Fabia RS official photos and info

[Schern]

I'd have the estate out of the two. Fast(-ish) estates are very cool!

Have to admit I'm not a massive fan. It looks like they've just stuck different wheels and a vRS badge on. The front bumper doesn't look THAT different to what I'd expect to see on a fairly boggo spec Fabia. I know I'm biased but I prefer the styling of the Mk1.

[ExAudiSi]

Estate needs roof rails. Doesn't look finished without them.

Hope the DSG gearboxes are more reliable than the one on the MkVI Golf at work, that went pop with 900 miles on the clock!

Mind you, it's done about 8000 more miles with the replacement, so perhaps it will be OK from now on?

[RapidRonnie]

Further info:

Škoda Auto has a long-standing association with motor sport. From its earliest years, competition cars from Mladá Boleslav have been winning on the world's racing circuits and rally stages. The latest RS road cars carry on this sporting tradition, which gives the second-generation Fabia RS a head start on the competition. And now for the first time there are two RS versions in the Fabia range: both hatchback and estate bodystyles continue the RS range's renowned combination of sporty performance with exceptional fuel efficiency and environmental-friendliness.

Both versions of the new Škoda Fabia RS are unmistakable thanks to their unique front bumpers with integrated fog lamps, which can also be equipped as a option with a cornering light function or LED daytime running lights. The RS symbol sits proudly within the grille's chromed frame, while red-painted brake callipers hint at their performance potential from behind the spokes of bespoke 17-inch 'Gigaro' aluminium wheels. As well as tinted windows, the rear sports a new bumper design and a dual-pipe exhaust. The roof and the rear spoiler of the hatchback are available in black, white and silver on request and depending on the car's body colour.

The roof spoiler on both hatchback and estate versions increases downforce at higher speeds which, when combined with the uprated running gear and performance-orientated electronic driver aids – ESP, ABS, TCS, TPM and HHC – gives the Fabia RS safe and agile handling. Meanwhile the standard XDS differential increases driving pleasure by braking the inside front wheel when accelerating through corners, transferring torque to the outside wheel. The lateral torque helps to pull the Fabia RS into bends, enhancing its cornering ability and gives the athletic Škoda's newfound agility.

Inside, new sports seats feature the RS symbol on their backrests, while Fabia RS customers can also order red seat covers and black floor mats with silver or red offset seams depending on the upholstery colour. The Onyx-coloured dashboard is equipped with a three-spoke leather steering wheel with an optional multi-function version with gear change paddles for manual control of the standard seven-speed automatic DSG gearbox. As with all versions of the Fabia, the steering wheel is adjustable for height and reach, with the driver's seat also benefiting from height adjustment. The steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake handle are leather upholstered as standard, while the pedals are fitted with stainless steel treads. All Fabia RS models are fitted with Climatic air conditioning, an 'RS' dash insert as well as a four-speaker stereo system as standard.

With a top speed of 224 km/h – 226 km/h for the estate version – and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds, both models offer truly sporty performance. Škoda Auto has introduced a dual-charged four cylinder petrol engine to its range for the first time, which produces 132 kW (180 bhp) from only 1.4 litre capacity and a torque peak of 250 Nm from 2,000 rpm through to 4,500 rpm. Despite the impressive performance, combined fuel consumption in the NEDC measuring cycle is very low: both RS versions require just 6.4 litres of fuel to drive 100 kilometres.

This feat of power and efficiency is achieved by fine-tuned technology. The 1.4 TSI engine features direct fuel injection and dual-charging via a turbocharger with wastegate and a mechanical, shiftable supercharger. In addition, an intercooler increases air volume for compression within the combustion chambers. The fuel pump carries the fuel to the injectors with pressure of up to 150 bar, while the camshaft controlling the two inlet valves is continuously adjustable on each cylinder. Both shafts are controlled via a maintenance-free chain drive. The 1.4 TSI's cylinder block is made of cast iron, the crankshaft of steel.

The supercharger and turbocharger work hand-in-hand to provide harmonious power delivery across the engine's rev range. The mechanically-driven supercharger supplies the combustion chambers up to engine speeds of 2,400 rpm when the engine is under the part load, while under full load it is uncoupled at a maximum of 3,500 rpm. By this point the exhaust-driven turbocharger has reached its full effectiveness and continues to feed the engine in the higher rev range. The use of double fuel injection during cold starting reduces harmful emissions by allowing the catalyst and lambda sensor to reach optimum operating temperature after driving just a few metres, guaranteeing effective exhaust gas treatment.

But it's not just the harmonious power delivery that makes both Fabia RS versions perfectly suited to daily use. Its luggage capacity (300 to 1,163 litres in the hatchback; the estate, 480 to 1,460 litres) and the practical loading facility also add to its usefulness. Its handling is distinguished by its incredibly high agility, without adversely affecting the ride comfort. However, neither Fabia RS, hatch nor estate are factory approved for use as towing vehicles.

The standard equipment:

 Driver and passenger front and side airbags,

 ESP including ABS, torque control, (MSR) TCS, EDL, hydraulic brake assistant, (HBA) hill start assist and tyre pressure monitor (TPM),

 Front fog lights,

 Three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel (height-and reach-adjustable),

 Front sports seats,

 Sports running gear,

 Projector halogen headlights,

 Daytime running lights,

 Maxi DOT display,

 Outside temperature display,

 Split folding rear seats (60/40),

 Central locking,

 Climatic air conditioning with automatic regulation,

 Radio preparation with 4 speakers,

 Height-adjustable driver and front passenger seats,

 Electric front windows,

 Electrically-adjustable and heated door mirrors,

 Black painted door mirrors, with door handles in vehicle colour,

 Tinted windows,

 Gigaro 7J×17'' alloy wheels – silver,

 Chrome package (gear lever knob, gear lever surround, air supply adjuster, handbrake locking button),

 Small leather package (3 spoke steering wheel, gear lever knob, handbrake handle),

 Textile floor mats (with silver-grey lining).

Optional equipment:

 Curtain airbags,

 Front passenger airbag – deactivation switch,

 LED daytime running lights,

 Glasses case,

 Front arm rests,

 Textile floor mats,

 Central locking with remote control (with folding keys),

 Roof rails for hatchback and estate,

 3-spoke multi-functional leather steering wheel for radio and telephone

(with paddles aut. gearbox DSG),

 Climatronic air conditioning with electronic regulation and combined filter,

 Radios ‘Blues’ and ‘Swing’,

 ‘Amundsen’ navigation system,

 MDI (mobile device interface)(only for ‘Swing’ or ‘Amundsen’),

 Hands-free devices GSM II Compact and Comfort,

 Gigaro 7J×17'' alloy wheels – black, anthracite, white,

 Silver, white or black roof.

[Rsrob]

I like the look of the new fabia vrs especially in green with the black roof.

would look good in race blue with black roof and wheels

rob

[RobClubley]

Optional: Central locking with remote control (with folding keys),

Bit tight!

Other than that the spec sounds good.

[Brimma]

I can see potential...

:rofl:

[Schern]

Interesting that they seem to have dropped the Xenon option.

[pete8tch]

The badge on the grills nice , the rest is awful , est looks melted

[pete8tch]

Actually , its not designed by commitee kind of bad , more designed by the commited.

[RobClubley]

Some more pics here:

http://www.vwvortex....deas&start=120#

[Brimma]

Nice !

Edited 2 March, 2010 by Brimma

[RobClubley]

It's growing on me after seeing those pics.

[Brimma]

It's growing on me after seeing those pics.

Be interesting to see the estate in the same colour scheme to see if it looks better. I'm quite liking the metallic green though :yes:

Or maybe..............

[RapidRonnie]

Do you know, the most amazing thing about this is nobody's yet said "needs lowering"

Looks like Skoda have finally got the ride height looking good from the factory!

The VW Vortex photos from the presentation are much better, don't think the launch pics do it justice and I think it will look better with a white or silver roof too.

[bingo765]

Do you know, the most amazing thing about this is nobody's yet said "needs lowering"

Looks like Skoda have finally got the ride height looking good from the factory!

The VW Vortex photos from the presentation are much better, don't think the launch pics do it justice and I think it will look better with a white or silver roof too.

Spot on there, but think after all this excitement we're gonna be pulled right back down to earth when we find out the price..............rumoured to be approx. 21, 000 euros :(

[ChrisRs]

Phew!!!!

I'm so glad I didnt wait for that!!

Apart from the twin tailpipes, it looks like my wife's Fabia Sport!!

...and the inside is DULL too!

[kino]

I came in to post that the colors on the official pics are off (either stylistic choice or CMJN/RGB screwup), then you guys posted the pics from the conference. I think Rallye Green looks lovely. I'd say it's even better in person, though.

It looked just like this when I first saw it back in november. The picture in the Powerpoint had black wheels, and it looked better than silver. For some reason the showfloor unit didn't, and still doesn't.

Edited 2 March, 2010 by kino

[Babs]

Hmmm... those pics look a lot better!

Still prefer the combi!

[ming]

No matter how much they experiment with colour schemes, alloy wheels, twin pipe exhausts, etc., there's just no getting away from the fact that the Fabia body does not lend itself to a "sporting" stance. To cap it all - £16K start price. Not for me.

As for the estate; well, apart from the comment from the lovely Babs I reckon it'll be a resounding

Edited 2 March, 2010 by ming

[bingo765]

No matter how much they experiment with colour schemes, alloy wheels, twin pipe exhausts, etc., there's just no getting away from the fact that the Fabia body does not lend itself to a "sporting" stance. To cap it all - £16K start price. Not for me.

As for the estate; well, apart from the comment from the lovely Babs I reckon it'll be a resounding

Where do you get this start price from, don't forget that was before the increase in VAT this January ,plus cars are generally going up in price now. I read this morning it could be

19000 euros, more like £17000+!

[steve75]

I think it looks great!

[Babs]

For £17k they can funk right off!

[ming]

Where do you get this start price from, don't forget that was before the increase in VAT this January ,plus cars are generally going up in price now. I read this morning it could be

19000 euros, more like £17000+!

From Auto Express, Geneva Show Edition:

"And in true Skoda style, it plans to undercut the competition, despite having the same hi-tech underpinnings. Whereas the Polo GTI is likely to start from £18,000, the Fabia will start from roughly £2,000 less, Auto Express has learned."

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/motorshows/geneva-motor-show/248929/live_skoda_fabia_vrs.html#ixzz0h0m30UU9

[RapidRonnie]

I think you people are being unrealistic moaning about the (supposed) price.

Supermini's ain't cheap anymore. A diesel Polo can set you back as much as £17k these days so a twincharger TSI engined car with DSG isn't likely to be cheap either.

[lemonvrs]

Hmmm, the estate looks a lot better than the hatch as in the ordinary models but no roof bars? Thats just wrong. As with the original VRS the interior is drab and boring and I dont like big wheels with rubber band tyres, itll ride rubbish which is the normal Fabias strong point. I wouldnt buy one, its not special enough at 16k. Skodas are cheap, always have been and always should be.