THE NEW FABIA ESTATE TRANSPORTS BOTH GOODS AND GOOD SPIRITS
09/11/2007
Skoda
Well fitted out to cope with all of the demands of a spontaneous mood: the new Fabia Estate from Škoda Auto is best equipped for a partnership with demanding customers. Its emotional design and its impressive transport capacity once again underline the competence of the brand in the design of estate cars. Based on the Fabia hatchback successfully introduced in the spring, which became the choice of 25,415 customers during the first five months, it is leading the segment of sub-compact estate cars to a new dimension of quality. With the high degree of comfort provided, the unique relations in space, and its sophisticated solutions, it has re-designed the values for this vehicle class.
Although only seven millimetres longer than its predecessor, the new Fabia Estate, with its 4239 millimetres, nevertheless provides considerably more space in the interior than its predecessor. There is more headroom for both the front seats as well as in the rear; its occupants always have more than a hand's width of space above their heads. The reason for this lies in the increase in height of 46 millimetres to 1498 millimetres in total. And the boot has also gained in size. Its volume has risen by an incredible 235 litres to a maximum figure of 1460 litres, and, when the back of the rear seats are left upright, the storage space increases by 54 litres to 480 litres in total. With these values, the new Fabia Estate clearly leads the field, leaving its competitors behind, and providing values better than estate cars which are positioned two classes higher. And, incidentally, it provides the longest boot length in its segment. The distance between the tailgate and the back of the rear seat amounts to 959 millimetres.
Its inner size, however, is not intended to make the Fabia Estate a utility vehicle but a variable partner with a high usage value. It provides its suitability for daily use in its flexibility, allowing its driver to fulfil spontaneous wishes as well as cope with even the most demanding transport tasks. And these inner values are packed in a manner which is more elegant than ever before. It is true that the form is a derivative of function but it nevertheless represents a milestone in the further development of the quality design of the Czech brand. The coupe-like line of the roof, which continues its line of flow into the D-pillars and the vizier-like optical design of the wedge-shaped windows, which afford the Fabia Estate a thoroughly dynamic appearance, are not only formal finesse but also characterise the new Škoda clearly as a member of the still young Fabia family.
The new Fabia Estate will be supplied with three petrol and three diesel engines. Performance ranges from 51 kW (70 HP) to 77 kW (105 HP), all of the engines excel as a result of their low fuel consumption with low levels of emission and pleasant smoothness in running. A high torque with peaks of up to 240 Nm make the new Fabia Estate a sovereign partner both in the city and on a cross-country trip.
The Fabia Estate of the first generation, as the first new development in the recent past in the segment of the sub-compact estates, continued the long tradition of the Škoda brand. Even during the first few years of the company's history, at the beginning of the car production in Mladá Boleslav at the beginning of the last century, the brand excelled in the production of practical and solid estate cars. In seven years of production, 630,000 customers chose a Fabia Estate of the first generation. The new Fabia Estate, with its additional, fresh pinch of lifestyle genes is best suited to follow on in this successful tradition, and even to exceed the success of its predecessor.
MASTERPIECE FROM A SINGLE MOULD: THE DESIGN OF THE NEW FABIA ESTATE
The new Fabia Estate is a further important step into the successful future of the design vocabulary of Škoda Auto. Without making any concessions in basic values in regard to the high quality of the design, the choice of materials workmanship or the extremely favourable price-performance ratio, the new Fabia Estate of the second generation has its sights firmly set on higher levels. Its appearance is characterised by a stylistic elegance, with which it occupies a unique position in the segment of the sub-compact estate cars. But, the new Fabia as an estate version must not suffer under its beauty. It does not strive to be a utility vehicle, but a vehicle with a variety of uses. For all of those customers who do not want to or who cannot afford to be limited in space when it involves their hobbies or their passions. The rose-grower, the architect, the model maker, the gallery owner or the outdoor sportsman, as the owner of a Fabia Estate none of these have to leave the object of their desires behind at home, at work or in the office. The youngest member of the Škoda family provides him with appropriate transportationat all times without exuding the dry charm of a commercial vehicle. Perfect in its form, it more than holds its own on a demanding automobile stage and the lifestyle-oriented driver will stand out pleasantly with the clean and independent line of the design of his car from the majority of the cars on offer in the segment of sub-compact estate cars.
At the front the youngest member of the Škoda family has the attractive face of its sister range, the Fabia hatchback sedan. Expressive headlights,
a three-dimensionally emphasized radiator grill and a clearly contoured engine bonnet with its arrow-shaped centre aligned on the lines of the Škoda logo while its flanks flow into the shaped front wings of the car. All of these combine to give the Fabia an exceptionally sympathetic characteristic trait. The windscreen is relatively vertical thus ensuring a better overview and the fact that the interior does not heat up to the same extent. The roof slopes elegantly downwards but without losing valuable space in the boot section. The line of this flows into the D-pillars which elegantly and stylishly round off the rear of the Fabia Estate. And it by no means hides its ancestry. The new Fabia Estate displays the genes of its forefathers in a self-assured manner and adds a successfully rounded rear together with a rear window displaying a good view of what is behind.
As was already the case with the Škoda Roomster and the Fabia sedan with its hatchback, the new Fabia Estate also exhibits the characteristic vizier look with the window pane form diminishing in size towards the rear. This affords the five-door car with a length of 4239 millimetres a particularly dynamic appearance, as part of its estate characteristics is the additional side window between the C- and D-pillars continuing the glass surface further into the rear. Although 46 millimetres higher than the first Fabia Estate, the new generation nevertheless does not create a top-heavy appearance. The stable shoulders and the contoured edge at the bottom of the doors separate the areas optically, reducing the appearance in this way. The long rear end stretches the line of the Fabia, and, in spite of its increase dimensions, nevertheless gives it balanced proportions and affords the bodywork
a dynamic appearance of straining forward.
A LOT OF SPACE IN AN ELEGANT PACKAGE
With its expressive, but, nevertheless, elegant styling, the Fabia Estate will appeal to much wider range of customers than its predecessor. Functionality in space provided, and the robust, solid characteristics of its design are symbolic of the high degree of usage afforded by the new Fabia Estate in daily use, while its stylistic independence with an almost coupe-like contour will make a good figure in front of the club lounge or in front of the outlet for designer furniture. The convincing transport volume does not capitulate in the face of even the most demanding tasks. In comparison to its predecessor, its volume has increased by 54 litres to 480 litres when the rear seat back remains upright. In the event that the seat backs and seats are folded forward, a loading space of 1460 litres is created. This is 235 litres more than in the old Fabia Estate, making the Škoda world champion in loading even in comparison to its competitors in the middle class. And all of this is offered with an easy-to-operate folding mechanism and perfect spatial ergonomics. Fully in line with the convincing loading volume provided, the loading weight possibility affords the same high level. Independent of the engine provided, this varies according to the version of fittings supplied and reaches a figure of up to 515 kilograms.
The impressive offer is further spiced with numerous helpful details in the fittings, making the new Fabia Estate to what Škoda Auto has chosen as its motto - it is simply clever. The tailgate opens far upwards and prevents unwanted encounters of a painful nature between it and the head of its user. The boot cover is fitted with an automatic roll function as is offered in the higher classed Škoda Octavia Estate. A simple touch with your elbow and the plastic mat will automatically roll back into ist housing. This is a considerable advantage and increased comfort when loading the car. In addition, the loading space can be individually fitted out with practical accessories, systems for securing loads, holding objects such as the model helicopter or the expensive works of old masters safely in position, and preventing their being damaged, are also on offer. Dirt and water-resistant floor mats make the transportation of mountain bikes after a tour in bad weather or the transportation of diving equipment a clean operation. Storage fixtures which can be mounted with a only a few movements create orderliness in the loading space. The functional grip on the inside of the tailgate makes it easier to close the flap thanks to its correct ergonomic shape which relieves the wrist and prevents the hand from getting caught in the door.
The space provided in the passenger cell makes the new Fabia Estate the best in its class. In the front, generosity is the main feature while in the rear, the measurements are truly royal. Here, the ambience corresponds to that of the Fabia with the hatchback form, attractive, two-coloured fittings, exquisite choice of materials and perfect workmanship underline the claim of the Fabia Estate, namely that it is advancing to become the scene's best transport and lifestyle artist. This in turn is underlined by the high-quality fittings of the loading space with textile covering and solid cladding exuding an air of excellent quality and value for money. The Fabia Estate does not simply transport large quantities of luggage, it transports this in an extremely stylistic and careful manner.
As far as operator friendliness is concerned, the Fabia Estate by no means lags behind its hatchback brother in any way. All of the functions are clearly displayed, combined into groups and positioned ergonomically correctly on the dashboard or on the steering column. The multi-function module on the left next to the steering wheel makes it easy to operate the audio unit or the telephone when the appropriate fittings are installed. The twin glove compartment and a variety of further storage spaces offer a great deal of space for board luggage, bottle holders for 1.5 litre PET bottles are every bit at home in the Fabia Estate as are the storage space for glasses in the ceiling or pockets on the backs of the front seats. Even in the case of curves at high speed, which the excellent chassis of the Fabia Estate permits as a result of its high safety reserves, everything in the interior remains in place thanks to the tailor-made possibilities for storage.
The excellent seating comfort in the new Fabia Estate makes stress-free driving without any back strain possible even on long trips. The high backs of the front seats provide support for the shoulder blades thus contributing towards a more relaxed body position while the contoured seating surface offers good side support. A virtue which is by no means a matter of course in a car of this class. Just as exceptional as it is helpful - the steering wheel which is adjustable in two directions. Thanks to the possibility of adjustment both in axial as well as in horizontal directions this makes it possible to quickly find a comfortable and safe sitting position.
The new Fabia Estate thus recommends itself as a reliable and a pleasant partner fort rips in the city or on long trips. Îts pleasant ambience in the interior, which, thanks to 9 different upholstery materials and, dependent upon the level of fittings chosen, different designs in the instrument panel, the middle console and the cladding, can be designed in an extremely individual manner, affording the car attributes which are by no means standard in a car of this class. The basic version with four levels of fittings - Classic, Ambiente, Sport and Elegance - can be finely tuned to meet the very individual taste and personal wishes of the driver.
The standard fittings of the Fabia Estate include:
- Roller cover in the boot,
- Preparation for roof railing,
- 12 V plug socket in the boot.
At the Classic level of fittings, the following additional equipment is provided:
- Airbag for driver and co-driver,
- Side airbags,
- ABS with MSR (drag torque control) and Dual Rate brake assistant,
- Four-spoke steering wheel, adjustable in height and length.
The Ambiente provides the following additional features:
- Multi-functional display (board computer),
- Rear seat can be folded down, divided in ratio of 60 : 40,
- Central locking, SAFE System,
- Preparation for radio with 4 loudspeakers in the front,
- Overhead package I (four folding roof handgrips hook in the rear, two reading lamps in the front, driver and co-driver sun visors with make-up mirrors),
- Electrically operated windows at the front,
- Exterior mirror housing and door handles painted in car colour,
- Instrument panel in different design,
- Silver coloured gear shift knob, gear shift frame, door handles, air vent surrounds and handbrake lever button,
- Co-driver glove compartment with cover in upper and lower part of the dashboard
- Storage pockets on the rear of the front seats.
The Sport version also provides the following fittings:
- Foglamps at the front,
- Three-spoke steering wheel,
- Halogen projector beam headlights,
- Storage for (sun)glasses,
- Driver's seat is adjustable in height,
- Tinted windows,
- Small leather package,
- Side protector strips in black
In the top fittings version, the Elegance, the Fabia Estate offers the following additional features:
- Adjustable central armrest at the front with storage space,
- Woven carpeting,
- Remote control for central locking system with folding key,
- Air conditioning with automatic control (Climatic),
- Height-adjustable co-driver's seat,
- Electrically operated and heated exterior mirrors,
- Overhead package II (Overhead package I + reading lamp at the rear in the centre),
- Windscreen with grey wedge,
- Alloy wheels: 6.0J x 14'' - ATIK (6.0J x 15'' - ANTARES for 1.9 TDI PD/77 kW).
The Fabia Estate can be even further individualised by the addition of special features. The following features are, among others, available to choose from:
- Roof railing in black or silver,
- Net program (set of nets in the boot),
- Luggage net separating fixture,
- Mount for two bicycles in the boot,
- Head airbags,
- Co-driver's airbag can be deactivated,
- ESP,
- TPM (Tyre Pressure Monitoring),
- Cornering light function in foglamps,
- Prrojection beam headlights with curve lighting function,
- Electronically controlled Climatronic air conditioning,
- Speed control device,
- Radio Beat or Dance,
- Navigation system with dynamic trip control (TMC),
- Electrically operated windows at the rear,
- Preparation for GSM II telephone with bluetooth.
ON THE SAFE SIDE: THE NEW FABIA ESTATE PASSES CRASH TESTS WITH FLYING COLOURS
As is the case with the Fabia in the hatchback version, Škoda Auto has incorporated a high level of safety in the new Fabia Estate. With its extensive, modern safety systems it does not only protect its occupants but other participants in traffic also. The antilock braking system, ABS, is a standard feature for all cars delivered to member states of the EU, and, in all other countries it is part of the basic standard equipment in the so-called world model specification in the top engine versions in the 1.9 TDI PD/77 kW and 1.4 TDI PD DPF/59 kW. In addition, Škoda Auto provides the stabilising program, ESP, as an option for all engine versions.
In the case of the most powerful petrol version, the 1.6 16V with automatic transmission, ESP is a basic standard feature. Standard also is MSR, torque moment regulation, which prevents the occurrence of unfavourable drive features in dangerous situations and the dual rate brake assistant,
a mechanical aid which generates maximum braking pressure immediately in the case of an emergency stop thus shortening the braking distance considerably.
ASR, anti-spin regulation, is also available which prevents wheelspin on smooth surfaces. In this way, traction is maintained within the limits of friction hold. The EDS (electronic differential lock) is automatically combined with ESP. TPM (tyre pressure monitoring) is also available as an extra for the new Fabia. TPM immediately shows the driver any possible loss in tyre pressure.
The curve lighting system in the new Fabia Estate also ensures greater safety. Curve lighting which illuminates the roadway much better and which enables the driver to recognise hindrances at a much earlier point in time is also available. Additionally, Škoda also offers the so-called cornering lighting system in the Fabia Estate. Here, the left or right fog lamp is lit depending upon the direction being taken, its widespread illumination lighting up an area of up to 60° next to the vehicle making it easier to see pedestrians and cyclists. The system also illuminates high curbs and boundary posts bringing these clearly into the driver's view. The cornering light is active at speeds of up to 40 km/h. A new feature is the daylight driving light function which also increases safety.
The new Fabia has six airbags. In addition to the two front airbags, side airbags protect the occupants in the case of a side collision. Head airbags are also provided as an extra. The airbag inflates along the surface of the window like a curtain thus effectively preventing the occupant's head coming into direct contact with the window or the B-pillar. Isofix mountings for children's seats are available in the rear, the co-driver's airbag can be deactivated.
The rear seats in the new Fabia are prepared for mounting children's seats using a top-tether belt which provides a third upper anchoring point for the child's seat in addition to the mountings on the back seat. As a result, the movement of the back of the child's seat is reduced in the case of a head-on collision.
The new Fabia Estate fulfils the demands for the protection of pedestrians with ease. Front bonnet and the front bumper yield and absorb the energy in the case of a collision. Thus, the danger of injury to pedestrians is reduced.
The rigidity of the bodywork of the Fabia Estate proved its value with flying colours in a comprehensive range of tests in the new crash-test unit in Mladá Boleslav. Thanks to exactly defined load paths, energy is dispersed by means of pre-programmed deformation of certain segments of the body and the collision forces are thus distributed throughout the whole of the body structure. The passenger cell retains its function as survival cell even in the event of high collision speeds in a 64 km/h crash against the 40% barrier, currently the most ambitious range of crash tests, and the Fabia Estate passes the test without any problem whatsoever. The doors can be opened without any problem after the crash test. The loads measured in the new generation of dummies for the occupants remained well below the limits specified for all of the tests carried out. The stability of the back of the rear seat was naturally also examined. It withstands the forces created by luggage being catapulted forwards thus protecting the passengers in the rear of the car.
POWERFUL AND ECONOMIC: THE ENGINES IN THE NEW FABIA ESTATE
The range of engines available for the Fabia Estate is almost identical to that provided for the hatchback model. The range does include the petrol engine with 44 kW (60 HP) so that the basic engine model available is the 1.2 12V HTP with 51 kW (70 HP).
Thus, six different engines can be chosen for the Fabia Estate, three petrol and three diesel engines with a performance range running from 51 kW
(70 HP) to 77 kW (105 HP). None of the engines is bound to a specific level of fittings and equipment. As in the case of the Fabia sedan, the top level of fittings can be combined with the basic engine or the basic fittings and equipment level combined with the most powerful engine. The petrol engines are designed to run on 4-star petrol (95 octane) but can also be operated with normal petrol (91 octane) without problem. In this case, performance is only slightly lower. All of the engines remain clearly below the limiting value of the Euro 4 in their emission. In addition, diesel particle filters can also be supplied for the two diesel engines, the 1.4 TDI PD DPF/59 kW and the 1.9 TDI PD DPF/77 kW.
51 kW (70 HP) is provided by the three-cylinder machine, the 1.2 12V HTP, which, with four valves per combustion chamber, supplies its maximum torque of 112 Nm at a figure of only 3000 min-1. The most economical engine in the range, it requires a mere 5.9 litres of petrol per 100 kilometres. However, the driving performance of this version with 15.1 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h and a top speed of 164 km/h are not to be scorned.
A high degree of smoothness in running and a low level of noise are the characteristics of the petrol engine with a displacement of 1.4 litres and generating 63 kW (86 HP). The free-revving engine achieves a comparably high torque of 132 Nm at a figure of only 3800 min-1. It gives the
Fabia Estate a top speed of 175 km/h and propels it from 0 to 100 km/h in only 12.7 seconds. Its consumption amounts to 6.5 litres of petrol per
100 kilometres.
The most powerful petrol engine is the new aluminium engine with a displacement of 1.6 litres and 77 kW (105 HP). It excels as a result of its torque of 153 Nm attained also at the low figure of 3800 min-1 and requires 6.9 litres of petrol for a stretch of 100 kilometres. It propels the new Fabia Estate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 10.4 seconds and at top speed the speedometer shows a figure of 192 km/h.
The thrifty three-cylinder TDI engines with a displacement of 1.4 litres are offered in the performance ranges of 51 kW and 59 kW (70 HP and 80 HP). The more powerful of the engines can be supplied with a diesel particle filter as an extra. With carbon dioxide emission values of 127 g/km and
120 g/km respectively, the two engines lie below the limiting value of 140 g/km which is to be achieved within the scope of the ACEA self-commitment to be introduced in 2008. This corresponds to a fuel consumption of 4.8 and 4.6 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres respectively. The excellent torque values of 155 Nm and 195 Nm throughout a whole range of revolutions guarantee rapid acceleration and ensure a quick response in overtaking. The top speeds of these two engines are 164 km/h and 173 km/h respectively.
The most powerful diesel engine on offer has a displacement of 1.9 litre and 77 kW (105 HP) and is a smooth running four-cylinder machine which can be fitted out with a diesel particle filter as an extra. The maximum torque of 240 Nm is already achieved at a figure of 1800 min-1 and remains constant throughout a wide range of revs. This in turn ensures good elasticity and excellent acceleration properties. Its consumption of only 4.9 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres sets new standards, its sprinting ability is evident in an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 11 seconds whiles a top speed of 191 km/h is also possible.
All of the engines are supplied with an optional maintenance interval extension (WIV). 30,000 kilometres can be travelled before the display in the multi-function instrument indicates that the driver has to take the car to the workshop for servicing. Sensors constantly monitor the data on oil temperature, rev count, driving profile and distance. The computer calculates the ideal time for maintenance from the data recorded in this way.
All of the Fabia Estates are fitted out with a five speed manual gearbox. The gearbox excels as a result of a precisely defined switching background which almost completely excludes errors in transmission changes. The well designed knob on the short gear stick lies nicely in the driver's hand; the paths taken in changing gear are pleasantly short. As an extra, the most powerful petrol engine can be combined with a six-gear automatic transmission. In addition to the standard automatic function, this gearbox is fitted out with a Tiptronic mode which makes sequential manual gear changing possible for the individual gear ratios.
ALWAYS ON A SAFE TRACK: THE CHASSIS OF THE NEW FABIA ESTATE
Underbody and wheel suspension in the Fabia Estate are identical to those used in the sedan. However, the advantages of the state-of-the-art, solid construction of the bodywork of an estate car are particularly evident. The front wheels of the Fabia are mounted on MacPherson struts thus guaranteeing agile steering combined with the best possible properties in curves. The front axle is fixed to a three-part subframe which decouples the bodywork from the chassis and thus reduces vibration and noise development to a great extent. At the rear, a semi-independent suspension as rear wheel suspension is the optimum solution for the estate car as such. Its weight is low, thus increasing the payload allowing the Fabia Estate to load up to 515 kg. The flat building construction principle of the semi-independent rear suspension makes it possible to have a low and even floor in the boot, with no corners and edges to disturb loading. In addition, the low loading edge height of 637 mm above the road surface also makes it easier to load the car.
The handling of the Fabia is designed to understeer in order to achieve a high degree of stability and safety in curves. If the car is travelling too fast, thanks to its design, the vehicle reduces speed in the front wheels in critical situations and in the case of loss of traction and thus makes the car controllable. The standard electro-hydraulic power steering transmits good records of all of the factors involved in road surface conditions and the conditions affecting traction. As a result the driver knows that he is always safely on the road. In addition, the electro-hydraulic power steering also helps to reduce fuel consumption because its pump only functions when support is actually required. When driving straight ahead it is not activated and the full power of the engine flows into the drive. When manoeuvring, the maximum support for the steering is available and with a turning circle of less than ten metres, the new Škoda is once again one of the most agile cars in its class. All versions of the new Fabia Estate can, if required, be fitted out with ESP.
To date, more than 630,000 customers have chosen to buy a Fabia Estate of the first generation. And this will retain its place in the range offered by Škoda Auto at least until the end of the year 2007.