Bigger and roomier
As far as the car’s dimensions are concerned, its length has grown by 111 millimetres compared to the previous generation to reach 4,108 millimetres, and it has grown 48 millimetres wider (1,780 mm). The wheelbase has been extended to 2,564 millimetres, 94 more than its predecessor. What’s more, the wheelbase on the new FABIA is now longer than the first-generation ŠKODA OCTAVIA’s. These numbers mean that the new FABIA is considerably more spacious than the previous versions, with more room for both occupants and their luggage. The boot has been enlarged by 50 litres to reach a segment-topping 380 litres; and folding down the rear seats gives a total of 1,190 litres of practical space.
The bigger, roomier interior is now also quieter thanks to improved sound insulation, while new materials and design features usually found in higher-segment cars (such as ambient lighting or contrasting upholstery stitching) and the FABIA’s updated technologies make the in-car experience even better. For the first time ever, the FABIA offers its occupants two-zone air-conditioning and air-con outlets on the rear of the centre console for passengers in the back. Other new options available to FABIA buyers for the first time are a heated steering wheel (either two-spoke or the sporty three-spoke steering wheel) and a heated windscreen.
The new FABIA has also been given a modern infotainment system with an always-online connection and numerous ŠKODA Connect services. The basic infotainment system is called Swing and comes with a 6.5” touchscreen display and DAB radio; the more advanced Bolero has an 8” display, Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone connection for the use of Wireless SmartLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Another option is PhoneBox, which lets you wirelessly charge your mobile phone. The top-of-the-range infotainment system is Amundsen, which has a 9.2” touchscreen display, gesture control and voice control via Laura, the voice assistance system that speaks fifteen languages. You can even opt for the Virtual Cockpit digital instrument panel with the new FABIA.
Of course, the FABIA has an abundance of safety equipment that has helped the model to a five-star rating in Euro NCAP tests. It can have up to nine airbags and offers, for the first time in the model’s history, Travel Assist, Park Assist and other assistance systems. These include adaptive cruise control, Lane Assist to make sure you don’t stray out of your lane and Side Assist to warn drivers of cars in their blind spot or approaching from behind at high speed.