Skoda launches Fabia special

Skoda is set to celebrate its 100th anniversary of competing in motorsport events with a 'Monte Carlo' edition of the Skoda Fabia supermini. The newcomer will be launched at this month’s IRC Rally Monte Carlo, which also celebrates its centenary this year.

Based on the mid-level SE spec, and only available as a five-door hatch, the Fabia Monte Carlo adds a piano black bodykit, which extends over the wheel arches and down the full length of the car, a black roof, black door mirror covers, a black radiator grille top, smoked headlamp covers and black 17-inch alloy wheels.

The interior gets plenty of extras too, with either plain black or black and red sports seats, a black roof lining, a leather steering wheel with red stitching, leather handbrake and gearstick gaiter with red stitching. Silver kick plates and steel pedals are also fitted as standard.

Buyers have the choice of five different engines, three petrol and two diesels, and all cars come with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard. The Fabia Monte Carlo goes on sale on 24 January, with prices starting at £12,755 for the 68bhp 1.2-litre petrol, rising to £15,000 for the 104bhp 1.6-litre diesel.