Skoda's new Fabia Combi model is set to launch here on 9 February 2015, priced from €15,495. The direct price comparison over the new Fabia hatch model remains at €700.
New Fabia styling has increased the room and functionality of the car. Trims are Active, Ambition, and Style.
This third generation model is 10mm longer than its predecessor and 90mm wider which helps it achieve class leading luggage capacity of 530 litres - 200 more than the hatch. The car is also lower in height by 31mm.
It comes with a completely new line-up of petrol and diesel engines coupled to manual and DSG transmissions. The entry to the range is the petrol 1.0 MPI, 75bhp with turbo charged 1.2 TSI, 90 and 110bhp also offered.
The fact that the car is 55kg lighter than its predecessor helps with C02 and fuel efficiency savings of up to 17 percent in the entry petrol offering. The 1.4, 90bhp TDI diesel delivers on average 3.4 L/100km (83mpg). Road tax is A2 and A3, €180 and €190.
The 1.4 TDI, offered only in Ambition and Style trims, is priced from €19,695-€21,195.
Skoda expects to see many of their old model hatch customers now opting to buy a Fabia Combi for the first time.