2018 Skoda Fabia To Be Revealed At Geneva Motor Show

Skoda has revealed its lineup for the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show. Not only will it be updating models relevant to India, the Czech car manufacturer will also debut the all-new Skoda Fabia, which could make its way back into the country after a five-year hiatus. And because crossovers have become so popular these days, our eyes will also be focussed on the Vision X concept as well. Here’s the list of cars Skoda is set to showcase at the motor show.

• Skoda Vision X
• 2018 Skoda Fabia
• Skoda Kodiaq L&K
• Skoda Superb 2.0-litre TSI with 272PS/7-speed DSG
• Skoda Octavia RS 245 with Challenge Plus package
• TSI engine update with petrol particulate filters
• Skoda Octavia with digital instrument panel

The Skoda Vision X is a design study on which the future compact crossovers will be based on. The result should look something like a crossover version of the Fabia hatchback. The production version of the Vision X will be the third SUV in Skoda’s lineup. But, this one has something new going on under the bonnet. It is a hybrid drive concept featuring a four-cylinder, turbocharged CNG engine (yes, it’s not a petrol) coupled to an electric motor.

However, what is of immediate relevance to European markets, and possibly India as well, is the refreshed Skoda Fabia. The 2018 model looks quite fresh with changes to the face and the derriere. It gets new headlights and front fog lights, which now feature LED elements. The taillights get the LED treatment too. Also, the international model now gets the option of 18-inch rims. If launched in India, expect it to be offered with 16-inch alloy wheels though.

Powering the Fabia abroad will be just the 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine, but in four states of tune. The naturally aspirated MPI engines will be available with a power output of 60PS and 75PS while the turbocharged TSI drivetrains produce 95PS and 110PS. Even the Skoda Fabia Combi (the estate version) will feature the same engine options. The more powerful options will be available with a 7-speed DSG gearbox as an option as well.

On the inside, the updates include a ‘Swing’ infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen that supports navigation, Online Traffic Information service and SmartLink+ technology that enables Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink and SmartGate.

As for the Kodiaq, which is already on sale in India, Skoda is set to add a new L7K variant to the lineup. Expect it to get premium features over the already feature-loaded variant sold here. On the outside, the L&k variant sports 19-inch ‘Sirius’ alloy wheels, full-LED headlights, a radiator grille with chromed slats and model-specific front and rear bumpers. The cabin features a three-spoke steering wheel finished in black or beige leather trim, ‘Laurin & Klement’ logos on the seats, trim strips on the instrument panel and home screen of the infotainment system. It will also get black piano lacquer accents on the dashboard along with aluminium pedals, ambient lighting and the CANTON audio system.

In terms of the engine options, the L&K will be offered with a 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine producing 150PS and a 2.0-litre TSI producing 190PS apart from the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine we are all familiar with.

The Skoda Superb will get a revised 2.0-litre TSI engine with an output of 272PS and will be mated to a new 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Also new in the Superb will be the KESSY extended security function (Keyless Entry, Start and Exit System) and the ambient lighting system, which will now be connected to Driving Mode Select.

The Octavia RS, the car that we just loved in our road test, will now get an optional Challenge Plus package. This adds new design elements to both the exterior and the cabin. The RS 245 Challenge Plus package will feature an electronically-regulated VAQ limited-slip differential as well.

The regular variants of the Octavia, on the other hand, will now be equipped with a digital instrument cluster which was first introduced in the Karoq SUV. Even the Superb and the Kodiaq are expected to feature this unit soon. The advantage of the all-digital display is that it can be configured to display a variety of information apart from the usual speed, tachometer, and fuel gauge. You can now bring up navigation maps, information about the audio system or the telephone on the screen.

We expect the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show to be action-packed! So, stay tuned for more updates.