Skoda’s motorsport-inspired Fabia supermini is now available to order, with prices starting at £20,925 and rising to £23,765.
Available exclusively in red, the Fabia Monte Carlo is inspired by the Czech manufacturer’s successes at the famous French asphalt rally.
At the event in January – which hosted the opening round of the FIA World Rally Championship – the Fabia Rally2 secured another class win to bring the brand’s victory count there to 15.
The range-topping model in the Fabia line-up has two engine and two transmission choices. More affordable versions are powered by a 1-litre ‘TSI’ petrol that generates 108bhp and sends power to the front wheels using a 6-speed manual.
Customers can specify the same engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, or pair the automatic to a 1.5-litre turbo petrol motor that develops 148bhp. At 17-inches, the ‘Procyon Black’ alloy wheels are the largest fitted to the current Fabia and help to fill out the arches.
The sporting flagship of the range also features new front and rear bumpers, and door mirrors and a radiator grille that are finished in gloss black. Monte Carlo badging, black Skoda letters for the tailgate and a black roof round off “the unique design sports package”.
Inside, the Monte Carlo adds height adjustable sports front seats that are trimmed with black fabric and artificial leather, a three-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel and red metallic upper decorative trim for the dash fascia.
Dark headlining, carbon effect lower accents lifted by white stitching and carbon effect door and side trim panels are joined by an ambient lighting package and aluminium pedals.
In terms of technology, the new supermini comes equipped with a 10.25-inch driver binnacle and an 8-inch multimedia display with Bluetooth and ‘SmartLink’ for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto devices. Other creature comforts include keyless start/stop and electronic dual zone air conditioning.
“Since its introduction to the Skoda range in 2011, the Fabia Monte Carlo has become a firm favourite with British buyers,” the firm said.
“Originally created to celebrate the brand’s successes at the Monte Carlo Rally and the Skoda Popular Monte Carlo from 1936, the Monte Carlo nameplate has become a permanent fixture in the line-up for more than a decade.”
