Currently reading: Skoda Fabia estate spotted ahead of Paris reveal
Third-generation Fabia estate set to be unveiled at the Paris motor show; sales expected to start in October ahead of deliveries in mid-2015

The estate version of the new third-generation Skoda Fabia, which is due to be revealed at the Paris motor show next month, has been spotted undergoing development tests.

Skoda's new compact estate will share the same styling as the recently revealed Fabia hatchback. The same larger corporate front grille with prominent Skoda badging should feature, as well as revised light clusters at the front and rear.

Its larger proportions should extend luggage capacity well beyond the 330 litres seats-up storage offered by the new hatchback, and could well build on the maximum of 1605 litres in the older Fabia estate.

Engine and transmission options will be shared with the hatchback, meaning a range of turbocharged 1.2-litre four-cylinder units developing between 89bhp and 109bhp. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit found in the VW Volkswagen Up and Skoda Citigo should also be offered.

Trim levels and options should also carry over unchanged from the hatch, as should the option of a 15mm lower chassis for improved handling.

Given that the current Fabia estate commands a £1500 premium over the equivalent supermini, expect prices for the new model to start at just over £11,500.

Customers should be able to order the new Fabia estate, as well as the hatchback, in October. The first deliveries are expected towards the middle of next year.

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