2023 Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo gets Sporty makeover

Skoda has released full details for its upcoming Fabia Monte Carlo, which is set to be the sportiest trim in the model line-up. Interior and exterior design changes will help the Monte Carlo stand out, with an even more powerful vRS hot hatch looking unlikely. The Monte Carlo is expected in showrooms in May, costing £20,720 for the 109bhp 1.0 TSI edition, and giving buyers an alternative to the Ford Fiesta ST-Line and Hyundai i20 N-Line.

First introduced 11 years ago with the second-generation Fabia, the Monte Carlo has become a popular trim level for Skoda, adding visual flair along with affordable running costs. Its name commemorates Skoda’s victories at the famous rally. For the latest Fabia, the two-tone paint scheme of previous Monte Carlo models is carried over, with contrasting black door mirror caps, a black grille and an optional black roof. There’s also a new body kit, featuring a wide air intake that sits above a large front splitter. The Fabia Monte Carlo is fitted with LED headlights and fog lights, rear privacy glass and a unique design of 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, but buyers can also choose from optional 18-inch items.

A red and black theme is also dominant inside, with bright red trim sweeping across the dashboard and even intersecting the air vents. It’s also present around the centre console and on the doors, for a sporting look. A three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel is trimmed in leather, with contrasting red stitching. There’s a new set of sports seats and carbon fibre-style trim for the dashboard and door cards. A Monte Carlo welcome graphic is also shown in the central 9.2-inch infotainment screen, while a 10.25-inch digital display sits in the instrument binnacle.

The Monte Carlo will get the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI petrol engine as the SE L version, with 109bhp, fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox – a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission is optional. This gets it from 0-62mph in ten seconds, but also offers fuel economy of up to 51.4mpg and CO2 emissions from 124g/km. It will also be offered with a more potent 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine offering 148bhp, but emissions are 134g/km making it more costly to run.