As Frankfurt Motorshow draws closer, Skoda India’s C-Segment Fabia sedan program has shifted into high gear. Although the Skoda Fabia sedan will use the hatchback's underpinnings, it does not look like a ‘Bolt-on’ Job like the Swift Dzire.
The skin of the Skoda Fabia sedan is based on the VW Vento which in turn is based on the Polo. However, just like the Vento, the Skoda sedan will feature a streamlined body. Because the wheelbase is extended, we can expect more rear legroom and boot space in the sedan.
The front of the car features somewhat Skoda Fabia’s Leaf like head lamps but a bit bigger. It will feature Skoda’s distinct bulge on the center on the bonnet within which the new logo would sit. Because this Skoda sedan is not inspired by the Vision D concept, we can expect the familiar Skoda grill as well. The rear of the car is heavily inspired by the current Skoda Laura.
On the inside, we expect Skoda India to carry over the dashboard and other components from the Fabia just as VW did in the Vento. Engine wise, it is expected to be powered by the same engines that power the Vento – a 1.6L petrol and a 1.6L diesel generating around 100 bhp. It will be mated to a manual transmission; we don’t expect an automatic variant in the Fabia sedan.
Going by the Volkswagen Group hierarchy, the price range of Fabia sedan will be in the 6.5-10 lakh price bracket with each variant price lower than the corresponding variant of the Vento. The Fabia sedan's branding will be revealed during the Frankfurt Motor show and it will be presented to some global markets in 2012. But India might get it in 2011 with bookings beginning presumably in November.
Skoda also plans to launch the sedan in the neighboring countries such a Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh and some South East Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.
What are your thoughts on the Skoda Fabia sedan?
[With inputs from CarWale.com]
