New Skoda Fabia breaks cover

• Space and practicality increased in new Fabia
• Buyers offered choice of seven versatile engines
• Six-speed Tiptronic transmission available
• World premiere at March's Geneva Motor Show

Meet the new Škoda Fabia - the finest Czech export since the writings of Franz Kafka and pilsner lager. Not only does it have a modern, youthful look that reflects Škoda's unique design direction, but the new Fabia is also one of the most practical and spacious vehicles in its class.

In fact, it offers more rear knee and headroom than any of its rivals. These improved comfort levels are made possible thanks to an increase in size over its predecessor. 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).

Petrol Engines:	Diesel Engines:
- 1.2 HTP/60bhp	- 1.4 TDI PD/70bhp
- 1.2 12V HTP/70bhp	- 1.4 TDI PD/80bhp
- 1.4 16V/85bhp	- 1.9 TDI PD/105bhp
- 1.6 16V/105bhp also available with automatic transmission

In keeping with the new Fabia's funky looks customers will be offered a wide range of exciting bodywork colours coupled with fresh, high-quality materials in the interior. Not only does it look fantastic, but the Fabia is now also safer than ever before. In addition to the dual front airbags, passengers will also be protected by front side airbags.

For the first time a six-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission is being made available as an option, while electronically controlled Climatronic air conditioning and an MP3/iPod compatible stereo also make their way onto the options list. Full UK specification details will be made available closer to the Fabia's UK launch date in May.

The Fabia has been a huge success since the launch of the first generation model in 2000. More than 1.5 million have been built in that time with over 112,000 finding happy homes with buyers here in the UK. This popularity looks set to continue with the new model.

The world premiere of the new Škoda Fabia will take place at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2007. This will be followed by its UK launch in early May. Estate versions of the new car are due to come to Britain in January 2008. Until then production of current models will continue.

Škoda, one of the world's oldest car companies, has been making cars for over 100 years.