Friday, August 21, 2015

Skoda’s new Fabia is feature rich and cheaper

Skoda Fabia has had a bumpy journey in India (so far as sales are concerned), and in order to give it a big push, Skoda Auto India has rolled out a new Fabia that has added features and is cheaper.

The new Fabia, which was unveiled at the Geneva Auto show, has been given a complete makeover so far as looks go and even the engines are different.

The base version of the new Skoda Fabia is the same (both in the exterior as well as the interior). However, the new Fabia comes with refurbished engines, which follow the new emission norms. The new car will now cost Rs 4.35 lakh against its previous price of Rs 5.03 lakh while the diesel model will be priced at Rs 5.4 lakh against the earlier Rs 6.5 lakh.

The new Skoda Fabia will come in three optional engines of 1.2 litre petrol and diesel similar to the one in Polo. Power output remains same for both engines at 75 bhp. Also, a useful addition to the engine family is the 1.6 litre engine from Polo 1.6 which generates 105 bhp.

The Fabia 1.2 MPI has 3 cylinders, 1198 cc MPI engine that can generate 75 bhp at 5400 rpm. The Fabia 1.6 MPI comes with 4 cylinders, 1598 cc engine and can generate 105 bhp @ 5250 rpm. The Fabia 1.2 TDI CR is a highly fuel-efficient diesel motor with Turbocharged Direct Injection Common Rail 1199 cc engine that can reach a max power of 75 bhp.

This new Skoda comes with extra power but less emission. The engines in the new Skoda can let you drive without much noise or vibration. Skoda has shared some of its parts with the Volkswagen Polo.

The new Skoda Fabia has 3D shape headlight which matches the revamped bonnet and is fitted with new fog lamps for boosting the outer look. Skoda has replaced the old bumper with a new one to give the new Fabia a snazzy front look and also has new grilles.

The cabin of the new Skoda Fabia is the cynosure of all eyes with strong steering wheel originated from the Superb quality. The AC vent has a chrome finish.

So far as safety features go, Skoda has a driver’s airbag in all models with dual airbags in the ranges from mid variant. The new Fabia has EBC, engine braking control, for shorter brake distance. It also has dual brake assistance.

Skoda’s new Fabia also comes with adjustable seat belts, child-proof doors and windows, and ABS. The new Skoda Fabia will be available in five different shades: Cappuccino Beige, Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Deep Black and Flash Red.

The new Fabia comes in seven variants with prices given below:

Classic: 1.2 MPI: Rs 435,000; 1.2 TDI: Rs 540,000;1.6 MPI: Not applicable

Ambiente:1.2 MPI: Rs 485,000;1.2 TDI: Rs 591,000,1.6 MPI: Not applicable

Elegance:1.2 MPI:568,000;1.2 TDI:669,000;1.6 MPI:599,000

The top end model was previously priced at over Rs 8.5 lakh and found few takers. With the drastic price cut, the new Fabia has surely gained a competitive edge.

The cost slashing strategy may prompt makers of cars in the same category (for instance, Honda, which makes the Jazz) to give a rethink on prices. Moreover, Volkswagen’s engines along with the new Fabia’s typical European looks are likely to put Skoda’s sales in top gear in the price-sensitive Indian market.

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