Skoda Fabia II Estate

Skoda Fabia II Estate will surface in Frankfurt

Set to compete against the new Renault Clio Estate / Sport Tourer, the 2008 Skoda Fabia Estate will offer superior payload capacity and roomier interior.

The Czech automaker will take advantage of the upcoming IAA motor show in Frankfurt to present the station wagon version of its popular small hatchback.

The car, Skoda is reporting in its press release, will be 7mm longer and 46mm higher than the previous generation Fabia, being 4,239mm long, 1,642mm wide and 1,498mm tall.

It will feature up to 480 liters of cargo space, which is 41 liter more than the Renault Clio Estate can provide.

With the rear seats folded flat the stowage space totals at 1,460 liters, which is the best in its class and even dwarves some more expensive cars from the class above.

The Skoda Fabia II Estate will be shipped with a choice of six engines (three working on gas and three oil-burners). The gasoline engines are the 1.2 12V HTP (70bhp). The 1.4 16V (85bhp) and 1.6 16V (105bhp, mated with an optional six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission).

The diesel engines are offered as the 1.4 TDI PD (70bhp), 1.4 TDI PD (80bhp) and 1.9 TDI PD (105bhp).

All engines are mated to a five-speed gearbox.

The price is yet to be announced.

Photos: Skoda

See also: Renault Clio Estate / Sport Tourer