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Stage set for Fabia vRS

On the face of it, this is a rally special version of Skoda's new Fabia. But the S2000 on the firm's Geneva show stand had a lot more to it than that

Skoda Fabia
Rally version of new Fabia gets flared arches and a rear spoiler which could appear on firm’s next vRS

By Ross Pinnock

15th March 2007

The competition car's more aggres­sive styling gives a clear indication of how a sporty Fabia vRS will look when it goes on sale next year.

Regular models hit showrooms in May, but the performance version won't arrive until 2008. The previous rally variant previewed the original vRS's features, so when the new hot model arrives, we can expect to see details such as the S2000's front bumper and rear spoiler. The bonnet vents and exten­ded arches may also make production.

And there's more good news for fans of the Fabia hot hatch, because bosses are rumoured to be planning a petrol version for the first time.

The outgoing car is only available with a 130bhp 1.9-litre diesel, but its replace­ment is likely to emulate the larger Octavia vRS by getting both petrol and oil-burning motors.

Volks­wagen's turbo and supercharged 140bhp 1.4-litre TSI engine is the most likely power­plant to be fitted. Also on the Czech manufacturer's display was a Fabia colour concept with black paintwork, a contrasting silver roof and matching door mirrors.

The brand has already confirmed it will offer a MINI-style white roof as an optional extra on its new model, but the smart show car paves the way for a wider pallet of colours to be made available. Opting for a white roof will cost around £300 - but that's not all buyers will be able to do to personalise their car. As reported in Auto Express last week (Newsweek, Issue 951) they will also get the chance to mount enlarged photos on the roof.

And Skoda is rumoured to be con­sidering a new range of off-the-shelf decals in another move inspired by the big-selling MINI range.

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Skoda Fabia
Skoda Fabia

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