Fabia MkI (6Y) (1999-2007)
Overview
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.
The range starts with the 1.2 6v 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 1.4 8v "MPI" Engine, 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.
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 even 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.
Skoda 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 9.5 seconds, but several motoring magazines and websites have measured faster times (around the 7.0-7.5 seconds range) (Autocar: 7.1 seconds, Auto Express: 8.1 seconds, and FastHatchbacks.com: 8.5 seconds). 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 5.4 L/100 km (52 mpg-imp; 44 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 approximately 130 mph (210 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 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).
Fabia MkII (5J) (2007-present)
Overview
The second generation Fabia (internal type code 5J) was officially presented at the Geneva Auto Show in March 2007 and was sold from April 2007. However, unlike the Mk4 Seat Ibiza and Mk5 VW Polo, the second generation Fabia is not based on the VW Group's PQ25 platform, instead being based on the PQ24 platform like the first generation model. The car is however slightly larger than its predecessor and takes styling cues from the new Roomster leisure activity vehicle.
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.
Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive introduces the new Fabia to the public at the 2008 Guangzhou Motor Show. And it sells as 2009 model year in China.
The estate variant was officially announced in August 2007 and was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007. 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.
Trim Levels
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. 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.