The new SKODA Fabia Interior: more space, more comfort features and large displays 05.05.2021: Large central display characterises the interior of the fourth-generation Fabia Even more space, comfort features as seen in higher-tier vehicles, such as a heated windscreen and a heated steering wheel, and fresh colours State-of-the-ar

    Large central display characterises the interior of the fourth-generation Fabia


    Even more space, comfort features as seen in higher-tier vehicles, such as a heated windscreen and a heated steering wheel, and fresh colours


    State-of-the-art connectivity; digital instrument cluster making its Fabia debut




The Fabia’s interior strikes a perfect balance between emotiveness and ergonomics. Visually, it is characterised by the free-standing infotainment display measuring up to 9.2 inches. In addition to state-of-the-art infotainment systems, the Fabia can also be fitted with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster for the first time.


Comfort features as found in higher-tier vehicles, such as a heated windscreen and heated steering wheel, are other options making their Fabia debut. The ŠKODA Fabia will initially be launched with three trim levels.



Owing to the 94-mm-longer wheelbase compared to its predecessor, the new ŠKODA Fabia offers even more space for passengers, especially in the rear. At now 2,564 mm, the small car’s wheelbase is even greater than that of the first-generation ŠKODA Octavia (launched in 1996) which measured just 2,512 mm.


The new interior design further improves the Fabia’s feeling of spaciousness, and will be available in the three familiar trim levels – S, SE and SE L – at market launch. The symmetrical dashboard with a free-standing central display and the horizontal decorative strips for which there is a choice of six different versions (depending on the trim level) emphasise the width of the interior.



From SE upwards, the front section of the dashboard is upholstered in fabric with contrasting stitching. Large circular air vents on the right and left – featuring a chrome trim from SE upwards – as well as the newly designed door handles, which are also chrome-plated, create new visual touches.






New colours, ambient lighting and comfort features from higher-tier vehicles



Copper-coloured and grey contrasting stitching, as well as decorative trims bring new colour accents to the interior of the ŠKODA Fabia. The new LED ambient lighting (standard in SE L) allows the driver to illuminate the decorative trim on the dashboard in white or red. The centre console and front door handles can also be lit up; furthermore, the ambient lighting includes LED reading lights in the front and rear.


Newly designed steering wheels provide the finishing touches in the FABIA’s interior. The multifunction steering wheel is available in leather and in a three-spoke sports style, with shift paddles for the DSG. A heated steering wheel as well as a heated windscreen for a clear view and improved safety in winter also make their debut in the range. Such comfort features could previously only be found in higher-tier vehicles.





Digital instrument cluster with five layouts



This is the first-ever ŠKODA Fabia that is optionally available with a digital instrument cluster, which boasts a 10.25-inch digital display.


Drivers can choose from different layouts to suit their needs. These include the Classic layout, which is based on the style of analogue round instruments, as well as the Modern, Reduced and Extended layouts. As part of the optional Dynamics pack, there’s a fifth option – the Sport layout, in which the rev counter takes centre stage.



The ‘Virtual Cockpit’, as the digital instrument cluster is also referred to, can display radio station emblems, covers of music albums and stored pictures of callers, among other things. Furthermore, the map can zoom in on junctions and display them in a separate window. As standard, the Fabia comes with an analogue instrument panel and a 3.5-inch information screen.





Available for the first time: dual-zone Climatronic




ŠKODA’s latest generation of its small car is the first Fabia that can be ordered with a dual-zone Climatronic, as well as air vents on the rear of the centre console to keep rear passengers cool.


When equipped with this optional air conditioning system, the centre console features two rotary knobs to allow the temperature to be regulated separately for the right- and left-hand sides of the vehicle. All of the system’s functions can be intuitively operated using eight buttons.




Connectivity: always online and wirelessly networked


    Infotainment systems with displays of up to 9.2 inches, gesture control and a digital voice assistant


    Wide range of mobile online services from ŠKODA Connect


ŠKODA has equipped the new Fabia with infotainment systems that feature screens of up to 9.2 inches. The small car is always online thanks to a built-in eSIM.



This makes it possible to receive internet radio or to access the wide range of ŠKODA Connect mobile online services and the latest infotainment apps. Smartphones can be connected to the car via Wireless SmartLink without the need of a cable and inductively charged in the Phone Box. Amundsen, the top-of-the-range infotainment system, can also be operated by gesture control and the Laura digital voice assistant.



For the new ŠKODA Fabia, there is a choice of three different infotainment systems. Swing, the entry-level system, features a modern 6.5-inch colour touchscreen, a radio with digital DAB receiver and four front speakers as standard. Bolero offers a radio, an 8-inch screen, a Bluetooth hands-free system and two additional surround-sound speakers in the rear doors.



A smartphone can be connected without the need of a cable via Wireless SmartLink and Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, while the optional Phone Box enables inductive charging.




Range-topping system Amundsen with online-backed navigation and voice control


The Amundsen infotainment system features a customisable 9.2-inch display, and a navigation function that is backed by online data. This option also includes a Wi-Fi hotspot. Music streaming services can be accessed via a paired smartphone. Maps can be stored on the 64-GB SSD hard drive and updated online.



The gesture control feature comes as standard, while online-backed voice control via the Laura digital voice assistant, who understands 15 languages, is optional. The new Fabia boasts up to five USB-C sockets for charging further mobile devices – one of which can be found on the rear-view mirror to charge a dashcam, for example. The ŠKODA Sound System, with an additional amplifier and a subwoofer in the boot, is an optional extra providing even better acoustics.




Infotainment apps for weather, news, calendar and traffic alerts


The customer can create a ŠKODA Connect account or transfer an existing account to the Fabia directly via the Amundsen system’s display. The new infotainment apps are just as easy to download. They offer weather reports and news, allow access to a personal Google calendar or warn of hazards.


The Amundsen system also enables a wealth of mobile online services from ŠKODA Connect to be used. These include eCall, which automatically calls for emergency assistance in the event of an accident, Proactive Service (breakdown call), and remote vehicle access via the MyŠKODA app and the ŠKODA Connect web portal.





Safety: new assistance systems and up to nine airbags


    The new Fabia offers Travel Assist, Park Assist and Manoeuvre Assist for the first time ever

    Excellent active and passive safety features

    ISOFIX anchors and top tether anchor points for optimal installation of child seats




Boasting up to nine airbags, the new ŠKODA Fabia is one of the safest small cars on the market. As a result of the Fabia now being built on the modular MQB‑A0 platform, its active and passive safety features have been further improved, including by assistance systems that were previously reserved exclusively for higher-tier vehicles. Travel Assist and Park Assist, for example, make their Fabia debut.



The carmaker is fully exploiting the possibilities Volkswagen Group’s modular MQB-A0 platform has to offer, and has further optimised the small car in terms of active and passive safety. A robust body structure with high degree of torsional stiffness provides the technical basis.



A high proportion of high-strength, ultra-high-strength or specially hardened hot-formed steels ensures great stability. In addition, the MQB-A0 makes it possible to use advanced assistance systems from higher-tier vehicles.




Safe journeys with Travel Assist, more comfort thanks to Park Assist


This is the first Fabia that can be equipped with Travel Assist, which provides automatic support with longitudinal and lateral steering. This can be activated at the touch of a button and combines several assistance systems at the same time. Up to 210 km/h, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) automatically adjusts the speed of the car to that of vehicles ahead.


Lane Assist, as the name suggests, helps to keep the Fabia in lane by performing corrective steering inputs if needed. Using Hands-on Detect, Travel Assist checks whether the driver touches the steering wheel consistently. The improved Blind Spot Detect (Side Assist) is another option. This warns the driver of vehicles that are up to 70 m away and wanting to overtake or that are in the car’s blind spot.



The Fabia can now also lend the driver a hand when parking: Park Assist works at speeds of up to 40 km/h displaying suitable parallel and bay parking spaces and, if desired, taking over the driver’s steering work when parking. Manoeuvre Assist uses sensors to detect an obstacle in front of or behind the car during parking and applies the brakes automatically. Traffic Sign Recognition and Front Assist with Predictive Pedestrian and Cyclist Protection are also new features for the Fabia.



Up to nine airbags protect occupants in the event of an accident
The new Fabia comes with airbags for the driver and front passenger, curtain airbags, and front side airbags as standard.



A knee airbag for the driver and rear side airbags are optional extras to further enhance safety. ISOFIX anchors and top tether anchor points on the back seats are part of the standard equipment and are optional on the front passenger seat. The top tether eyelets on the front passenger’s backrest and on the outer seats in the rear mean that the Fabia can accommodate three securely fastened child seats.





Christian Heubner ,Martin Preusker - photos Skoda