Fabia baby bounces in

SKODA has at last released pricing and specification details for its first two Fabia light-car models, with more to come early next year.

Out in August but displayed at the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne this week, the Czech-made five-door hatch will kick off from $18,990 for the 77TSI manual.

While that undercuts the cheapest Volkswagen Polo 77TSI manual by almost $1000, it still pitches the Skoda in the pricier end of the light-car segment, meaning there is no Fabia answer to the entry-level $14,990 Honda Jazz GLi, $15,990 Suzuki Swift GA, $16,500 Mazda2 Neo and $16,990 Ford Fiesta CL.

And, while the Fabia uses a variation of the Polo 77TSI’s 1.2-litre direct-injection turbo four-cylinder petrol unit, it employs a five-speed manual not a six-speeder, with no DSG option available until early 2012.

On the flipside, the Skoda equals its Polo equivalent in returning 5.5 litres per 100km average fuel consumption and comes standard with six airbags, electronic stability control, ABS brakes, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.



From top: Fabia Monte Carlo, Fabia RS, Fabia wagon.

Also included is a reach and height-adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio and phone controls, cruise control, a multi-function trip computer, Bluetooth connectivity, air-conditioning, remote central locking and power windows.

Meanwhile, the $21,990 Monte Carlo 77TSI – a limited edition marking the centenary of the famous rally – has been released with piano black paint for the roof, wheel arches, body sides and spoiler, as well as 16-inch alloy wheels, sports seats, increased leather trimmings, steel pedals and silver kick plates.

Lastly (for now) is the Fabia RS 132TSI, employing a detuned version of the Polo GTI’s 132kW/175Nm 1.4L twin-charged turbo/supercharged four-cylinder petrol engine and DSG to help it sprint to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds. What Skoda charges for its sportiest baby is still a secret, however.

The full Fabia range – including DSG, wagon and closely related relaunched Roomster TSI DSG – will be introduced in Australia in the first quarter of next year.

Depending on the reception light-car buyers give this Eastern European VW, diesel and other versions may also be introduced later.

Skoda Fabia pricing:&nbsp
77TSI	$18,990
Monte Carlo 77TSI &nbsp &nbsp	$21,990