Skoda plans to roll out Fabia next year  ( May '10,2006, ET)

Hatchback Forms Of The Model Will Arrive In Petrol & Diesel Versions

Skoda Auto is planning to roll out its much-anticipated volume car Fabia in hatchback form next year. According to sources in the company, the Fabia will be rolled out in both petrol and diesel versions and will conform to the engine and size stipulations necessary for the excise benefit announced this year.

Although Skoda officials refused to confirm the date of the launch, sources say it’s likely to be in the first half of ‘07. When contacted, a company source confirmed, ”We are coming out with the Fabia in its hatchback version some time next year. We will come out with a diesel version too.”

However, the engine specifications could not be confirmed.

The Fabia was the first Skoda model to use parent Volkswagen’s A00 platform along with VW’s Polo and SEAT’s Ibiza. First rolled out six years ago, it had a fairly substantial facelift in ‘05. The model that was showcased in Geneva this year also had a minor spec revision and will be replaced by the ‘07 year model.

The Fabia hatch is available both in a 1.2 litre petrol and 1.4 litre diesel option, both of which would qualify it for the small car benefits in India.

Fabia’s roll out would add to the rush of hot hatch models in the next 12-18 months. First to roll out would be the Aveo UVA which was due in June-July but has now been delayed somewhat so that it can be launched in a 1.2 litre petrol avatar, said a senior General Motors India source.

The U-VA will now roll out in the second half of the year. GM India is also looking at the possibility of introducing a diesel version of its just-launched Aveo sedan though not immediately.

Currently, the Aveo is available in a 1.4 and 1.6 litre petrol engine variants. However, company officials were tight-lipped on whether GM will source the 1.3 litre Fiat diesel engine which Suzuki is planning to strap on to its Swift hatch for the Aveo. Also due for an India debut is a diesel version of Hyundai’s Getz hatch