The fourth-generation Skoda Fabia was revealed this week with European sales expected to start in the summer months, and deliveries commencing later in the year. The sister product of the VW Polo is available with five engine options – all petrol units from the EVO family of the VW Group – however, no mild hybrids, hybrids or electric variants are on offer.
As per a report from autocar.co.uk, Skoda’s plan to not offer electrified versions of its 21-year old nameplate is intentional as prices of superminis have been shooting up in Europe, making the sub-28,000 EUR segment scanty. Hence, the brand plans to keep the Fabia as low tech as possible, at least until it is forced to introduce electrified variants to meet average emission norms. When the time comes, the Fabia could initially get a 48V mild-hybrid technology, given that rival Hyundai i20 offers this tech as standard.
Upcoming Skoda electric cars
Skoda launched its first EV in Europe last year, the Enyaq iV, and will introduce the Enyaq iV Coupe in the coming weeks. It is also considering an electric vehicle smaller than the Enyaq. CEO Thomas Schafer confirmed this at the Skoda Annual Press Conference 2021 in March. The rumour is that the VW ID.3 will be redesigned with Skoda touches, similar to the Group’s strategy with its ICE products (Golf-Octavia, etc.). Further afield, an electric sedan the size of the Skoda Octavia and a mini crossover akin to the VW ID.2 are in the plan, though these launches will come around 2025.
We hope to get more information on these EVs during the Skoda Strategy 2030 announcement that follows later this year. Skoda would invest EUR 1.4 billion in electric car development by 2025, by which time it plans to expand its EV portfolio to 10 vehicles, including hybrids.
Until its strong electrification onslaught takes over every segment, it plans to offer the cost-effective Skoda Fabia with five powertrains: two 1L MPI naturally-aspirated units, two 1L TSI turbo petrols and the range-topping 1.5L TSI petrol. A mix of manual and DSG transmissions are on offer.
Featured image source: Skoda Auto
