The current Skoda Fabia lineup has gained a new version called simply “130” for a whole number of reasons. It can reach 228 km/h (141.7 mph) and is billed by the manufacturer as the fastest Fabia in existence. Preorders are already running, with the first deliveries scheduled for December.
Let’s begin with the explanation of the number 130. It refers to the engine power in kilowatts (corresponds to 177 PS or 175 hp), but also celebrates the Skoda company turning 130 years old this year. On top of that, it references the famous 130 RS rally car that won quite a few races back in the ‘70s.
The engine features 1.5 liters of displacement, but outputs 27 PS (27 hp / 20 kW) more than the mass-produced 1.5 TSI evo2. The torque still peaks at 250 Nm (184 lb-ft), but an optimized torque curve makes it available in a much wider RPM range. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission carries the momentum to the wheels, doing it faster thanks to a TCU software update.
Skoda proudly points out that the new Fabia 130 reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.4 seconds – 0.4 seconds faster than the Monte Carlo spec it is based upon. Its top speed is every bit as good as that of the Octavia 2.0 TDI and just 1 kilometer per hour below that of the manual 1.5T version.
On the outside, the car boasts black décor, original 18-inch wheels and new tailpipes. The cabin offers improved seats and steering wheel alongside the mandatory special-edition badges. Skoda claims that the steering and the electronic assists have been recalibrated to allow drifting and improve overall cornering.
