New Skoda Fabia here in December

The third generation Skoda Fabia, shown at the Paris Motor show in September, will launch in Ireland on 1 December in time for 2015 orders, writes Trish Whelan. This is a completely new car inside and out.

Prices have been confirmed with all model variants receiving specification enhancements with some model versions now costing less. The entry price is €13,895 for the 1.0, 60bhp Active. The most expensive model is the 1.4 TDI 90bhp from €18,995-€20,495 for the Ambition and Style trims.

Fabia comes with a new line-up of petrol and diesel engines coupled to manual and DSG transmissions. The entry to the range is the 1.0- MPI 60bhp with turbo charged 1.2 TSI 90bhp and 110bhp also offered.

The new car is derived from the MPQ platform from the Volkswagen Group, is 65kg lighter than its forerunner and this contributes to C02 and fuel efficiency savings of up to 15 percent in the entry petrol offering. Tax Bands are A2/A3 of €180/€190 per annum. The most fuel efficient diesel delivers on average 3.4 L/100km (83 mpg).

Standard equipment on the 1.0 Active 70bhp include curtain airbags, front electric windows, 14-inch steel wheels, height adjustable driver seat and Engine Stop Start. For another €1,100 you can get into the Ambition 1.0 MPI 70bhp version which adds 60:40 split folding seats, heated and electric mirrors, front fog lights, new touch screen radio, Maxi dot & Bluetooth, 15-inch alloy wheels, front LED lights, and 3-spoke MF steering wheel. The walk to the Style1.0MPI 70bhp is another €1,500. This adds air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear electric windows, KESSY, and rear parking sensors (Price is €17,395.

The car's style echoes that of other models in the range and hints at the future direction of the Czech brand. Compared to its predecessor, Skoda claim the new car achieves class leading luggage capacity of 330 litres. The car is lower by 30mm, but wider by 35mm providing a lower stance and improved road presence.

Options include the MirrorLink system which provides maps and navigation, music and weather reports to the driver through the car, through your mobile device.

Since its debut back in 2000, over 3.4 million Fabia cars have been sold worldwide.