Skoda has confirmed it will bring a more affordable version of its Fabia city hatch to Australia around July.
Local boss Michael Irmer told media about a slew of new product launches for the rest of 2024, focused on bringing back more attainable entry points in line with the brand’s value pitch.
The new Fabia ‘entry’ will be positioned more in line with a mid-tier variant, but should bring the price point much lower than the current Monte Carlo Edition 150, which is priced from $38,990 drive-away.
Mr Irmer was very tight-lipped on the details, but CarExpert understands the new base Fabia will sub the Monte Carlo’s 1.5 TSI four-cylinder turbo for the 1.0 TSI three-cylinder turbo used in base versions of the Kamiq and Scala, as well as the related VW Polo.
Overseas model shown
Skoda’s mid-tier grade is usually dubbed Style, which means the cheaper Fabia should retain a still solid level of specification when it comes to active safety systems, as well as convenience features.
Using the UK range as a guide, it appears reflector-type LED headlights and daytime running lights are standard across the range, as is a basic 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster. Even the base SE Comfort spec in Britain is fitted with alloy wheels and a touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It would seem unlikely Skoda would bring in a price-leading manual version of the Fabia, given it no longer sells manuals in Australia. So, expect the 85kW 1.0 TSI with seven-speed DSG dual-clutch auto to be the standard drivetrain for the new entry model.
CarExpert expects this new Fabia Style to land around the $30,000 drive-away mark. In the UK the 110kW 1.5 TSI commands a near £2000 (A$3871) premium over the 85kW 1.0 TSI with DSG in equivalent Monte Carlo trim, while there’s a £3235 (A$6262) difference between the base prices of SE Comfort and Monte Carlo trim levels.
Overseas model shown
The pre-facelift Scala Ambition with the same 85KW 1.0 TSI drivetrain currently retails for $33,990 drive-away, and may push upmarket with the facelift due around the same time as the new Fabia variant.
For reference, the related Volkswagen Polo is currently priced from $29,490 before on-road costs for the entry-level 85TSI Life, which works out to about $33,500 drive-away.
The new Fabia variant will land around the same time as the aforementioned Scala facelift, and behind the updated Kamiq. From there the Czech subsidiary of Volkswagen Group will launch the all-new Kodiaq and Enyaq before year’s end, as well as the facelifted Octavia.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for the latest.
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