Skoda Fabia 2022: Australian prices up for new-gen hatch in single high-spec Monte Carlo variant

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The fourth-generation Skoda Fabia will be released in Australia in August, arriving in just one high-specification Monte Carlo Edition 150 variant, and at a substantially higher price than the outgoing car.

Skoda Australia says that the more premium new Fabia is “a considerable step forward in terms of technology and performance” – which, if proven when we road test the vehicle next month, may go some way to cushioning the on-paper $13,000 price increase. 

Priced at $37,990 driveaway, the 2022 Fabia Monte Carlo Edition 150 is a turbocharged four-cylinder that has grown in every dimension, while the vehicle slides onto the Volkswagen Group’s MQB-A0 platform utilised by the VW Polo and Audi A1.

No base or even mid-spec model will be available in the foreseeable future for Fabia, while a price-leading manual gearbox variant has also been stripped from the range.

The last run-out edition of the outgoing Fabia from 2021 cost $24,990 driveaway in DSG automatic guise.

Compared to that vehicle, the new-gen Fabia is larger and about 35 percent more powerful, while packing a range of new-to-Fabia features like bi-LED headlights, a fully digital instrument cluster, lane-keep assist, and reversing AEB.

Skoda says that about 200 Fabia Monte Carlo Edition 150s will arrive in Australia across the remainder of 2022, with a further 700 units slated for our market in 2023 – all in the same high specification.

The new Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo Edition 150 will be available in Australian Skoda dealerships from August 2022. 

The Fabia competes in the ‘light’ car class in Australia with the likes of the Volkswagen Polo, Mazda 2, Toyota Yaris and MG’s MG3 hatch.

However, some dimensions punch into the larger ‘small’ class – with the Fabia’s 390 litre boot actually being larger than that of both the light Volkswagen Polo (351L) and the larger Volkswagen Golf (381L).

Powertrain, performance and economy of the Fabia Monte Carlo

The single Monte Carlo variant will be powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 110kW/250Nm.

This engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and sends power to the front wheels exclusively. 

The Monte Carlo Edition 150 has a 40-litre fuel tank and has a claimed combined fuel economy of 4.9L/100km, but requires a minimum of 95 octane unleaded petrol.

The new 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine compares to the previous-generation Fabia’s 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder that made 81kW of power and 200Nm of torque.

Standard specification for the Fabia Monte Carlo Edition 150

Despite its significant price rise, the new Skoda is highly equipped with an extensive list of key features.

Standard features inside the car include a 10.25-inch digital cockpit, a 9.2-inch Amundsen infotainment touchscreen, wireless phone charging, digital radio, four USB-C outlets, sports comfort seats with side bolsters, a three-spoke steering wheel with multifunction buttons, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear privacy glass, keyless entry and dual-zone climate control.

Two notable features of the Skoda Fabia are the LED ambient interior lighting and the umbrella found in the driver’s door. 

On the exterior, rain-sensing wipers are standard, as are LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, LED rear fog lights, LED headlight with cornering function, LED tail lights and LED side indicators.

In terms of exterior style, the Fabia Monte Carlo Edition 150 also includes 18-inch black libra alloy wheels and features gloss black finish on the grille, spoiler, mirrors, rear diffuser and badging. 

Optional features on the Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo are parking assist ($1000) and phoenix orange or velvet red metallic paint ($500). 

Skoda Fabia standard safety features

There are plenty of safety features on the new Skoda Fabia, including six airbags, adaptive cruise control, driver fatigue detection, front AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection and lane assist.

 Rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, a rear view camera, a speed limiter and tyre-pressure monitoring are also standard. 

Servicing and warranty for the Skoda Fabia 

The new Skoda Fabia is available with service packs priced at $1500 for five years, $2100 for seven years and a four year used car pack which is priced at $1300. 

Every Skoda model purchased in Australia has a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty from the factory, though purchasing a seven-year service plan ($2100) also extends the warranty out to seven years with unlimited kilometres, matching that of the Kia Picanto and Kia Rio.

Skoda Fabia 2022: prices in Australia

All prices listed are national driveaway in Australia.

• Fabia Monte Carlo Edition 150: $37,990