Skoda Auto, the Czech-based car maker, recently launched upgraded variants of its premium hatchback Fabia. With its latest upgraded variants, Active and Ambition, the auto maker is looking forward to change its market position in the hatchback segment. Fabia, launched by Skoda Auto India in the year 2008, could not live up to the company's tradition and car buyer's expectations. Aspects like dealer problems, high prices and adverse market conditions clearly deduce the inability of Fabia to register anticipated revenue levels. Due to this reason, Skoda Auto India decided to bring forth more powerful engines at better price and has its focus on improvising the dealer quality levels.
Contrary to the news that has been floating in the automobile market presently, according to which the Skoda Fabia was about to be discontinued, this latest launch of tweaked versions of Fabia has surprised many. Unlike the erstwhile versions, new variants come with a host of features, such as the fine-tuned steering wheel with the new Skoda emblem, gear knob, and new rotary controls and buttons for the air-conditioner. Both Fabia Active and Ambition are available in diesel and petrol engine options. The Czech auto maker is also offering Active Plus and Ambition Plus that come with company-fitted upgrades.
The prominent highlights of Skoda Fabia Active are lower glove box cover, rear interior roof handles and new three-spoke steering wheel, while Ambition trim level boasts of features like, rear roof handles, heat-protect tint glasses and new three-spoke steering wheel. In addition, the 'Plus' variants of both versions of Fabia swank upgrades like electrically powered windows in the Active Plus and remote, boot lid, electrically powered rear windows in Ambition Plus.
As far as the engine is concerned, the hatchback is available two petrol and a diesel engine options. The petrol variants come fitted with three-cylinder 1.2-litre motor and 1.6-litre motors, which generate output levels of 75 bhp with torque of 110 Nm and 105 bhp with peak torque of 153 Nm, respectively. On the other hand, the diesel variant is powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder unit with maximum power of 75 bhp and torque of 180 Nm.
Other aspects like entertainment luggage space, comfort and safety have also been taken care of in the latest versions of Fabia. Added comforts include height adjustment for drivers seat and steering wheel. For entertainment the cars are packed with Skoda Beat audio player, 2-DIN, four speakers and auxiliary audio input for portable media players. The aforementioned variants also come loaded with safety features aplenty, such as Halogen headlights with manual levelling, fog lights, rear windscreen defogger with timer, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and driver and passenger front airbags.
The new Skoda Fabia is a compelling buy for those on the outlook for a comfortable and sturdy hatchback with impressive features. Albeit the fact the Fabia is not doing great for the company, it is still expected that the recent updates would make slight difference to its position in the hatchback segment. Also, it is pleasing to see that despite the gloomy sales figures of the previous models of Fabia, Skoda India is holding on to the hope of witnessing a change in the scenario. Whether or not this upgrade results in increase in revenue levels, only time will tell.
