It's only been a couple of years since we drove the brand new Skoda Fabia. Yet the Czech automaker is already working on a mid-life facelift.
The old generation also had a drastic refresh back in 2010. However, they are starting off with a much better car this time around, one that can be adapted more easily to modern technologies.
Our spies stationed in Southern Europe have sent us these images of a Fabia Combi that's half-covered in camouflage. So far, the regular 5-door hatchback has not been seen, but we expect similar updates.
The front is the most drastically changed. Skoda used its new family face to change the way the Fabia looks. The most noticeable difference is the overall shape of the grille and headlights. There's a clear resemblance to the Superb.
Also, the lower air grille, the one that actually does most of the work, is wider and features a honeycomb mesh. There's nothing going on down the sides, but the back features a revised bumper that kind of reminds us of the Octavia.
Active safety systems are paramount these days, especially if you want the best ratings from Euro NCAP. The 2017 version of the Fabia will have one of those radar-based devices in the nose of the car, always scanning the road for dangers. There are two prototypes here, and one of them doesn't have the radar, so we know it will cost extra.
New engines are pretty much guaranteed to happen. One of them is the 1.0 TSI, which has already appeared on the Octavia and should replace the Fabia's old 1.2-liter. They 1.4 TDI might also be superseded by a 1.5-liter one, but we're not quite sure about that one.
If it seems like there's not a lot to talk about, that's because there isn't. The recent Renault Clio facelift proves carmakers are busy dealing with emissions, not styling.
Our spies stationed in Southern Europe have sent us these images of a Fabia Combi that's half-covered in camouflage. So far, the regular 5-door hatchback has not been seen, but we expect similar updates.
The front is the most drastically changed. Skoda used its new family face to change the way the Fabia looks. The most noticeable difference is the overall shape of the grille and headlights. There's a clear resemblance to the Superb.
Also, the lower air grille, the one that actually does most of the work, is wider and features a honeycomb mesh. There's nothing going on down the sides, but the back features a revised bumper that kind of reminds us of the Octavia.
Active safety systems are paramount these days, especially if you want the best ratings from Euro NCAP. The 2017 version of the Fabia will have one of those radar-based devices in the nose of the car, always scanning the road for dangers. There are two prototypes here, and one of them doesn't have the radar, so we know it will cost extra.
New engines are pretty much guaranteed to happen. One of them is the 1.0 TSI, which has already appeared on the Octavia and should replace the Fabia's old 1.2-liter. They 1.4 TDI might also be superseded by a 1.5-liter one, but we're not quite sure about that one.
If it seems like there's not a lot to talk about, that's because there isn't. The recent Renault Clio facelift proves carmakers are busy dealing with emissions, not styling.