Skoda is literally expanding its Fabia supermini line-up with this, the all-new estate.The first Fabia estate was a big success, and given how excellent the new hatch is, we’ve every reason to believe the latest one will be too.Skoda’s keeping the details quiet for now – the Fabia estate makes its official debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September – but we can reveal some of the bigger Fabia’s secrets before it goes on sale in the UK in 2008.The hatch’s 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine is unlikely to be used (at least in the UK), but the 1.4 and 1.6 four-cylinder petrols will be – the latter with the option of an auto gearbox.As usual, the more sensible options are likely to be the diesels: the characterful three-cylinder 1.4 and ageing 1.9.As on the hatch, the different trims will be known as 1, 2 and 3, and there will be all kinds of luxury options, including sat-nav and Bluetooth phone adaptors. Don’t expect the load bay to rival that of a Transit van, but do expect it to be extremely practical and very, very sensible.In fact, we’re rather pleased to notice that Skoda has chosen not to make some dodgy faux-4x4 concept version of its baby estate. How very sensible.
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