Eurocar)
Body style 5-door hatchback
5-door estate
4 door sedan(Rapid)
Platform Volkswagen Group PQ24
Engine Petrol
1.2 HTP (44 and 51 kW)
1.2 TSI (63 and 77 kW)
1.4 16v (63 kW)
1.4 TSI (132 kW) - vRS only
1.6 16v (77 kW)
Diesel
1.2 TDI CR (55 kW)
1.4 TDI PD(51 and 59 kW)
1.6 TDI CR(55, 66 and 77 kW)
1.9 TDI PD (77 kW)
Transmission 5-speed manual
6-speed manual
6-speed tiptronic transmission
7-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox
Wheelbase 2,460 mm (96.9 in)
Length 4,000 mm (157.5 in)
Width 1,642 mm (64.6 in)
Height 1,498 mm (59.0 in)
Related Škoda Fabia Mk1
Škoda Roomster
SEAT Ibiza Mk3
SEAT Córdoba Mk2
Volkswagen Polo Mk IV

The second generation Fabia (internal type code 5J) was officially presented at the Geneva Auto Show in March 2007[6] and was sold from April 2007. It still uses the PQ24 platform.[7][8][9] The car is however slightly larger than its predecessor and takes styling cues from the new Roomster leisure activity vehicle.[10]. The exterior of the two cars, Roomster and Fabia, were designed simultaneously to create synergies by Thomas Ingenlath and Peter Wouda.

For the launch of the new Fabia, Škoda UK commissioned an advertising campaign called Cake, featuring the making of a Škoda Fabia car out of cake which swapped rivets for raisins, metal for marzipan and spark plugs for sugar.[11] The soundtrack for the advert was "My Favorite Things", from The Sound of Music.

Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive introduced the new Fabia to the public at the 2008 Guangzhou Motor Show. It was launched in China for the 2009 model year.

The estate variant[12][13] was officially announced[14] in August 2007 and was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007.[15] Compared with the first generation the new Combi is 7 mm (0.3 in) longer, 46 mm (1.8 in) higher and the boot has grown by 54 litres (to 480 litres total). The engine portfolio is the same as the hatchback version, without the 1.2 44 kW one.

Skoda India

Skoda India launched the latest version of Fabia in 2007. The car however couldn't live up to the hype created by the previous generation Octavia. Fabia has not succeeded in this market due to dealer problems, steep prices and Skoda trying to position itself as a luxury marque.

Skoda has decided to bring in more powerful engines at better prices and taken strict measures to curb dealer quality levels primarily the service costs.

5J engines

The initial petrol engine lineup was a mixture of newer engines from Audi and some carry overs from the outgoing model. The base 1.2 remains the same (44 kW) while the higher powered version has its power output upped to 70 PS (51 kW). There was only a single 1.4 litre 16v petrol on this model, producing 85 PS (63 kW). The range topping petrol engine was the 1.6 16v engine producing 105 PS (77 kW) . There was also an option to link this engine to a 6 speed tiptronic transmission sourced from Aisin.

Diesel engines consisted of the same 70 PS (51 kW) and 80 PS (59 kW) 1.4 TDI units from before. The range topping diesel was a 1.9 TDI producing 105 PS (77 kW).

As of 2010, the engine line-up was updated along with a facelift; this was introduced at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. 1.2 litre TSi turbocharged petrol engines replaced the previous 1.4 and 1.6 litre engines, providing significant improvement to fuel consumption and corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions. The Aisin automatic transmission previously used was also replaced with the 7-speed DSG system (optional on 77 kW (105 PS; 103 hp) 1.2 TSi models), providing a reduction of over 30% in CO2 emissions for the 77 kW (105 PS; 103 hp) automatic derivative (compared to the previous 1.6 litre)[16]. Diesel engines were updated to the common rail system and 4-valve technology.

The top-of-the-line VRS model features the same 1.4 litre engine as the Volkswagen Polo Mk5 GTI, producing 180 PS (132 kW) and is fitted with a 7-speed DSG transmission as standard. The VRS had its own version of the Cake advert, with a rock/metal cover of 'My Favorite Things', emphasizing the advert's "meaner" theming.

Model Years Engine and code Displ. Power Torque
1.2 HTP 2008– I3 6V BBM 1198 cc 44 kW (60 PS; 59 hp) @ 5200 rpm 108 N·m (80 lb·ft) @ 3000 rpm
1.2 HTP 2008– I3 12V BZG 1198 cc 51 kW (69 PS; 68 hp) @ 5400 rpm 112 N·m (83 lb·ft) @ 3000 rpm
1.4 2008– I4 16V BXW/CGGB 1390 cc 63 kW (86 PS; 84 hp) @ 5000 rpm 132 N·m (97 lb·ft) @ 3800 rpm
1.6 2008–2010 I4 16V BTS 1598 cc 77 kW (105 PS; 103 hp) @ 5600 rpm 153 N·m (113 lb·ft) @ 3800 rpm
1.2 TSI 2010– I4 8V CBZA 1197 cc 63 kW (86 PS; 84 hp) @ 4800 rpm 160 N·m (120 lb·ft) @ 1500-3500 rpm
1.2 TSI 2010– I4 8V CBZB 1197 cc 77 kW (105 PS; 103 hp) @ 5000 rpm 175 N·m (129 lb·ft) @ 1550-4100 rpm
1.4 TSI 2010– I4 16V CAVE 1397 cc 132 kW (179 PS; 177 hp) @ 6200 rpm 250 N·m (180 lb·ft) @ 2000-4200 rpm
1.2 TDI CR 2010- I3 12V CFWA 1199 cc 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) @ 4200 rpm 180 N·m (130 lb·ft) @ 2000 rpm
1.4 TDI PD 2008–2010 I3 6V BNM 1422 cc 51 kW (69 PS; 68 hp) @ 4000 rpm 155 N·m (114 lb·ft) @ 1600–2800 rpm
1.4 TDI PD 2008–2010 I3 6V BMS 1422 cc 59 kW (80 PS; 79 hp) @ 4000 rpm 195 N·m (144 lb·ft) @ 2200 rpm
1.6 TDI CR 2010– I4 16V CAYA 1598 cc 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) @ 4000 rpm 195 N·m (144 lb·ft) @ 1500-2000 rpm
1.6 TDI CR 2010– I4 16V CAYB 1598 cc 66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) @ 4200 rpm 230 N·m (170 lb·ft) @ 1500-2500 rpm
1.6 TDI CR 2010– I4 16V CAYC 1598 cc 77 kW (105 PS; 103 hp) @ 4400 rpm 250 N·m (180 lb·ft) @ 1500-2500 rpm
1.9 TDI PD 2008–2010 I4 8V BSW / BLS 1896 cc 77 kW (105 PS; 103 hp) @ 4000 rpm 240 N·m (180 lb·ft) @ 1800/1900(*) rpm

* with DPF filter

5J features

The second generation Fabia trim levels are Classic, Ambiente, Sport and Elegance. In the UK the trim levels are 1, 2, Sport, 3, and Greenline (later S, SE, Elegance, and Greenline). In India, the trim levels are Active, Classic, Ambiente and Elegance. All models sold within the EU are equipped with front passenger, driver and side airbags. Curtain airbags are available as an option. All models are fitted with a central locking system that automatically locks itself if the keys are not in the ignition and the bonnet gets closed. This is a built-in safety measure to stop people hot-wiring the car then driving off. Also to stop people breaking in if the car was locked by the keys only the keys can open it again meaning no one can break the window and open it from the inside if it was locked by the owner.

Skilful car thieves have been known to remove the bonnet completely and drive off. This has resulted in high demand for replacement bonnets as well as unsuspecting bonnet purchasers having their homes raided by police in search of a stolen Skoda.

5J safety

Škoda Fabia passed the Euro NCAP car safety tests[17] with these ratings:

5J awards

2007: Serbian Car of the Year 2007[18]

References

  1. ^ "SUZUKI KENYA ~ A division of CMC Group". Cmcmotors.com. http://www.cmcmotors.com/skoda/showroom.php?subcat=6. Retrieved 2010-10-02. 
  2. ^ AutoCar (2004-10-12). "Czechaholic: Skoda Fabia vRS Long Test". Archived from the original on 2007-05-27. http://web.archive.org/web/20070527235556/http://www.fabia-vrs.com/autocar.htm. Retrieved 2007-03-02. 
  3. ^ Auto Express (2005-07-00). "Skoda Fabia vRS Long Term Test". http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/longtermtests/57369/skoda_fabia_vrs.html. Retrieved 2007-03-04. 
  4. ^ FastHatchbacks.com (2004-03-01). "Long Term Skoda Fabia vRS". http://www.fasthatchbacks.com/newsstory.php?reviewField=2239&type=9. Retrieved 2007-03-04. 
  5. ^ Skoda.UK. "Fabia vRS Special Edition". http://www.skoda.co.uk/skoda3g/content/whatsnew/specialeditionvRS.aspx. Retrieved 2007-07-27. 
  6. ^ Euro Auto Trends (2006-12-12). "Skoda to launch Fabia II". http://www.euroautotrends.com/skoda-to-launch-fabia-ii/. Retrieved 2007-07-19. 
  7. ^ The Ibiza is the first small model to use VW group’s PQ25 architecture, which later will underpin the VW Polo. http://www.autonews.com/article/20080512/ANE03/805322889
  8. ^ Next generation VW small car platform to offer all-wheel drive http://www.leftlanenews.com/next-generation-vw-small-car-platform-to-offer-all-wheel-drive.html
  9. ^ Volkswagen Polo And Audi A1 Will Share New AWD Platform http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/volkswagen-polo-and-audi-a1-will-share-new-awd-platform-ar57033.html
  10. ^ Auto Express (2007-04). "Skoda Fabia". http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/208268/skoda_fabia.html. Retrieved 2007-07-25. 
  11. ^ The Inspiration Room Daily (2007-05-27). "Skoda Fabia Cake". http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/2007/skoda-fabia-cake. Retrieved 2007-07-26. 
  12. ^ WhatCar? (2007-07-17). "First look at Skoda Fabia Estate". http://www.whatcar.co.uk/news-article.aspx?NA=226572. Retrieved 2007-07-25. 
  13. ^ Autoblog (2007-07-18). "Big Tease: Skoda releases teaser pic of Fabia Estate". http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/18/big-tease-skoda-releases-teaser-pic-of-fabia-estate/. Retrieved 2007-07-25. 
  14. ^ Škoda-Auto (2007-08-14). "The New Škoda Fabia Combi". http://new.skoda-auto.com/COM/about/info/news/News/Pages/NewFabiaCombiIAA.aspx. Retrieved 2007-08-14. 
  15. ^ Škoda-Auto.com (2007-07-16). "New Škoda Fabia Combi". http://new.skoda-auto.com/COM/about/info/news/News/Pages/New%C5%A0kodaFabiaCombi.aspx. Retrieved 2007-07-18. 
  16. ^ Auto Express. "Auto Express Skoda Fabia 2010 Review". http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/253015/skoda_fabia.html. Retrieved 2011-10-18. 
  17. ^ Euro NCAP. "Skoda Fabia". http://www.euroncap.com/Content-CarAssessment/6a9ad78c-19f0-43bd-95d7-a67421791a5e/skoda-fabia.aspx. Retrieved 2007-07-26. 
  18. ^ MotorTorque.com (2007-04-29). "Skoda Fabia wins ´Car of the Year´ award — in Serbia". Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. http://web.archive.org/web/20070927091445/http://www.askaprice.com/torque-article.asp?article=Skoda_Fabia_wins_%C2%B4Car_of_the_Year%C2%B4_award_-_in_Serbia&item=3048. Retrieved 2007-07-27. 

External links