It’s not exactly a surprise that the new Skoda Fabia will not offer an RS (or vRS in the UK) high-performance variant, as rumors about this have first emerged more than a year ago.
Skoda representatives said the company will not offer a new Fabia RS model because the previous-generation hot Fabia had disappointing sales: Fabia RS models (both hatchback and estate versions) accounted for only 3 percent of Fabia sales worldwide.
However, Skoda will eventually launch a more aggressive looking Fabia Monte Carlo, but that version won’t feature any engine or suspension upgrades. “We wouldn’t say never, though. We do listen to what customers say. The UK likes hot hatches and they’re a good halo product,” a Skoda spokesman was quoted as saying by CAR Magazine.
The RS versions are not the only “options” removed from the new-generation Fabia. Since just 1 percent of previous-generation Fabias were ordered with a factory-fit satellite navigation system, Skoda decided not to offer this option on the all-new model.
However, the Mirrorlink Android smartphone connection system which is offered as standard on the top two Fabia trim levels allows the use of certain approved navigation apps through the touchscreen display in the center of the dashboard. Skoda models will also feature Apple’s Carplay in the future.
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