Skoda Test Mule With A Seat Ibiza Body Probably Hides Next Fabia Hardware

Skoda’s way of testing hardware for future models is being applied again, this time using a Seat Ibiza body with a Skoda face.

The mule you see here is probably a test-bed for powertrain and other hardware development for either the next Fabia or the next Rapid Sportback.

This way Skoda can test the new parts without revealing the body design of the upcoming models, a strategy first seen back in 2015, when the company used a Yeti bodywork to hide the Kodiaq.

The use of the Ibiza body tells us that Skoda’s upcoming model will ride on the MQB A0 platform, which underpins VW Group’s latest supermini models. The current Fabia is riding on a mix of modules, using 50 percent of the MQB and the rest coming from the older PQ-based platform.

The full adoption of the MQB A0 platform will also enable Skoda to grow its next-gen models in size, inside-out, making them even more practical, which is sort-of the trademark feature of the Czech brand. A wide range of TSI and TDI engines will also be available, including the latest 1.5 TSI with cylinder deactivation for greater fuel efficiency.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

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