Paris show: Skoda uncovers roomier Fabia cabin

SKODA has revealed more about its new Fabia ahead of its Paris motor show debut with a teaser shot of the dash along with details of the car’s interior which has more room for passengers and packs a claimed biggest-in-its class 330-litre boot.

The latest image shows a thoroughly redesigned dashboard and centre console in the new Fabia, with a flatter look that is divided horizontally by contrasting colours and different textured surfaces.

The Czech-built hatch features an updated three-spoke steering wheel, a new colour touch-screen positioned higher with the air conditioning controls underneath, while the instrument cluster and airvents have been redesigned.

Skoda said the Fabia is its first model to feature MirrorLink technology, which allows smartphone apps to be displayed on the touchscreen for uses such as navigation and music streaming.

Another multimedia function is SmartGate which allows drivers to transfer vehicle information such as average speed and fuel consumption wirelessly to their phones.

The ignition button, the climate control and chrome-effect trim suggests that the dashboard shown in the images belongs to a range-topping Fabia.

There is more than just a passing resemblance to the dashboard in the new Polo on which the Fabia is based, however, it appears to still carry a Skoda flavour.

Last week Skoda revealed the exterior of its revised Fabia, but according to the Czech car-maker it’s what’s inside that really counts.

While the Fabia shares the same PQ26 platform as the Polo, Skoda board member for technical development Frank Welsch said the car’s strength is in its practicality and smart use of space. “The new Skoda Fabia is a real champion in terms of practicality, offering a wide variety of opportunities for use,” Dr Welsch said.

“It is the ideal car for modern yet practical urban mobility and also possesses the perfect combination of functionality and emotionally-rich design.”

Skoda said while the new Fabia is 8mm shorter than the outgoing version, room inside has been increased with interior length up by 8mm to 1674mm, while there is 21mm more elbow room in the front and 2mm more in the rear.

The Volkswagen-owned brand is also claiming the Fabia has the biggest boot in its class with 330-litres of capacity. That outdoes the Volkswagen Polo’s 280-litre capacity and even Toyota’s Yaris which is admired for its 286-litre boot.

Smaller, multiple storage spaces is another Fabia trait and Skoda said the new car now comes with larger 500ml drink bottle holders in the rear doors and room for a one-litre bottle on the glovebox, storage nets on the inside of the front seats and boot.

Also new to the Fabia is a parking ticket holder on the left hand side A-pillar – whether this is migrated to the right-hand side is yet to be seen.

The new Skoda Fabia will arrive in Australia next year, with pricing and specifications expected to be announced closer to launch.