SKODA have opened the order books for their latest version of the Fabia Monte Carlo. The German-owned Czech marque have now announced pricing for the sporty trim of their popular supermini – which first appeared in 2011 to celebrate Skoda's successes at the Monte Carlo Rally and in tribute to the Skoda Popular Monte Carlo from 1936 – which remains the Fabia's 'hot' range-topper in lieu of them reviving the long-extinct Fabia vRS and introduces the 1.5l TSI engine to its line-up for the first time.
Available now, Fabia Monte Carlo prices start from £20,925 OTR for the 108bhp 1.0l TSI engine with a 0-62mph time of 9.9 seconds, while those in need of a little more get-up-and-go will pay at least £23,765 for the 148bhp and 8.0 second 0-62mph time offered by the larger 1.5l TSI – the same lump already in service elsewhere in the Skoda family.
The 1.0l engine is available in six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG autobox form, while the 1.5l engine is automatic only.
Externally, the Monte Carlo is an attractive re-packaging of the pleasingly unfussy current Fabia design which looks its best when finished in an optional (£390) eye-catching 'colour concept' hue like Phoenix Orange or Velvet Red Metallic with contrasting black roof.
There's Monte Carlo wing badging and black trim pieces including the front grille, rear diffuser, side skirts and window surrounds, plus a new front apron with flared air intakes. Seventeen-inch two-tone alloys are fitted as standard, with 18-inch wheels available as an option.
Inside, new Fabia sports seats are available in height and lumbar support-adjustable form (part of the £695 'comfort plus' package) and come wrapped in a snazzy new two-tone Monte Carlo upholstery scheme with contrast stitching, complemented by aluminium pedals, a decorative red/aluminium dashboard strip and carbonfibre-effect trim pieces.
Tech-wise, the usual Fabia infotainment and driver aid options are available including Skoda's Virtual Cockpit, an upgraded 9.2-inch touchscreen display, adaptive cruise control and wireless smartphone charging.
