There were already announcements in the press that suggested Škoda would not even present the new Fabia as a mild hybrid, i.e. no electricity whatsoever except that already known in the engine compartment for a long time. One should not regret this in any case, if finally times a manufacturer takes the selling price more strongly into the focus, particularly with small cars.

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Yes, it is actually still counted in this category. Which is nonsense, of course, at the latest now that it has surpassed 4 m in length even by 11 cm. It actually has the luggage space of a VW Golf. It is to be available in many European countries from under 14,000 €, of course probably again without air conditioning, but still almost 500 € below the last strongly increased entry price.

This will certainly increase the quota of 4.5 million delivered worldwide to date. It will be interesting to see what Škoda has to offer in the new markets of India, Russia and North Africa. The Škoda Kushaq is already available for India. The Fabia is to extend the range downwards in the new markets. Therefore probably the renouncement of the mild hybrid?

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Otherwise, the new Fabia truly does not exude abandonment. Perhaps a little by the peculiar sunshade under the glass roof. It can be removed and stored in three parts in the luggage compartment. But for the countries mentioned, they can offer the base model without glass roof after all.

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In other respects, the Fabia 2021 is bursting with new features. This is less noticeable at the front with the modified light signature. At the rear, however, the lights are now split like those on the VW Polo. The whole car has been stretched to the rear. Now based on the group's MQB-A0 platform, its wheelbase has grown almost as much as its length.

The interior has also increased in value. However, the central 9.2'' touch screen and the 10.25'' display behind the steering wheel with its digital instruments should be ordered separately. The quality of the chosen cladding of the dashboard could possibly benefit all, as well as the number in Simply Clever, which has risen to 13.

. Parking assist and even traffic assist are possible, but the latter only with lane keeping and ACC, windshield and steering wheel heated. Of the five USB ports, there is one on the inside mirror for the connection of a dashcam. Wirelessly, the smartphone is integrated and charged. Voice assistance and gesture control round out the picture. The Fabia is always online.

No, one can certainly not speak of exaggerated frugality here. The exterior design fortunately avoids too much ingratiation with the supposed zeitgeist. From the first to the now fourth generation, however, the somewhat brittle Czech style has been pushed back ever so slightly, but without being submerged in a sea of triviality.

It has remained cool practicality without too much, but also too little emotion. How could this car not be a success?