Skoda Fabia gets three-cylinder turbo engine for 2017

The Skoda Fabia hatchback and estate models are set for an engine upgrade, with news that the VW Group 1.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol will join the range, superseding the existing 1.2-litre TSI petrols.

The new engine will be offered in 94 and 108bhp versions, compared to 89 and 108bhp for the old one. Skoda claims both versions are up to 6% more efficient than their predecessors, and although the total output of the more powerful option hasn’t changed, it’ll be stronger at low revs, which will make for quicker acceleration.

A five-speed manual gearbox will be the standard transmission with the 94bhp, while claimed fuel consumption from this engine for the hatchback and estate versions respectively is 61.4 and 65.7mpg. CO2 emissions are 105 and 99g/km.

The 108bhp version gets a six-speed manual gearbox as standard and is also available with the VW Group’s seven-speed DSG twin-clutch automatic. Fuel economy and emissions are unaffected by bodystyle with this engine: both the hatchback and estate should see 64.2mpg and 101g/km of CO2 with a manual gearbox, and 62.8mpg and 104g/km with DSG.

The VW Group 1.0-litre TSI engine was recently added to the larger Skoda Octavia hatchback and estate as well as the Volkswagen up! city car, however it’s not expected to appear in the up!’s Skoda Citigo or SEAT Mii sister models.

Skoda Connect services also added

One more update being made to the Fabia range is the addition of Skoda Connect services as an option. Similar to Vauxhall’s OnStar, this gives you real-time information about traffic, parking and fuel stations along your route or at your destination, will automatically contact the emergency services with your location in the event of a collision and can send information about your car to your dealership in advance of a scheduled service.

A Skoda Connect app that can be installed on your phone lets you check remotely whether all the car’s doors and windows are locked, as well as how much fuel is in the tank. You can also send navigation directions to the car or locate it if you’ve forgotten where you parked.

The new Fabia engines will be available to order in March, after being showcased at the Geneva Motor Show.