Fabia 130 can hit 62 mph in 7.4 seconds and tops out at 142 mph, but it’s crushed by the Mini Cooper S
Skoda turns 130 this year, and it’s celebrating by having a little fun with one of the cars that’s got a bit lost amid all the fuss over the upcoming Epiq. The result is the Fabia 130, officially the fastest factory edition of the little Fabia hatch in the model’s 26-year career.
Based on the existing Fabia Monte Carlo and using the same 1.5-liter TSI EVO2 engine, the 130 gains 27 hp (27 PS) for a total of 175 hp (177 PS). Torque is unchanged at 184 lb-ft (250 Nm), but the extra horsepower makes a significant difference to its sprinting ability.
Related: Skoda’s Secret Fabia Prototypes Might Be Hiding More Than Just A Facelift
Skoda says the 130 gets to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.4 seconds, a 0.6-second improvement, and the time required to blast between 50 and 75 mph (80-120 km/h) in a passing maneuver drops from 5.3 to 4.8 seconds. The top speed is also up, from 139 mph (224 km/h) to 142 mph (229 km/h).
Related upgrades include a retuned seven-speed dual-clutch transmission – sadly, there’s no manual alternative – a 15 mm (0.59 inches) suspension drop and recalibrated steering software to improve the feel coming through from the smoked-look 18-inch Libra alloy wheels.
Whether you tick Moon White, Velvet Red, Race Blue, or Black Magic in the paint box, you’ll get a gloss black roof, pillars, and mirrors. Front and rear spoilers plus a rear diffuser, again, all in black, are part of the package, as are red brake calipers, something you don’t get on the visually similar Monte Carlo.
The “130” badging is discrete, being limited to the front fenders and rear hatch, though there are more references on the door sills visible when you go to climb inside.
Priced to Compete
A Monte Carlo with the 148-hp 1.5 currently costs £26,995, and the faster, better-equipped 130 will set you back £29,995 in the UK. But Skoda has a big Mini-shaped problem.
The recently refreshed combustion Cooper S costs £29,265 but gives you 201 hp (204 PS), a 150 mph (242 km/h) vmax, and a 6.8-second zero to 62 mph time in return.
Google News
MSN Start
Chris is a seasoned automotive journalist with over two decades of experience. He has worked… Read full bio
