24 October 2011

We’d like to introduce you to the latest import from the Czech Republic that will join dumplings and beer in the Eastern European nation’s hall of fame: the Škoda Fabia.

The Škoda Fabia has been introduced to Australia in two variants: Fabia 77TSI Hatchback and Fabia Monte Carlo 77TSI, launched to celebrate 100 years of the Monte Carlo Rally and to commemorate the 110-year anniversary of Škoda’s involvement in motorsport.

Looking a bit like a stretched out MINI, the Škoda Fabia is a practical car, with lots of space for both the occupants and all the bits and pieces they often carry around. You’ll love the Fabia because of its distinctive wraparound windscreen, high driving position and no-nonsense design. The shelf in the boot can be set at two different heights, so that the amount of space you have in there is not too much, not too little – just right – while removable plastic containers in the boot are great for those smaller, fragile and fiddly things.

The Fabia uses an electro-hydraulic steering system that was designed to minimise power drain and requires less engine power than a fully-hydraulic system. Continuing in this eco-minded theme, fuel consumption is at an impressively low 5.5L/100km. Also, with the manual, the dashboard display advises you on the best gearshift so that you can keep the engine at its most efficient.

The Škoda Fabia comes with all the features you expect every car manufacturer these days to provide: Bluetooth phone connectivity, touch screen technology, six airbags, Electronic Stability Control and cruise control.

The Fabia 77TSI Hatchback starts at $18,990 while the more luxe Fabia Monte Carlo 77TSI starts at $21,990.