Skoda India has confirmed that its Fabia will return to India as a premium hatchback.
Detailing the future plans of the Czech manufacturer to Autocarpro, the manufacturer stated its second largest selling model (globally) is set to be reintroduced in the country.
Based on the Vision C concept showcased at the 2014 Geneva Motor show, the new Skoda is wider and lower than the previous model, which was discontinued in 2013 in India. The hatchback sports a very muscular look. The curved lines in the previous Fabia made way to a more angular design with straight lines and is in line with new family design of Skoda.
The new Fabia is based on the same platform that the new Volkswagen Polo is based on and will feature similar underpinnings. The new car will be powered by a 1.5-litre, four cylinders, turbocharged diesel engine making 89bhp or 103bhp. The 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol making 103bhp mated to 7-speed DSG transmission is also expected. The new Fabia will be quicker than the outgoing car, considering the weight loss of 65kg over the older model.
Launched in 2008, Skoda Auto India sold about 45,000 units of Fabia in its six years in India. The monthly volumes of Fabia came down to 115 units in April 2013 due to low sales and high assembly cost. The previous launch was also considered as ahead of time when premium hatchbacks did not really have any takers.
In the second coming, the Fabia will be pitted against the likes of Volkswagen Polo, Hyundai Elite i20 and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Baleno. It is expected to be unveiled in India during 2016 Auto Expo and launch later during the year.
