Skoda Fabia wagon: Next-generation model nixed - report

Skoda’s smallest, most affordable wagon could be no more.

After initially being delayed, new reports from Europe say the Skoda Fabia wagon has been killed entirely. The brand had previously said its compact load-lugger, known as the Fabia Combi in Europe, would be revealed in 2023.

Auto.cz reports Skoda employees have been told ever-tightening European emissions standards mean the brand will need to up its investment in electric cars, and cut development of some internal-combustion vehicles.

“The extremely strict EU7 emission standard is now further dramatically accelerating the transformation process towards electromobility,” a memo sent to Skoda employees said.

“Therefore, we not only need more electric cars, but we also have to say goodbye to some products with an internal combustion engine faster than planned.

“Therefore, together we have decided to invest consistently in the future and to say goodbye to internal combustion engine models such as the Škoda Fabia Combi in time.”

Along with the challenge of developing ever more efficient cars to meet modern emissions standards, the auto.cz report says the MQB A0 platform underpinning the Fabia would need to be re-engineered to support a wagon and its long rear overhang.

Skoda has expanded its range of SUVs since the last Fabia Combi was launched, too, launching the Kamiq and Karoq in similar segments to the Fabia Wagon. The latest Scala hatchback is also a bigger, more wagon-like car than the Rapid.

It’s not clear what will happen with the current-generation Fabia wagon for Europe. In Australia, it’s only offered in Run-Out Edition guise as Skoda gears up to welcome the next-generation Fabia hatch in 2022.

Offered in base 70kW guise with a five-speed manual and with an 81kW engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Run-Out Edition will be the only Fabia model offered throughout 2021.

Pricing kicks off at $21,990 drive-away for the 70TSI manual hatch, and extends to $25,990 drive-away for the 81TSI DSG wagon.

Standard equipment across the Run-Out Edition range includes:

• 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 16-inch black Vigo alloy wheels
• Sports suspension
• Sports steering wheel
• LED daytime running lights and tail lights
• Fog lights
• Privacy glass
• Black mirrors, grille, roof
• Silver roof rails (wagon)
• Black rear diffuser
• Adaptive cruise control
• Reversing camera
• Tyre-pressure monitoring
• Umbrella
• Boot netting

A Premium Package ($3200) is available with:

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Full LED headlights
• Keyless entry and start
• Automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror

MORE: Everything Skoda Fabia