Skoda Fabia

	Skoda Roomster’s sliding rear seats are unlikely to appear, but load-lugging Fabia will still score on flexibility

Get a load of Skoda’s latest estate! This is the first official picture of the new Fabia wagon, which will make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Aiming to capitalise on the previous version’s popularity, the car will give Peugeot’s new 207 SW some tough competition in the growing supermini estate market.

As you can see, the Skoda carries on the styling themes of the hatchback, with a classy but understated look.

The rear is chunky yet curvy, and features the same neat tail-lights as the hatchback model. Our side profile image (above) is the only picture to
be released by Skoda ahead of the Frankfurt launch. It shows the newcomer’s long overhang at the rear.

This, along with increases in the wheelbase and body length, suggests the Czech estate will be one of the class’s roomiest models. The previous version provided owners with a maximum of 1,225 litres of boot space; the new car is set to beat that by 250 litres.

While the Skoda Roomster’s sliding rear seats are unlikely to appear, the load-lugging Fabia will still score on flexibility, with a rear bench that can be split 60:40 or folded flat. Thanks to the raised roofline, rear passengers should benefit from more legroom, too.

Skoda bosses are refusing to release further details until Frankfurt. However, there are rumours that the newcomer will also get a split tailgate with an opening rear window, to aid loading in tight spaces.

Customers will be able to take their pick from 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines and 1.4 and 1.9-litre TDI diesels. Due to the model’s heavier body, an entry-level 1.2-litre petrol unit won’t be offered.

UK deliveries of the Fabia estate start early next year. Prices will follow the previous model, with a premium of around £1,000 over the equivalent hatchback.