New 2021 Skoda Fabia teased

• New styling
• Will only get petrol engines
• Due to be revealed in spring

A new Skoda Fabia is on the way and Skoda has released the first teaser image. The picture shows the car’s silhouette but few details. However, we know the new car will be underpinned by the VW Group’s MQB A0 platform for the first time, and will feature reworked styling, upgraded technology and a range of economical petrol engines.

From this teaser, it’s clear that both the head and tail-lights will incorporate LED elements, and LED headlights may be fitted as standard. While hard to tell, it looks like the new Fabia will be a bit longer than the current one, which bodes well for passenger and boot space.

Skoda has also confirmed that it’ll be revealed in spring. It’ll go on sale a couple of months later, and will be the Czech brand’s smallest and cheapest model, after the Skoda Citigo was discontinued. Rivals include the Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris and Suzuki Swift.

2021 Skoda Fabia: design

At first glance the styling looks very similar to the current Fabia but Skoda’s engineers have disguised some of the styling changes - like the reshaped tail-lights. The light clusters are split across the boot shutline, similar to the new Skoda Enyaq, and the angled LED elements are similar too. The rear windscreen will be more steeply angled than the current car, and there’ll be block ‘Skoda’ lettering across the tailgate.

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The front end will be similar, albeit with a bolder grille and tweaked headlights. It’ll look similar to the new Skoda Octavia, and will be smart enough to draw some buyers away from the Volkswagen Polo. We can see several new body creases as well, giving the supermini a fresh look.

Engines and chassis

Like the current Polo and the SEAT Ibiza, the new Fabia will sit on VW’s MQB A0 platform, and the three cars will share several key components including engines, technology and switchgear.

The entry-level 70bhp naturally aspirated MPI petrol engine is likely to be dropped in the UK market, with a turbocharged TSI 1.0-litre unit available with a choice of 94bhp or 108bhp. A dual-clutch DSG automatic gearbox will also be available, and VW’s 148bhp 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine could make its way into higher-spec models.

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The more powerful petrol could also be available with mild-hybrid assistance, but full hybrid or electric models are unlikely with Skoda aiming to price the Fabia competitively against its rivals.

Interior and technology

Switching to the new MQB A0 platform should make the new Fabia more refined with improved soundproofing and noise isolation. It’ll still be one of the most spacious superminis on sale, though, with seating for four adults.

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New technology will be introduced as well, in the form of Skoda’s MIB 3.0 infotainment system. This was first seen in the Skoda Kamiq SUV, with the new Fabia likely to get an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with higher spec models getting a larger 9.2-inch version. Smartphone mirroring with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is likely to be standard on all trim levels.

Skoda is the value-focused, practical arm of the VW Group, so we’d expect prices to undercut many of its rivals. A basic entry-level model will allow prices to start from around £15,000, while a new Skoda Fabia Estate should sit alongside the updated hatchback.

Read our guides to the best small cars, best cars for £15,000 and best used small cars.