MOTORING REVIEW: Fabia Monte Carlo adds extra pizazz

THE LATEST Skoda Fabia supermini arrived in 2022 some 22 years after the model made its debut. This is the entry level of the Skoda range with over 4.5 million sales since launched in 1999. Here in Ireland, Fabia notched up 498 sales last year.

The latest Fabia is built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB-A0 modular platform which allows the model to be considerably longer than its predecessor and with a roomier interior and stiffer body. Skoda claim the model is the most spacious car within its segment.

The car's line-up was completed with the launch of my review car, the range-topping Monte Carlo variant which adds pizazz to what is already a very stylish car. The iconic name has symbolised a sport lifestyle since 2011 commemorating the brand’s many victories at the legendary rally. In looks, the black body details emphasise the Monte Carlo’s strong appearance. The black grille, model-specific front and rear aprons, black rear diffuser and exclusive black 16-inch alloy wheels. Special Monte Carlo badging appears on the sides.

The interior is quite gorgeous, and to my view one of the best in its segment. While the cabin is predominantly black, sporty red accents include a decorative strip on the dash, and red on parts of the centre console and door handles. Contrasting white stitching on the dash and seats helps lifts the look. The comfy sports seats with integrated headrests are upholstered in a very attractive black/grey/red material. Seats have manual adjustments and the driver’s includes lumbar control. Armrests on the front doors and the lower dash are finished in a nice carbon-fibre look. A Panoramic roof and rear parking sensors come as standard.

This Monte Carlo variant can be equipped with all the safety, assistance and comfort features as well as infotainment systems available in the range.

The flat-bottomed multifunction leather steering wheel is standard on this variant as are the two rear ‘C’ type small USB ports. The optional digital instrument cluster provides a specific, more dynamic black background for the layouts. You can change the appearance of the driver’s instrumentation screen via a button on the steering wheel.

The centre console touchscreen display looks after media, phone, driver assistance, vehicle, SmartLink and Navigation features, and air conditioning.

Cubbies include a very large bucket-shaped glovebox, good door bins and an area below the front armrest. The boot is now a decent 380 litres and there’s also room for a full size spare wheel.

Other trims are Active, Ambition, and Style. The range consists of 1.0, 65/80/95hp 5-speed manual petrol engines and a 1.0 110hp 7-speed DSG automatic at €28,290. While claimed fuel consumption varies from around 5.1-5.6 L/100kms, my average figure in the 95hp version came in at 6.5 L/100kms on regular journeys, and 4.5 L/100km/h after a longish trip. Annual road tax is from €190 for manuals to €200 for the DSG version.

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This is a sensible small car with a good lot of useful equipment as standard. The entry level gets Hill Hold control, remote control central locking, air con, a 6.5 inch touchscreen display, DAB radio, LED headlights and daytime running lights, Forward Collision warning including pedestrian recognition. Alas, there was no blind spot alert.

I found the car very quiet on the road and quite fun to drive especially when given some extra welly. It has a 0-100km/h time of around 10.6 seconds which is fine for an everyday car. With its small size, Fabia can park easily into a very small parking slot.

New Fabia was awarded the maximum five stars in Euro NCAP’s safety tests so is regarded as a very safe car to drive.

Fabia is priced from €19,820 for the Active 65hp; the Monte Carlo is from €25,910.