The Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo is back, sitting at the top of the Fabia hatch and wagon range priced from $23,490 and $24,640, respectively (excluding on-roads).
The previous-gen Fabia Monte Carlo was a succesful model here, accounting for 40 per cent of Fabia sales. Building on the already generous standard equipment list of the Fabia, the Monte Carlo is based on the 81TSI variant, and adds black 17-inch alloys, blackened grille, with the blackened theme continuing onto the side skirts, rear diffuser and wing mirrors.
It also gets a full-length panoramic glass sunroof, sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel with red stitching, alloy pedals, and bolstered sports seats reminiscent of those seen on the VW Golf Adidas.
Suspension has also been revised for sharper handling and “sportier feel”, with another $1800 getting you the Tech Pack which includes keyless entry/start, rear parking sensors, climate control, adaptive cruise control, DAB+ digital radio and rain-sensing wipers. Non Monte Carlo variants get these features as part of the Premium Sports Pack.
The Monte Carlo manages a 9.4-second 0-100km/h time thanks to 81kW and 175Nm, kept on the boil by a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic with front-wheel drive.
To coincide with the Monte Carlo’s re-introduction, the rest of the range now features a reverse camera as standard as part of the MY2017 update. Cargo capacity in the wagon is 505L with the rear seats up and 1370L with them down.
