The Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo edition is here

Having teased the new Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo edition earlier this month, we have now been bequeathed with the real thing. Looks quite smart, doesn’t it?

Let’s drive straight into the figures. A pair of engines are offered, a 1.0-litre three-cylinder developing 108bhp and 148lb ft of torque, or a 1.5-litre four-cylinder good for 148bhp and 184lb ft. 

The former comes with a six-speed manual ‘box as standard or a seven-speed auto as an option. It’s the slowest (obviously) and the most economical (also obviously) of the two units, taking 10 seconds to cover the 0-62mph sprint and achieving 58-52mpg depending on your transmission choice.

Meanwhile the 1.5 gets the seven-speed DSG as standard, and with the extra power chalks off 0-62mph in eight seconds flat on its way to a not insignificant top speed of 139mph. Crikey.

The red and black trim inside and out you’ll be familiar with already, following the same trend set out by Monte Carlo predecessors such as the Citigo and Yeti, plus stablemates in the form of the Scala and Kamiq. Oh, and the previous-gen Fabia of course.

Exclusive 17in wheels are standard, although you can upgrade to 18s if you prefer. VW Group’s fanciest Virtual Cockpit and 10.25in instrument display are included too, as is an eight-inch touchscreen complete with Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Nine airbags and many active safety systems - such as Travel and Park assistance - contribute to a five-star Euro NCAP rating, and the active cruise control works up to 130mph.

And get this: in addition to the removable plastic wheel trims the cooling shutter slats automatically open and close to improve aerodynamics, giving the Fabia ‘benchmark’ slipperiness of 0.28.

Prices and a sale date are still to be confirmed, though we can’t imagine it’ll be long before the Monte Carlo edition pops up on the configurator…