2003 SKODA Fabia RS 1.9L TDI 6MT FWD (130 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Skoda introduced the Fabia lineup in 1999, but only four years later, it brought the most potent version into its lineup, stirring emotions in the small hot hatch segment.

The Czech automaker tried to get into the World Rally Championship with a smaller, lighter vehicle than the Octavia, so it focused on the small-sized Fabia. But there was a problem: the car was shorter than the mandatory rules, and, in addition, it didn’t tick all the boxes it required for the drivetrain. Moreover, Skoda wanted a model that could gather more customers from the younger generation.

While the FIA regulations stipulated the car’s length, they didn’t specify how that could be attained. Thus, the carmaker created slightly fatter bumpers, both front, and rear. Therefore, the end result was 3 mm (0.12″) more extended bodywork than the minimum 4.0-meter (157.48″) required by the motorsports governing organization. That led to a redesigned apron, which included two fog lamps in the outer scoops flanking the squared lower grille. Moreover, at the back, the rear bumper sported an extended apron with a cutaway for the RS-specific chromed exhaust tip.

Inside, Skoda installed high-bolstered front seats with black and gray upholstery adorned on the seatbacks with the RS logo. Furthermore, the Fabia RS featured aluminum pedals to create an even sportier atmosphere. Inside the instrument cluster, the carmaker placed redesigned black and white dials and red needles.

Underneath the hood, the Fabia RS received a 1.9-liter turbo-diesel powerplant from Volkswagen. The engine developed 130 PS (128 HP) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque, sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.