Skoda has launched the all-new Fabia in New Zealand powered by a single petrol engine, with two different power outputs, each hooked up to a different transmission.
The 66kW/160Nm 1.2-litre petrol comes with a five-speed manual transmission, while the 81kW/175Nm version comes with a seven-speed DSG.
The 66kW manual kicks off the range at $19,990, while the 81kW car costs $24,990.
A "Tech Package" can be added to the 66kW manual for $1200 that brings $2300 worth of equipment. The "Dynamic Sport" and "Colour Sport" packages are only available on the 81kW car and bring $4225 and $3625 respectively in added equipment for $2000, including the now traditional (for Fabia) coloured roof and side mirrors.
Skoda has big plans for the Fabia in New Zealand and are targeting a 650 per cent increase in sales over last year.
"We sold 23 new Fabias in 2014," said Stephen Deans, sales and product manager for Skoda New Zealand. "We have 150 for this year, which we are confident we will sell."
Petr Skutina, sales manager for the Australia/New Zealand region, was over from the Czech Republic for the local launch of the Fabia.
"Fabia is very important to us," he said. "This is the model that the customers - especially with the younger ones we are targeting - enter into the Skoda brand with, so we need to make a good impression."