With the launch of this latest Monte Carlo variant, ŠKODA completes its new, fourth-generation FABIA range. The iconic name ŠKODA initially introduced exclusively for the FABIA has symbolised a sporty lifestyle since 2011. It commemorates the brand’s many victories at the legendary rally. The black body details underscore the new FABIA’s dynamic appearance, while the interior is characterised by red accents and carbon-look detailing on the armrests and dashboard. A choice of two engines deliver power outputs of 110 PS and 150 PS.
The sporty Monte Carlo variants have contributed to the FABIA’s success since 2011. They are inspired by the brand’s numerous motorsport victories at the legendary rally and complement the S, SE Comfort, SE L and Colour Edition trims. The powertrain options available for the Monte Carlo variant include a triple-cylinder 1.0-litre engine and a four-cylinder 1.5 TSI, with power outputs of 110 PS and 150 PS respectively.
Dynamic proportions and an emotive design with black detailing
Built on Volkswagen Group’s MQB-A0 modular platform, the fourth-generation FABIA features more dynamic proportions and a more emotive design. This look is further enhanced by details such as the black ŠKODA grille, model-specific front and rear aprons, a black rear diffuser and black alloy wheels with a diameter of 17 to 18 inches. The 17-inch Procyon alloy wheels are exclusive to the FABIA Monte Carlo.
Sports seats as standard, Virtual Cockpit with a specific, more dynamic background for the layouts
The now larger interior features sports seats with integrated headrests and a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel as standard. The interior is predominantly black, with the decorative dashboard strip, parts of the centre console and door handles providing a touch of red. The armrests on the front doors and the lower part of the dashboard are finished in a carbon-fibre look. The FABIA Monte Carlo can be equipped with all the safety, assistance and comfort features as well as infotainment systems available in the range. The Virtual Cockpit comes as standard and provides a specific, more dynamic background for the layouts.
Exterior: black accents create a sleek appearance
The new ŠKODA FABIA Monte Carlo is characterised by athletic front and rear aprons and black design details. Featuring streamlined proportions, sharply drawn headlights and alloy wheels measuring up to 18 inches, the model looks particularly sporty.
Oliver Stefani, Head of ŠKODA Design, says: “This latest Monte Carlo variant brings the significantly more emotive design of the new, fourth-generation FABIA sharply into focus. The body is longer, sleeker and wider, conveying a sense of dynamism that is further enhanced by the model-specific front and rear aprons. Black details, such as those on the radiator grille or the wing mirrors, identify the new range-topping model at first glance and continue the tradition of the Monte Carlo variants.”
Its numerous black design elements make the new ŠKODA FABIA Monte Carlo look even more athletic. In addition to the surround of the striking ŠKODA grille, the spoiler lip on the front apron also features a black finish, as do the wing mirror caps, decorative side skirt trim and the diffuser on the sports-styled rear apron. The ŠKODA lettering on the tailgate is black as standard, while a black roof is available as an option. Furthermore, the sleek range-topping model is adorned by Monte Carlo badges on the front wings and features tinted rear and side windows (SunSet).
Headlights with LED technology and fog lights
The FABIA Monte Carlo’s precision-cut headlights feature LED technology as standard, with full-LED headlights available as an option, offering more light-intensive low and high beams as well as cornering lights and an adaptive lighting function. The range of standard equipment also includes fog lights. The new FABIA Monte Carlo rolls out of the factory on gloss black 17-inch Procyon alloys wheels with removable, aerodynamically optimised plastic trims, and the 18-inch Libra wheels are optional.
Best aerodynamics in the segment with a drag coefficient (cd) from 0.28
Thanks to sophisticated details, such as the actively adjustable cooling shutter in the front bumper’s lower air inlet and the extensive underbody cladding, the latest FABIA sets a new benchmark in the small car segment with a drag coefficient (cd) from 0.28. To improve aerodynamics, the cooling shutter’s actively adjustable slats automatically close when there is little need for cooling. This results in fuel savings of up to 0.2 l per 100 km when travelling at a constant speed of 120 km/h. For every kilometre driven with the shutter closed, the new FABIA emits up to five grams less CO2. To allow for a high level of cooling or to accommodate short stops, the system opens the shutter so the maximum amount of air can flow in.
Interior: carbon-fibre look with black and red details
The ŠKODA FABIA Monte Carlo is instantly identifiable as the sporty lifestyle variant in the range by its interior. With sports seats, a three-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel, carbon-fibre effect on the dashboard as well as black and red design details, it continues the tradition of the Monte Carlo models. The Virtual Cockpit display additionally offers a model-specific Monte Carlo layout.
The interior of the new range-topping variant is predominantly black and features a touch of red, for example on the covers of the sports seats with integrated headrests, which come as standard. The horizontal decorative strip on the dashboard, as well as parts of the centre console and the door handles also exhibit a red finish, while the roof lining and roof pillars are black. The armrests on the front doors and the lower part of the dashboard feature a sporty carbon-fibre effect as a decorative trim, with contrasting white stitching on the dashboard. The pedal covers gleam with a stainless-steel look, and the door sills are adorned by a FABIA logo.
Leather applications with black stitching
The handbrake lever and three-spoke multifunction steering wheel come in leather with black stitching as standard. The latter features shift paddles on models with DSG. The range of standard equipment for the FABIA Monte Carlo also includes the new LED ambient lighting, which illuminates the decorative dashboard trim in red. The specification also includes illumination of the centre console and the front door handles, as well as LED reading lights in the front and rear.
Virtual Cockpit and comfort features as seen in higher-tier vehicles
This is the first ŠKODA FABIA Monte Carlo to be available with Virtual Cockpit – a 10.25-inch customisable digital display which, exclusively for the sporty range-topping model, offers a specific, more dynamic background for the layouts. The Virtual Cockpit can display logos of radio stations, covers of music albums and stored pictures of callers, among other things. Furthermore, the map can zoom in on junctions and display them in a separate window. Other optional extras include a heated steering wheel and a heated windscreen for increased safety in winter.
Safety: up to nine airbags and advanced assistance systems
Just like the other models in the range, the sporty Monte Carlo variant features up to nine airbags and is one of the safest vehicles in its segment. As the fourth-generation ŠKODA FABIA is now built on the MQB-A0 modular platform, the car’s active and passive safety has increased even further. Assistance systems such as Travel Assist and Park Assist, which were previously reserved for higher-tier vehicle categories, are now making their FABIA Monte Carlo debut.
For the new FABIA, ŠKODA AUTO has fully exploited the possibilities the MQB-A0 modular platform has to offer. In addition to the body’s high level of torsional stiffness due to the large proportion of high-strength, ultra-high-strength and specially hardened hot-formed steels,
the MQB-A0 also allows the use of assistance systems that were previously reserved for higher vehicle segments.
Travel Assist includes several assistance systems and Park Assist increases comfort
When equipped with the optional Travel Assist feature, the FABIA Monte Carlo provides automatic support with longitudinal and lateral steering. The system can activate several assistance systems at the touch of a button. At speeds of up to 130mph, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) automatically adjusts the speed of the car to that of vehicles ahead. By performing corrective steering inputs if needed, the integrated system Lane Assist helps – as its name suggests – to keep the vehicle in lane. Travel Assist uses Hands-on Detect to check whether the driver is touching the steering wheel. The improved Side Assist feature is another optional extra. This warns the driver of vehicles up to 70 m away that want to overtake or are in the car’s blind spot. Park Assist lends a hand with parking manoeuvres. It works at speeds of up to 25 mph displaying suitable parallel and bay parking spaces and, if desired, can take over the driver’s steering work. Manoeuvre Assist detects an obstacle in front of or behind the car during parking and applies the brakes automatically. Traffic Sign Recognition and Front Assist with Predictive Pedestrian and Cyclist Protection are also available.
Up to nine airbags and five-star rating in Euro NCAP tests
The FABIA Monte Carlo comes with airbags for the driver and front passenger, curtain airbags, and front side airbags as standard. A knee airbag for the driver and rear side airbags are optional extras to further enhance safety. Standard equipment also includes ISOFIX anchors and Top Tether anchor points on the front passenger seat (in the EU) and on the outer rear seats. In the reference test for crash safety conducted by the independent European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), the Czech carmaker’s entry-level model achieved the maximum rating of five stars and, at 78% of the maximum number of points achievable, secured the best score among the compact cars tested in 2021.
Connectivity: always online thanks to state-of-the-art infotainment
There is a choice of two infotainment systems for the new ŠKODA FABIA Monte Carlo. The options include the Bolero radio with 8-inch colour display, which comes as standard, to the top-of-the-line Amundsen system, which offers a 9.2-inch touchscreen that can also be operated by gesture control and the Laura digital voice assistant. The FABIA Monte Carlo is always online thanks to a built-in eSIM, which enables access not only to web radio but also to an extensive range of mobile online services from ŠKODA Connect and the latest infotainment apps. Smartphones can be connected to the car via Wireless SmartLink without the need of a cable and inductively charged in the optional Phone Box.
The new FABIA Monte Carlo is equipped with the Bolero radio as standard. This comes with a 8-inch colour touchscreen that can be operated using multi-touch gestures and it has four front speakers, a Bluetooth hands-free system and two additional surround-sound speakers in the rear doors. A smartphone can be connected without the need of a cable via optional Wireless SmartLink and Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, and wireless charging is also available.
Range-topping system Amundsen with online-backed navigation and voice control
The top-end Amundsen infotainment system, available as an option, is characterised by a customisable 9.2-inch display, a Wi-Fi hotspot and a navigation function that is backed by online data. Music streaming services can be accessed via a paired smartphone. Maps can be stored on the 64-GB SSD hard drive and updated online. The gesture control feature comes as standard, while online-backed voice control via the Laura digital voice assistant who understands 15 languages is optional. The FABIA Monte Carlo can be equipped with up to five USB-C sockets for charging additional mobile devices. These include two sockets in the front, and optionally two sockets in the rear as well as a socket on the rear-view mirror to power a dashcam, for example.
Infotainment apps for weather, news, calendar and traffic alerts
Via the Amundsen system’s display, a ŠKODA Connect account can be created or an existing account can be transferred to the FABIA Monte Carlo. The innovative infotainment apps are just as easy to download. They offer weather reports and news, allow access to a personal Google calendar or warn of hazards. The Amundsen system also enables a wealth of mobile online services from ŠKODA Connect to be used. These include eCall, which automatically calls for emergency assistance in the event of an accident, Proactive Service (breakdown call), as well as remote vehicle access via the MyŠKODA app and the ŠKODA Connect web portal.
Powertrains: advanced engines with high levels of efficiency
ŠKODA offers two engines for the new FABIA Monte Carlo, with power outputs of 110 PS and 150 PS. All engines are from Volkswagen Group’s EVO generation and meet the stringent Euro 6d emissions standard.
The new four-cylinder 1.5 TSI ŠKODA FABIA Monte Carlo is particularly dynamic. The range-topping engine has an output of 150 PS and, coupled with a seven-speed DSG as standard, accelerates the car from 0 to 62 mph in 8.0 seconds, achieving a top speed of 139 mph. At the same time, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are lowered thanks to active cylinder technology, which automatically shuts down two of the four cylinders when engine load is low.
Innovative plasma coating reduces fuel consumption and emissions
In addition to the 1.5 TSI, the line-up of engines available for the FABIA Monte Carlo also includes a three-cylinder 1.0 TSI engine. The 1.0 TSI producing 81 kW (110 PS) engine offers a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox and an automatic seven-speed DSG. The direct-injection TSI engine feature an ultra-thin plasma-coated layer instead of cast-iron cylinder liners, which lowers internal friction. Through better distribution and dissipation of heat in the combustion chamber, this also lowers the thermal load on the engine. The powder-coated layer on the liners is just 150 μm (0.15 mm) thin.
History: glitz, glamour and victorious rallies
The name Monte Carlo does not just refer to the famous rally, but also to sporty ŠKODA models. Since 2011, the Monte Carlo variants have been a reminder of the Czech brand’s great sporting successes at the ‘Monte’. In 1936, the ŠKODA POPULAR took second place here and was subsequently the first model to be given the evocative Monte Carlo name. This was followed by the legendary ŠKODA 130 RS’s 1-2 class finish in 1977, which the ŠKODA FABIA Rally2 repeated 40 years later.
2021 saw ŠKODA celebrate 120 years of motorsport involvement. A motorcycle developed by the company’s founders Václav Laurin and Václav Klement represented the first significant milestone when it competed in the Paris-Berlin long-distance race in 1901. Having made its inaugural appearance at the second-ever Monte Carlo Rally in 1912, the brand went on to record its first major success at the legendary event in 1936 when the ŠKODA POPULAR finished second in the category of cars with a capacity of up to 1,500 cc. In light of this success, ŠKODA then launched a special edition and produced 70 POPULAR MONTE CARLOs.
The ŠKODA FABIA’s unique rally success story
Following the first class victories of the original OCTAVIA in the 1960s, the legendary ŠKODA 130 RS gave the Czech car manufacturer its first ‘Monte’ double victory in the category of cars with a capacity up to 1,300 cc in 1977. This success was repeated in the 1990s by the FAVORIT and the FELICIA, before the great rally career of the ŠKODA FABIA began. In 2003, the FABIA WRC replaced the OCTAVIA WRC, with which ŠKODA first entered the top category of the 1999 World Rally Championship. The ŠKODA FABIA SUPER 2000 followed in 2009 and won more than 50 national and international titles. Based on the third-generation FABIA, the Rally2 became the most successful rally car in the world, notching up over 1,250 victories and numerous titles around the globe. In 2022, the further developed FABIA Rally2 evo celebrated its fourth ŠKODA triumph within just six years in the WRC2 category and the brand’s 15th class win overall. Now, the rally car based on the current, fourth-generation FABIA is getting ready to line up.
The return of the Monte Carlo models
In 2011 – exactly 75 years after the special-edition ŠKODA POPULAR was launched – the Monte Carlo models celebrated their comeback. The second-generation FABIA was the brand’s first production car to be given the famous name that has since come to characterise the dynamic variants in ŠKODA’s line-up of compact cars. In 2015, the Monte Carlo edition of the third-generation FABIA followed, and ŠKODA also added this trim level to other model ranges: the ŠKODA CITIGO Monte Carlo (available until 2019), the ŠKODA YETI Monte Carlo (until 2017) and two ŠKODA RAPID MONTE CARLOs (until 2018). They were succeeded by the ŠKODA SCALA Monte Carlo and the ŠKODA KAMIQ Monte Carlo at the end of 2019.
