All-New Rally Car Skoda Fabia R2 Introduced in India

With the Skoda Fabia R2, Skoda is introducing a new rally car in the market, which is to be used in the rally category R2. The car was developed, extensively tested, and prepared to its use in rallies for almost two years. In principle, the Skoda Fabia R2 is based on the series model of the popular small car, but there are significant differences in its engine, undercarriage, axle kinematics, and gearbox.

Compared to the series model, the undercarriage was changed considerably and the axle kinematics was adapted for its application in motor sports. Furthermore, the Skoda Fabia R2 possesses a sequentially operated gearbox. Under the hood, a powerful 1.6 l 16V engine puts out 132 kW. The maximum torque amounts to 194Nm at 5500 rpm. The price of the new Fabia R2 is around 62,000 EUR.

In cooperation with Skoda the independent motor sports specialist Impromat Car was responsible for the development of the car. Impromat Car will also assume the distribution of the vehicle. An important task was the optimization of the driving dynamics for the use in motor sports. For that purpose, the undercarriage was designed according to rally specifications. And with great success: in February of this year, the homologation by the FIA was approved. Last year, the car also appeared in the role of the pace car at the Rally Bohemia and at the Barum Czech Rally.

Jan Hurt, the Skoda manager for sales and marketing for the Central and Eastern European region, explains: "It's great that from now on, we're offering a rally vehicle for a wider range of customers looking for a reliable and affordable race car. Given our successful tradition and development in motor sports beyond the Czech Republic, the new Fabia R2 is just a logical result of our activities. I'm sure that the model will be as successful as the Fabia Super 2000 already is today. We are convinced that Fabia R2 will help us establishing our positions both in the field of sports as well as in business," Hurt concluded.

The Skoda Fabia R2 is another important element in the mosaic of motor sports activities of the Czech manufacturer. Skoda is among the most successful brands in rally sports today and won the prestigious International Rally Challenge (IRC) series as well as numerous other national titles.

Skoda Fabia R2 Features & Specifications:

- Engine: naturally aspirated engine 1.6 l 16V / 132 kW

- Displacement: 1,598 cm³

- Maximum output in kW at rpm: 132 / 7,500

- Maximum torque in Nm at rpm: 194 / 5,500

- Engine electronics: Magneti-Marelli

- Drive: Front wheel drive

- Gearbox: sequential five-gear transmission by Sadev

Source: Skoda

Skoda Rolls Out 25000th Skoda Fabia in India

SkodaAuto India, a fully owned subsidiary of SkodaAuto a.s., Czech Republic and one of the most promising automobile companies in India, today rolled out the 25000th Fabia ever built in India from Volkswagen Group’s facility located at Chakan, Pune. The event was even more significant with the presence of Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland, Chairman of Board of Directors of SkodaAuto a.s. and the new Volkswagen Group Chief Representative India & President and Managing Director Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd, Dr. Frank Loeschmann. In his first visit to India as the new Chairman of Board, Dr. Vahland’s reaffirmed India’s status as one of the most important markets in Skoda Auto’s global growth story. The visit also re-iterates the company’s commitment to dig deep into this market and realize its full potential.

Speaking on India’s potential Prof. Dr. Vahland, Chairman of Board of Directors of Skoda Auto a.s. said “India has contributed significantly to Skoda’s growth as a global brand. Our products have captured the imagination of Indian consumers for years now. We stand by our commitment to our Indian consumers and promise to continuously offer products which will suit their growing lifestyle. Indian market has been earmarked as an integral part of our global growth strategy. We plan to achieve this aggressively by extending product portfolio to get to new segments resulting in profitable growth.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Frank Löschmann, Volkswagen Group India, said, It gives me great pleasure to welcome Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland to the Volkswagen India Chakan plant, which is one of the most modern plants of the Volkswagen Group worldwide. Today, we are proud to roll out the 25,000th Skoda Fabia from our state-of-the-art factory. This marks another milestone in the history of Volkswagen Group India since the start of production in the plant with the Skoda Fabia from May, 2009. I am most delighted to be here today and wish to be a part of many more such historic occasions.”

Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland’s visit follows the successful launch of the new Skoda Fabia. The new Fabia with its complete new package offering has garnered tremendous consumer response making a significant impact in its segment.

SkodaAuto India has recorded a significant growth of 36.6% in sales for the year 2010 till date over the year 2009. Skoda is in its 10th year of operations in India, since November 2001 and has sold over 94500 units. Skoda currently has 3 models on sale in India – Skoda Superb, Skoda Laura and Skoda Fabia, the 4th model the Yeti will soon be added in its portfolio.

Source: SkodaAuto India

New Skoda Fabia Price Starting @ Rs. 4.19 Lakh Launched in India

SkodaAuto India, a fully owned subsidiary of SkodaAuto a.s., Czech Republic and one of the most promising auto mobile companies in India, to day announced the launch of the new Skoda Fabia. The all new Skoda Fabia offers a complete new package boosted with plush interiors and dynamic exteriors, innovative features and engine technology.

Speaking at the launch, Thomas Kuehl, Board Member & Director, Sales & Marketing, SkodaAuto India said, "The new Skoda Fabia underlines Skoda's belief in providing its customers with clever and intelligent mobility solutions. We believe that the new Skoda Fabia exemplifies significant developments in form and function. It caters to larger group of people who want a premium hatchback, with the best of technology, safety and practicality in their car, yet accessible price range with an improved value for money proposition. We are confident that the New Skoda Fabia will surpass the expectation of all and will be received well by our customers".

Talking about the customer base, Kuehlfurther added that, "The prospective buyers of the new Skoda Fabia are an exacting and demanding group aiming for the best in class. They do not want compromised solution, but a balanced value proposition. Moreover, these are the customers who appreciate the finer aspects in life and hence would like to own something as stylish and precise as the new Skoda Fabia."

Complementing this opportunity, Ashutosh Dixit, Sr. General Manager, Sales & Marketing, SkodaAuto India added, "It has been our constant endeavor to bring newness in terms of design, comfort and technology. New Skoda Fabia is an exemplary model of this focus and customer feedbacks. These three variants with advanced engine technology are result of extensive research with our customers and will cater to the requirements of a wider array of customers. New Skoda Fabia also continues the promise for utmost safety to the driver and the passengers with safety functions like Anti-lock Braking System, Engine Braking Control and Dual Rate Brake Assist. In totality, now it is a fabulous package and hence the line - "NOW THAT'S FAB"

The launch of the new Skoda Fabia emphatically enunciates recently appointed SkodaAuto BOD Chairman Prof. Dr. H.C. Winfried Vahland's growth strategy of further reinforcing Skoda's presence in markets that offer a good potential for growth by extending product portfolio to get to new segments to result in profitable growth..

New Skoda Fabia is available in the following variants:
1.2 TDI CR (Diesel) - available in Classic, Ambiente & Elegance variants
1.2 MPI (Petrol) - available in Classic, Ambiente & Elegance variants
1.6 MPI (Petrol) - available in Elegance variant.

Engine Options in New Skoda Fabia:
The New Skoda Fabia is available in three engine options; 1.6 MPI, 1.2 TDI CR and 1.2 MPI.
1.6 MPI - : The best performance in its class, it is an absolute delight for a spirited driving experience. It is equipped with 1598cc engine, 4 cylinders which generate 105 bhp at 5250rpm.
1.2 MPI - Smooth and silent performer with improved output, comes with 1198cc, 3 cylinders, MPI engine which generates 55-75 bhp at 5400rpm. The smooth and peppy engine delivers quietly and economically, which suits most urban applications.
1.2 TDI CR - One of the most fuel efficient diesel moto r, features a Turbocharged Direct Injection Common Rail 1199cc engine which generates a maximum power of 75bhp. With its low fuel consumption it is an ideal car for the high mileage user.

All the variants of the New Skoda Fabia are geared with a Manual 5-speed transmission, which suits the cut and thrust of the city traffic ensuring a better driving experience.

Design and styling of New Skoda Fabia:
The exterior of the new Skoda Fabia stands out for its robust and dynamic design. The well- defined creases along the front bumper with the sharp lower outline, wider air dam and the protrusion of the front grille combine to give a sporty frontal expression to the car. The elongated headlamps and fog lamps stretch outwards to the sides and define the width of the car. The Rear combined lights with their characteristic C-shaped translucent tail lights, reflects the Skoda DNA all the way.

The interiors too are enlivened with high quality detailing with premium appointments comprising of chrome decor, ivory colour and soft-touch dashboard. It enhances the visual and tactile impression of the car. Also the new checkered upholstery makes its debut with the new Skoda Fabia which adds to the overall premium feel of the car.

‘Fabulous' Safety Features of New Skoda Fabia:
The New Skoda Fabia is armed with Airbags for all models - including dual airbags starting from the mid version. Unique to class advanced Safety features like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBC (Engine Braking Control) and Dual Rate Brake Assist, adjustable seat belts and child proof door and window locking ensure utmost security for the driver and passengers.

Comfort and Convenience at its best - New Skoda Fabia:
The New Skoda Fabia is the epitome of comfort. It is truly the best in terms of the ample legroom and headroom space offered in a hatchback. The height of the driver's seat and the steering wheels arrangements (height and length) can be adjusted as per the driver's convenience. The Multi function display gives the driver a regular update on the distance travelled, average speed, immediate fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, travel distance before refueling, service interval, outside temperature etc.
Shades Available in New Skoda Fabia:
The three variants of new Skoda Fabia are available in an aesthetic array of colors- CappuccinoBeige, Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Deep Black and Flash Red.

Pricing of the New Skoda Fabia:
The following are the prices of new Skoda Fabia -

New Skoda Fabia Price in New Delhi (India)
Classic:
1.2 MPI 435,000
1.2 TDI 540,000
Ambiente:
1.2 MPI 485,000
1.2 TDI 591,000
Elegance:
1.2 MPI 568,000
1.2 TDI 669,000
1.6 MPI 599,000

New Skoda Fabia Price in Maharashtra (India)
Classic:
1.2 MPI 419,216
1.2 TDI 523,225
Ambiente:
1.2 MPI 469,269
1.2 TDI 573,259
Elegance:
1.2 MPI 550,688
1.2 TDI 649,776
1.6 MPI 581,102

Source: SkodaAuto India