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Skoda marks 130 years with a surprising Fabia 130 sleeper
Skoda has reached a rare milestone: 130 years since the company's origins in the late 19th century. The Czech marque — whose roots trace back to Laurin & Klement in 1895 and which later evolved into Skoda Auto in 1925 — now sits comfortably inside the Volkswagen Group family, yet remains older than the Volkswagen brand itself. To celebrate, Skoda has unveiled a special-edition Fabia 130 that quietly turns the brand's everyday supermini into a genuine sleeper hot hatch.
Quick summary
- Model: Skoda Fabia 130 special edition
- Engine: 1.5 TSI EVO2, 177 PS (175 hp)
- Transmission: recalibrated 7-speed DSG
- 0-62 mph: 7.4 seconds | Top speed: 142 mph
What makes the Fabia 130 special?
At first glance the Fabia 130 builds on the Monte Carlo trim, so visual cues are restrained rather than flashy. That is intentional. Under the skin, Skoda's Technical Development team has reworked the latest Volkswagen Group 1.5-liter TSI EVO2 engine to produce 177 PS (130 kW/175 hp), around 27 PS more than the standard tune. Torque sits at 250 Nm (184 lb-ft), and the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox has been recalibrated to cope with the extra thrust.
Those changes translate into genuine performance gains: a 0-62 mph sprint in 7.4 seconds, roughly 0.6 seconds faster than the regular 1.5 TSI Fabia, and a top speed of 142 mph — the fastest series-produced Fabia to date. For buyers who want a compact car that hides its pace behind familiar skin, the Fabia 130 is textbook sleeper territory.
Chassis, dynamics and driving feel
Skoda has not only boosted power but also revised chassis dynamics to match. Highlights include a 15 mm lowered suspension, a bespoke setup for sharper responses, a recalibrated steering rack, and two selectable driving modes: Normal and Sport. The Fabia 130 also features a two-stage Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and 18-inch Libra alloy wheels as standard, improving grip and composure.
These changes aim to deliver a more engaging driving experience without compromising everyday comfort. In practical terms that means sharper turn-in on backroad sections and a planted high-speed feel on motorways, while retaining the usability buyers expect from a supermini.
Design, interior and subtle cues
Exterior edits are tasteful and purposeful. Buyers can choose from Moon White, Velvet Red, Race Blue, or Black Magic, with a gloss-black roof, pillars, and mirrors for contrast. A black horizontal stripe at the rear nods to Skoda's Fabia Rally2 livery. Twin exhaust tips finish a performance-oriented look that remains understated.
Inside the cabin, Skoda equips the Fabia 130 with electric sport seats, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with DSG paddles, stainless-steel pedals, and grey and black aluminium trim on the dash and door cards. The overall effect is sporty but still practical for daily use.
How the Fabia 130 fits the market
The Fabia 130 is not an outright track toy or an all-out hot hatch like some rivals, but it fills an interesting niche: a compact, affordable car with real performance chops hidden beneath a conservative exterior. That positioning could appeal to buyers who want rally-inspired dynamics and usable power without drawing attention.
Skoda has leveraged rally heritage and VW Group technology to produce a special edition that feels authentic rather than gimmicky. Whether it becomes a sales hit will depend on pricing and regional availability, but from a enthusiast standpoint the Fabia 130 is an appealing blend of pace, practicality, and restraint.
Key specs at a glance
- Engine: 1.5 TSI EVO2, 177 PS (175 hp)
- Torque: 250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
- Transmission: 7-speed DSG, recalibrated
- 0-62 mph: 7.4 seconds
- Top speed: 142 mph
- Suspension: 15 mm lowered
- Wheels: 18-inch Libra alloys
In short, Skoda's 130th anniversary Fabia 130 is a smart celebration: modest in appearance, but sharpened where it counts. It's a reminder that sometimes the most exciting cars are the ones that look ordinary until you press the throttle.
Source: autoevolution
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