World premiere of new ŠKODA Fabia Combi at the Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris

• Best in class: boot now has a capacity of 530 litres; interior is longer and wider
• ‘Simply Clever’: up to 17 practical features, 10 of which are new
• Emotionally-rich: crisp design, customisable interior
• Connected: new ŠKODA Fabia Combi with MirrorLink™ and SmartGate technology 
• Top-level safety and comfort on the basis of modern MQB assistance systems
• Environment: up to 17% more efficient; lowest CO₂ emissions of 82 g/km 
• Individuality: innovative interior concept
• Bestseller: the market leader in its segment – since 2000, over 1.1 million ŠKODA Fabia Combis have been sold worldwide
• Market launch will begin in early 2015

Raise the curtain for the new ŠKODA Fabia Combi: at this year’s Paris Motor Show, the new ŠKODA Fabia Combi celebrates its world premiere alongside the new ŠKODA Fabia hatchback. The new Fabia Combi is the most popular model in the small car segment, and the third-generation Fabia Combi once again sets standards with its space, functionality and environmentally friendly use. Its new design is based on an expressive and emotionally-rich design language. It comes with state-of-the-art safety, comfort and infotainment systems from higher vehicle segments, among them the new MirrorLink™ and SmartGate technology for pairing the car with a smartphone. The new ŠKODA Fabia Combi will be available in Europe from January 2015.

“The new ŠKODA Fabia Combi is the perfect combination of space, functionality and emotionally-rich design. On top of that, it scores with modern technology,” says ŠKODA CEO Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. “A modern, fresh car that stands for the best brand values of ŠKODA with the largest interior space in the small car estate segment. At the same time it extensively meets the increased requirements on connectivity and customisation,” says Prof. Dr. Vahland.

Just a few weeks after the launch of the new ŠKODA Fabia hatchback model, the new ŠKODA Fabia Combi will hit the first European markets in early 2015. With this new edition, the Czech manufacturer intends to build further on the success of the popular estate car. Since 2000, the ŠKODA Fabia Combi has been an integral part of ŠKODA’s model range. To date (as of 31.08.2014) ŠKODA has delivered more than 1.1 million ŠKODA Fabia Combis to customers. 

Since its launch, the ŠKODA Fabia Combi has embodied all of the good ŠKODA qualities: lots of space within compact outer dimensions, many practical solutions, low fuel consumption, dependable technology and excellent value for money. This combination has made it a bestseller in the small car segment. 

Excellent space: the largest boot capacity in its segment

Compact on the outside, the new ŠKODA Fabia Combi offers lots of space for up to five people and their luggage. The 530 litre boot capacity (1,395 litres with the back seat folded down) is the largest in its segment. The basis volume has increased by 25 litres compared to its predecessor. 

The rear seats can be folded down in two positions: the seat is folded first and then the backrest. This increases the flexibility of the interior. Items up to 1.55 metres long can fit into the car. The loading floor is 960 mm wide, 2 mm longer than in the previous model. The tailgate opens to 1,900 mm and is 1,028 mm wide. The loading sill is only 611 mm high making loading the car up easy. 

At the same time, the car interior is now wider (by 21 mm) and longer (by 8 mm) and, although the car is now slightly lower, there is also more headroom for the driver and front seat passenger.

Up to 17 ‘Simply Clever’ solutions

The new ŠKODA Fabia Combi does not only have plenty of space but is also more practical and cleverer than ever before. Up to 17 ‘Simply Clever’ solutions make life easier in the Fabia Combi, ten of them are new to this model.

The new ŠKODA Fabia Combi is available with an adjustable false boot floor as an optional extra. This is a removable shelf which divides the boot into two horizontal compartments, allowing storage on two levels. Simply sliding the shelf into two slots will hold it in its upper position. For easy loading and unloading, the shelf can also be locked at an angle. To use the boot without a partition, simply slide the shelf into its lower position.

The new MirrorLink™ technology brings smartphone applications (apps) including navigation to the infotainment system’s display. With the SmartGate function, certain vehicle data can be displayed, saved and accessed in dedicated apps on the user’s smartphone. 

The new Fabia Combi now features an ice scraper in the fuel filler flap as standard. The ice scraper slides into a slot on the inside of the fuel filler flap, ready for use at any time. A mobile phone, smartphone or an iPod can be stored in the new multimedia device cradle located in the cup holder on the centre console. The high-vis vest, now mandatory in many countries, has a convenient dedicated storage compartment in the driver’s door. A waste bin is available for the passenger door. Storage nets on the inside edges of the front seats will hold miscellaneous small items. 

The new model offers more room for drinks bottles. Both rear doors will now hold a 0.5-litre bottle. An additional 1.0-litre bottle will fit in the glove compartment. With these, the ŠKODA Fabia now offers space for a total of seven bottles. A 1.5-litre drinks bottle can be stored in each of the front doors, a 0.5-litre bottle in each of the rear doors, a 0.5-litre and a 0.4-litre bottle in the centre console and a 1.0-litre bottle can be stored in the glove compartment.

The new ŠKODA Fabia also offers further ‘Simply Clever’ features that proved themselves valuable in the its second-generation model. 

The new ŠKODA Fabia Combi has a removable retractable cover for the boot: pressing the edge of the extended cover will cause it to roll up. Two bag hooks are available in the boot. In the Fabia Combi, the optional netting system comprising of three storage nets (2 vertical, 1 horizontal) keeps the boot space tidy. In addition, an optional flexible storage compartment for the boot will hold miscellaneous items in place.

The standard parking ticket holder on the inside of the left-hand A-pillar lets the driver slip in a ticket for easy display. Another ‘Simply Clever’ feature is the corner light function of the fog lights.

Pure emotion: a crisp, sporty design

The new emotionally-charged design of the new ŠKODA Fabia Combi complements its outstanding functionality perfectly. As the hatchback model, the new Fabia Combi impresses with design elements from the VisionCshow car, dynamic proportions and modern, crisp design language. 

The new, balanced proportions suit the new ŠKODA Fabia Combi particularly well, precise lines and sharp edges are proof of the high-quality manufacturing and accurate workmanship. Added to this, are a distinctive interplay of light and shade and the use of crystalline shapes.

The new ŠKODA Fabia Combi is 10 mm longer, 90 mm wider and 31 mm lower than its predecessor. The front is identical to the hatchback model and appears more assured and imposing thanks to the added width and strong emphasis on horizontal lines. Distinctive elements are, as in the hatchback, the razor-sharp, wide headlights, the crystalline glass cut, the characteristic slatted grille and the brand’s logo on the bonnet’s ‘nose’. The designers highlighted the graphic unity of the grille and the lights, precisely marking out all lines and edges such as in the two distinctive beadings running from the outside to the inside of the bonnet.

The sides convey dynamism and emotion. The car’s silhouette appears as if made from one piece. An effect created by a crisp tornado line and the so-called wing line marking the side of the car as well as the slim pillars, the interplay of light and shade, the gently rearward sloping roof line and the completely new, attractive range of wheels.

The rear of the ŠKODA Fabia Combi exudes strength and assurance. It is clean, tidy and boldly contoured with yet another emphasis on horizontal lines. The tail lights in the typical ŠKODA C shape have contrasting dark edging and intricate detail in the style of Czech glass-making tradition. 

The new ŠKODA Fabia Combi has ample scope for individual configuration. The car’s all-new interior impresses with quality, precise workmanship, an emphasis on horizontal lines and a wide array of colours and colour combinations.

New benchmarks in efficiency and emissions: CO₂ emissions from 82 g/km 

The new Fabia Combi is more environmentally friendly than ever before with fuel consumption reduced by up to 17 per cent compared to the second-generation model. Fuel consumption is now, at its best, down to 3.1 l/100 km and CO2 emissions are just 82 g/km in the ŠKODA Fabia Combi GreenLine (available in 2015). These impressive improvements are the result of a completely new generation of petrol and diesel engines, radical weight reduction down to 1,004 kg and improved aerodynamics.

These excellent results are due to Volkswagen’s innovative MQB technology. Customers can choose from a total of three petrol and three diesel engines. All engines comply with EU6 emission standards and come with a Start-Stop System and brake energy recovery. Power output in the petrol engines ranges from 55 kW (75 PS) to 81 kW (110 PS). The new three-cylinder diesel range offers between 55 kW (75 PS) and 77 kW (105 PS). Transmissions are modern manual or automatic DSG gearboxes.

A comfortable chassis was particularly important in the development of the new ŠKODA Fabia Combi and the engineers delivered even more comfort and optimum ride stability. Finely-adjusted interplay between the new electro-mechanical steering, the new engines and the redesigned engine mounting enabled designers to significantly improve the chassis setup.

The model benefits not least from a wider track (30 mm) both at the front and the rear and a wheelbase that is 5 mm longer. The vehicle design of the new Fabia Combi is based on a modular concept, drawing for the most part on Volkswagen’s MQB technology, e.g. engines, electro-mechanical steering and a large part of the electrics (electrical architecture, such as ECUs, instrument cluster, infotainment and assistance systems).

Despite added technology and comfort, the vehicle’s weight is significantly reduced. Compared to the second generation, the new ŠKODA Fabia Combi is up to 55 kg lighter (depending on vehicle configuration). The ŠKODA Fabia Combi with a 1.0 MPI three-cylinder engine has a kerb weight (without the driver) of just 1,004 kg.

MQB technology for active and passive safety; systems from higher vehicle classes

The new ŠKODA Fabia Combi impresses with its high level of safety achieved with safety systems from higher vehicle classes. The optional Front Assistant with integrated City Emergency Braking Function, which automatically brings the vehicle to a complete stop, reduces the risk of rear-end collisions. The Multi-Collision Brake System will automatically slow the car down after an accident to prevent a follow-on collision.

The Driver Activity Assistant will detect fatigue in the driver, while the new Speedlimiter can prevent the car from exceeding a pre-set speed. Hill-Hold Control will help drivers start on a gradient. Also, the new Fabia Combi comes with an electronic tyre pressure monitor as standard in EU countries.

The new ŠKODA Fabia Combi has the enhanced electronic differential lock function XDS+ as standard, which maximises traction when cornering.

Passive safety elements include up to six airbags for finely adjusted interaction with the car’s three-point seatbelts.

Innovative comfort systems

The third-generation Fabia Combi offers a new level of comfort. A first in the model is KESSY (Keyless Entry Start and Exit System), the automatic locking and starting system. Front and rear parking sensors also make a debut in this Fabia Combi. Previously, this technology was only available for the rear of the Fabia Combi.  

The Rain-Light Assistant ensures optimum visibility with integrated sensors for rain and ambient light. The rain sensor automatically controls the windshield wipers’ frequency, while the light sensor switches the low beams on and off depending on light conditions.

Making its debut in the ŠKODA Fabia Combi is the new C-EPS (Column-Electric Power Steering), which saves weight and fuel and replaces the electro-hydraulic power steering used previously.

For the first time, customers can order the ŠKODA Fabia Combi with a large panoramic glass roof which adds to the ‘feel-good’ factor on board.

The infotainment systems in the new ŠKODA Fabia Combi are all-new concepts based on Volkswagen’s MIB (modular infotainment matrix) technology. They enable an array of attractive applications previously unavailable in a small car, including a touchscreen display with swipe operation. Customers can choose between three radio systems.  

The new-generation air conditioning with control on MQB basis offers optimum comfort too. Both manual air conditioning and fully-automatic Climatronic climate control are available. In comparison to the technology used in previous Fabia Combi models, this new Climatronic system is considerably more efficient. The electronic control captures all the important influences and variables such as the intensity of the sun and the external temperature, and automatically adjusts the flow of cool air to suit. Climatronic not only regulates the air temperature but also the intensity and direction of the air flow.