Skoda Fabia could be Australia's most efficient car

SKODA has revealed a range of seven new frugal petrol and diesel engines, which will cut fuel consumption of its new Fabia light hatchback range by up to 17 per cent.

European customers will have the choice four three-cylinder engines and three four-cylinder versions ranging from a normally aspirated 1.0-litre 44kW three-pot petrol, to a turbocharged 1.2-litre TSI four-cylinder, which pumps out 81kW.

Two other versions of the 1.2-litre engine will be on offer in a lesser state of tune, and all three diesel versions are 1.4-litre turbocharged three-cylinders, starting with a 55kW and topping out with a 77kW version.

The greatest fuel savings will be from the GreenLine TDI variant, which uses a 55kW diesel engine, idle-stop and energy recovery technology, and low rolling-resistance tyres to return an ultra-low fuel consumption figure of just 3.1 litres per 100km.

If it came to Australia that figure would earn the Fabia the title of Australia's most fuel efficient non-hybrid vehicle, knocking Fiat's 500 TwinAir, which sips 3.9L/100km, from the top spot.

Skoda says the GreenLine option will be its most environmentally friendly conventionally-powered model, and only the Citigo G-TEC, which is not sold in Australia, has less of an impact on the environment.

Range-wide improved aerodynamics and weight-reduction of up to 65kg will also cut fuel consumption of all variants, with the entry-level 1.0-litre version weighing in at under one tonne.

Skoda has not confirmed torque output or other performance figures but the Volkswagen-owned car-maker has stated that all the new engines will conform to EU6 emissions regulations.

Australia is likely to get a fraction of the seven engine range, but as per Australian customer demand, any offerings are likely to be towards the higher end of performance.

Skoda has made no mention of a replacement for the high-performance 132kW RS variant, which uses a turbocharged and supercharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder, but a new version could follow the launch of initial variants.

A diesel version is not currently available in Australia and in addition to the RS the only other engine option is a 77kW 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol unit.

If a diesel variant arrives Down Under it will be the first time the Czech brand has offered an oil-burning option in the micro light segment.

A choice of either a manual gearbox or a double-clutch automatic transmission will be offered in Europe but drivetrain specifications have not been announced for Australia.

The new Fabia arrives in Australia next year.