The first fourth-generation Fabia rolled off the production line at Škoda Auto’s main plant in the Czech Republic yesterday. The production facilities were extensively modified so that this latest edition of the popular small car could be built there; the investments made amount to 110 million euros.

For the first time, the Fabia is based on Volkswagen Group’s MQB-A0 platform, enabling it to be not only the most spacious car within its segment but also to offer improved comfort features and a wealth of new safety and assistance systems. Since its debut in 1999, Škoda has delivered more than 4.5 million units of its small car to customers, making it the brand’s second bestselling vehicle after the Octavia.

Michael Oeljeklaus, Škoda Auto board member for production and logistics, said: “Production launches are always very special moments that we meticulously prepare for. We are celebrating the official start of production of the new Fabia. In total, we have invested 110 million euros in the extensive modernisation as well as further automation of the production processes.

“This is now paying off: it is great to see everything running smoothly, with every mechanism working in perfect harmony. I would like to thank the entire team for their outstanding work and I am delighted that our efforts have allowed us to make a significant contribution to the Fabia’s success story.”

High level of automation
The Škoda Fabia is built on the same production line as the Scala and Kamiq model series. In the run-up to the commencement of production, the Czech automotive manufacturer made adjustments to the assembly line as well as to the press and welding shops. Numerous complex and physically demanding production steps are now carried out by robots, which has resulted in a high level of automation.

The first-generation Fabia, launched in 1999, was one of the bestselling small cars, with more than 1.7 million units delivered. The second-generation model that followed in 2007 also surpassed the mark of 1.7 million units sold. Including the third generation, which debuted in 2014, over 4.5 million Fabias have been delivered to customers worldwide.

At a length of 4,108mm, the new-generation model exceeds the 4m mark for the first time, and at 1,780mm wide, it offers even more space than its predecessor. The boot, which, in its predecessor, was already the largest in the segment, increased by 50 to 380 litres.

The new Fabia is a front-wheel drive and available with a manual gearbox or an automatic seven-speed direct-speed gearbox. There is a choice of five petrol engines from VW’s current EVO generation, which combine low emissions with increased efficiency and greater dynamics.

The new Fabia boasts a drag coefficient (cd) of 0.28, setting a record in the small car segment. This latest edition also features an array of assistance systems that were previously reserved for more expensive vehicles.