Skoda's small car, the Fabia, takes up a new role in Law Enforcement.

The ŠKODA Fabia showcased its strengths as an emergency response vehicle at the National Association of Police Fleet Managers Conference (NAPFM) this week.  

The 2015 What Car? Car of the Year, ŠKODA Fabia, has found a new vocation in law enforcement. ŠKODA showcased the Fabia as a fully liveried police car at the event in Telford. Now in its 42nd year, NAPFM is one of the largest emergency service fleet events in Europe and caters for police, fire and rescue and ambulance vehicles.

This was the first glimpse of Fabia in police livery since ŠKODA was reappointed as an approved Crown Commercial Services supplier. The new framework now includes ‘Lot 7’ emergency service vehicles.

Sitting in the beat car category, the ŠKODA Fabia certainly lives up to its recent billing as 'Best Small Car' at the 2015 Fleet News Awards. With a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, six airbags and an autonomous braking system as standard from SE, the Fabia provides proper protection for those who serve and protect us.

The model displayed, the Fabia Hatch 1.4 TDI 90PS SE, would perfectly suit the rigours of life on the street, with its 83.1mpg combined fuel consumption figure meaning it can theoretically remain on patrol for over 800 miles on a single tank.

Some 10 Fabia 1.4 TDI 90PS SE models were taken away from NAPFM this week by emergency services customers for extended three-month road tests. Speaking at the NAPFM Conference, ŠKODA Emergency Services Technical Sales Manager, Steven Cowell, said: “The ŠKODA Fabia is a reliable, robust and affordable vehicle loaded with technology, therefore ideal for use in the emergency services. Simply put, it's the perfect combination of form and function. The size and versatility of the Fabia also lends itself well to inner city duty."

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.

After the reveal of the new Fabia last week, we get the first interior shots, ewww, Bland.

• New ŠKODA Fabia: functional and full of emotion; compact outer dimensions, generous interior
• Perfect everyday companion: spacious, practical, clever and nimble
• Largest boot capacity within its class: 330 litres; 17 ‘Simply Clever’ features

The new ŠKODA Fabia not only impresses with its emotionally-charged design; the car is also cleverer and more practical than ever before. The new model has enough space for 5 occupants and their luggage, yet thanks to its compact footprint, it is extremely agile and nimble. The boot is the largest within the small car segment.In typical ŠKODA style, the new Fabia has a total of 17 ‘Simply Clever’ features, nine of which are new.

“The new ŠKODA Fabia is a real champion in terms of practicality, offering a wide variety of opportunities for use – it is the ideal car for modern yet practical urban mobility and also possesses the perfect combination of functionality and emotionally-rich design,” says Dr Frank Welsch, ŠKODA Board Member for Technical Development.

The ŠKODA Fabia provides lots of space for occupants and their luggage. The interior passenger space is slightly longer and larger than in the previous model and at the same time provides the driver and passengers with increased headroom. Although the new ŠKODA Fabia is 8 mm shorter than its predecessor, its interior length has increased by around 8 mm to 1,674 mm. Elbow room is also greater at 1,401 mm (21 mm longer) at the front and 1,386 mm (2 mm longer) at the rear.

The boot is the largest within the car’s segment. The luggage compartment in the new ŠKODA Fabia has a capacity of 330 litres, which is 15 litres more than the previous model and is considerably bigger than comparable competitors’ models. With the rear seats folded down, loading capacity increases to up to 1,150 litres. A spacious rear access width of 1,098 mm, a tailgate that swings open to 1,915 mm and a low sill height make loading easier. The loading area is 960 mm wide, which is 2 cm wider than the previous generation.

‘Simply Clever’ – the new ŠKODA Fabia fits the bill perfectly. Depending on spec, up to nine new ‘Simply Clever’ features are available for the new ŠKODA Fabia.

The new Fabia is the first ŠKODA to feature MirrorLink™ technology. It allows smartphone apps to be displayed on the screen of the infotainment system which, amongst other things, takes the use of navigation software or personal music files to a new level. Connection is quick and easy. Just connect the smartphone to the Bolero system via a USB cable, select and activate MirrorLink™ mode on the radio and MirrorLink™-certified apps will be mirrored on the infotainment system’s display.

The new Fabia now features an ice scraper in the fuel filler cap. The new multimedia device cradle in the centre console is the perfect place to store a mobile phone, smartphone or an iPod. The high-vis vest, now mandatory in many countries, has a convenient dedicated storage compartment in the driver’s door. A rubbish bin is available for the side door. Storage nets on the inside edges of the front seats will hold miscellaneous small items. The new ŠKODA Fabia also provides more space for drinks bottles. Both rear doors will now hold a 0.5-litre bottle and a 1.0-litre bottle will fit in the glove compartment. Therefore, the ŠKODA Fabia now offers space for up to seven bottles: one bottle in each of the front and rear doors, the glove compartment and two bottles in the centre console.

The new ŠKODA Fabia also offers further ‘Simply Clever’ features that proved valuable in the car’s second generation, including the standard parking ticket holder on the inside of the left-hand A-pillar and the two optional bag hooks in the boot. Two storage nets are also available as an option for the boot to keep the area tidy. The hat shelf can be left in its normal position, but can also serve as horizontal partition or be stored vertically behind the rear seats. In addition, an optional flexible storage compartment for the boot will hold miscellaneous objects in place. Another ‘Simply Clever’ feature is the corner light function of the fog lamps.

Skoda GreenLine range is added to Motability rage of cars.

• Motability Scheme customers now have choice of any ŠKODA GreenLine model
• Fuel economy of up 88.3mpg coupled with CO2 emissions as low as 85g/km
• Nil Advance Payments on selected variants
• New-look ŠKODA Motability website provides model-specific information and offers

ŠKODA UK is pleased to announce that every model from its GreenLine fleet of environmentally advanced cars is now available on the Motability Scheme*. Over 20 different variants offer customers high levels of safety, practicality and a generous specification.

New to the Motability Scheme, the recently-launched Octavia GreenLine III 1.6 TDI 110 hatch and Estate allows motorists to benefit from one of the lowest emissions in their class at 85g/km CO₂ (VED Band A), a combined cycle fuel economy to match at 88.3mpg as well as a substantial load capacity of up to 1,740 litres. There is ample space for the storage of luggage and mobility equipment, whilst ŠKODA’s Simply Clever storage solutions further enhance practicality.

 

Carrying a nil Advance Payment and zero road tax, the Fabia hatch and Estate line-up has also been extended on the programme to include the GreenLine II 1.2 TDI model in both guises. They join the five-door Rapid Spaceback hatch which brings nearly 1,400 litres of space whilst delivering exceptionally low running costs thanks to emissions of just 99g/km and an impressive fuel consumption of 74.3mpg. The facelifted Yeti and Yeti Outdoor 1.6 TDI GreenLine II crossover models are ideal for those requiring an elevated driving position and access to more rugged environments.

Furthermore, to help customers choose the right vehicle according to their individual needs, ŠKODA UK has launched its new-look Motability website (www.skoda.co.uk/motability). The upgraded portal supplies dedicated offers and product information for each model available on the scheme, in addition to a downloadable Motability Price Guide.

Andy Thomas, Sales Operations – Rental and Motability Manager at ŠKODA UK, comments: “The addition of the entire GreenLine model range further reinforces our continued strategy of building brand presence on the Scheme. Sales during the first quarter of this year have been extremely encouraging, a trend that we will be looking to continue as we move through 2014.”

*To qualify, individuals must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced rate of the Mobility Component of the Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or Armed Forces Independence Payment, which will be taken in lieu of the four weekly allowance.

ŠKODA concept to debut at Geneva previews next stage in its new model campaign.

• Evolution: ŠKODA VisionC – the next stage in the development of ŠKODA design language
• Design: Expressive, dynamic, confident, emotional
• Concept: ŠKODA develops its first five-door coupé chassis
• Characteristic of ŠKODA: Design meets functionality - Coupé with large hatch
• Technology: Modern modular technology, low weight and optimised aerodynamics for responsible individual mobility
• Environment: already meet the stringent EU2020 emissions standard using conventional technology - 91g CO2/km

As a part of the most comprehensive model campaign in the brand’s history, ŠKODA is renewing and expanding its model range. The design language of the dynamic and elegant five-door coupé ‘ŠKODA VisionC’ introduces the next evolutionary step in ŠKODA design: The design is becoming more expressive, dynamic and emotional and underpins the dawn of the brand. At the same time the five-door coupé concept demonstrates the possibilities in innovative and emotional chassis design.

For more than 100 years, ŠKODA has been manufacturing cars with high demands on design. ŠKODA is once again emphasising the traditional brand’s expertise in design and engineering through the ‘ŠKODA VisionC’ design concept.

"We are signalling the next stage in the evolution of ŠKODA's design language with ‘ŠKODA VisionC’, and thus highlighting the dawn of the brand.  The vehicle demonstrates the company's outstanding design and engineering expertise, and underpins the dynamism and value of one of the world's longest-established automotive companies," says Prof. Dr. h.c. Windried Vahland, ŠKODA CEO.

As a five-door coupé, the ‘ŠKODA VisionC’ features a new expressive, dynamic and emotional design language. The interplay of soft, slightly contoured, concave and convex surfaces, as well as sharp, precise lines creates an immediate impact. The surfaces and proportions demonstrate clear arrangement and a striking interaction of light and shadow. The front has an air of confidence and energy, and the tailgate adds an element of surprise, accentuated with a radical conclusion.

In addition to its creative ambition, the ‘ŠKODA VisionC’ impressively demonstrates the ŠKODA engineers’ concept of ingenuity; design, engineering, space, functionality and the emotional coupé shape combine in compelling unity. The ‘ŠKODA VisionC’ provides plenty of room for four people and their luggage.

The large boot and excellent loading capacity are characteristic of ŠKODA. Modern MQB technology, approaching series-produced drive systems, low weight and optimised aerodynamics also demonstrate the high potential of responsible individual mobility.

Under the bonnet, we find a CNG/petrol bivalent 1.4 TSI/81 kW turbo engine. On natural gas, the vehicle consumes a mere 3.4 kg or 5.1 m3 CNG per kilometre, equating to CO2 emissions of only 91 g/km. ŠKODA has made a huge leap in demonstrating that even attractive mid-class vehicles can meet the stringent EU2020 CO2 emissions standard with today’s conventional drive technology.

ŠKODA launches limited edition Fabias Monte Carlo TECH

• New Limited Edition Fabia ‘Monte Carlo TECH’ on sale now
• Additional equipment over standard Fabia Monte Carlo
• Petrol and diesel versions priced from just £11,990 OTR
• Sales limited to 1,000 cars in the UK

ŠKODA has announced details of a limited edition version of the hugely popular Fabia Monte Carlo model, called Monte Carlo Tech, with an enhanced specification over the standard model.

Limited to 1,000 cars, the newcomer benefits from a state-of-the-art Amundsen satellite navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity at no extra cost to the customer.

These are in addition to the striking sports-styled exterior, which includes piano-black body trim, black door mirror covers, a black radiator grille top, smoked headlamps and black 17-inch lightweight Trinity alloy wheels.

Inside, the all black sports seats boast additional side support. Both Monte Carlo Tech versions come with black roof lining, a perforated leather steering wheel with red stitching, and a leather handbrake and gearstick gaiter. To complete the look, silver kick plates and steel pedals are fitted as standard.

The ŠKODA Monte Carlo TECH is available in two striking colour combinations – red with a black roof or white with a black roof. There are two engine choices, a 1.2-litre TSI 105PS petrol and a 1.6-litre TDI 105PS diesel. Sales of each will be restricted to just 500 units. The cars are priced £11,990 OTR and £12,960 OTR respectively.

Customers can opt to pay with a 7.9% APR Personal Contract Plan (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP) agreement available through ŠKODA Finance. The offer includes free servicing based on three years / 30,000 miles.

Alasdair Stewart, Brand Director for ŠKODA UK, commented: “Offering customers exceptional value is at the heart of our business.  Since its launch in 2011 the Fabia Monte Carlo has proven to be a huge success for ŠKODA and we’re certain that this latest addition to the model line will build on this.”

The ŠKODA Fabia Monte Carlo was launched in January 2011 to celebrate 100 years of the Monte Carlo Rally, and to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the company’s motorsport commitment. It has been a huge success for the brand in the UK and more than 4,000 have been sold since launch.