|  Skoda already confirmed that the current Fabia will be replaced in the beginning of 2007. The new model will have the same face and front end as the Roomster, and here is a first photo, a rear-side shot during secret testing, showing a prototype of the Fabia.
The shot taken in the streets of Mlada Boleslav, near the factory facilities, shows that the manufacturer tries to hide the final shape of C-pillar with some plastics and tape. Furthermore the contours of the side windows will not be so curvy but be will be more reminiscent of the helmet-vizor-theme seen on the Roomster, and also the taillights are still under cover.
All of the Fabia models now include a combination of ABS, MSR (engine braking torque regulation) and Dual Rate (mechanical braking assistant). The portfolio of colours has changed for 2007, too. Metallic beige Cappuccino and metallic grey Anthracite are replacing the existing beige Sahara and grey Graphite. Instead of yellow Lemon, customers buying any of the Fabia models can now offer a special yellow colour called Sprint. The existing petrol engine 1.4/55 kW used in the Fabia Combi and Fabia Sedan models is going to be replaced with a 1.4/59 kW petrol engine.
The new Fabia is 22mm longer and 47mm taller than the model it replaces, making it one of the largest cars in class. Boot capacity is impressive too: 300 litres with the rear seats up and 1,163 litres when they're folded.
A total of seven engines will be available in the new Fabia – four petrol and three diesel. Both the 1.2 HTP and 1.2 12V HTP petrol engines now have more power than before and offer greater driving pleasure as a result (see below).
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