IndiBlog

Skoda has taken off the covers of it's best selling model, the Fabia. The new Fabia's world premiere will take place at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2007. Skoda has since long been contemplating the launch of the Fabia hatchback and saloon in India to make a larger footprint in the market. The company has decided to postpone the launch and bring in the latest Fabia when it is launched worldwide in 2007. The car would be launched with a choice of petrol & diesel motors and is likely to come in late 2007 or early 2008.

From intitial pictures the car seems a lot like the Suzuki Swift especially the way the way the roof tapers down towards the rear and the A, B & C pillars are typically Swift. The glass area is also identical to the Swift and if you hide the front its very easy to mistake it for the Suzuki. The grille is typical Skoda with the big logo and chrome bar. The car is longer and more spacious than the current model and will offer higher standards of performance & safety.

The Fabia is Skoda's most successful model internationally having sold more than 1.5 million units since its launch in 2000. The Fabia hatchback will compete with the Maruti Swift, Hyundai Getz and upcoming models like the Fiat Punto, Volkswagen Polo, Honda Jazz etc. The saloon version will compete with entry level sedans like the Fiesta, Aveo, New Esteem & the Honda City. The car will surely do well in India if priced right, considering the brand image and loyalty Skoda's managed to create. Moreover the Fabia will allow Skoda to compete in volume car segments and make it a mainstream auto brand in the country.