Škoda’s new Fabia supermini is to significantly enhance its fleet proposition, bringing claimed class-leading space along with latest infotainment and safety and assistance systems.

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It’s the fourth generation of the Fabia, which launched in 2000, and is the first to be based on the Volkswagen Group’s modular MQB-A0 platform, also used for the VW Polo and SEAT Ibiza.

As a result, Škoda says it’s considerably longer than its predecessor, at 4,108 mm, while also wider, bringing extra onboard space but also enabling a significant increase in boot space. This rises from 330 litres for the previous generation to 380 litres – said to be the largest in the class and rising to 1,190 litres with the rear seats folded. Škoda also says that the new Fabia offers excellent active and passive safety, supported by the new, stiffer body, and latest assistance features.

The full engine line-up will comprise five petrol engines from Volkswagen Group’s current Evo generation and with power outputs ranting from 65hp to 150hp. Entry-level units cover three-cylinder 1.0-litre MPI engines with 65hp and 80hp, while there will be 95 and 110hp direct-injection 1.0 TSI engines. At the top of the range is a 150hp 1.5 TSI four-cylinder that features VW’s active cylinder technology (ACT), which reduces fuel consumption as well as CO2 emissions. No vRS version is believed to be currently planned. The three lower-powered petrols get a five-speed manual, the 110hp comes with a six-speed manual or optional seven-speed DSG auto and the top-level 1.5 TSI gets the DSG as standard.

All the TSI engines have a petrol particulate filter and all models get a new type of cooling shutter in the front bumper’s lower air inlet that can improve efficiency – Škoda says it can save up to 0.2 litres of fuel per 100km when travelling at a constant speed of 75mph (120km/h), saving 5g of CO2 per km.

Preliminary data shows CO2 starts at 113g/km for the 95hp 1.0 TSI and rises to 142g/km for the 1.5 TSI. Fuel consumption ranges from 50.4mpg (5.6l/100km) to 56.5mpg (5.0l/100km).

The interior has been redesigned and gets a symmetrical dashboard focused around a free‑standing infotainment display. Three different systems are available and the top-spec one gets a 9.2-inch display along with gesture control and a digital voice assistant. All feature a built-in eSIM that enables use of a wide range of Škoda Connect mobile online services and the latest infotainment apps. Smartphones can be connected to the car via Wireless SmartLink and inductively charged in the Phone Box. The Fabia can also be fitted with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster for the first time.

Three trim levels –  S, SE and SE L – will be available and a sporty Monte Carlo variant will follow later. Details of specs are yet to be revealed but Škoda says they will bring comfort features seen in higher-tier vehicles, such as a heated windscreen and a heated steering wheel, also including multi-function capabilities, along with new design colours and ambient lighting. Also available for the first time is a dual-zone Climatronic air con system.

The Fabia also features a large number of Simply Clever features, of which five are new to Škoda and eight make their Fabia debut.

The use of the new MQB-A0 platform enables the new Fabia to introduce a number of new assistance systems, including Travel Assist, Park Assist and Manoeuvre Assist, and it features up to nine airbags.

The new Fabia will open for sales in 2022; an estate version is also on the way.