This Škoda Fabia visited Darkside Developments for more power. The company installed several upgrades resulting in the 1.6 L TDI (CAYC) diesel inline-four producing 263 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately the increased output combined with hard driving resulted in catastrophic engine damage. So out went the damaged engine and in went a 2.0 L TDI (CFHD) diesel inline-four. The new motor features Darkside Developments’ GTB turbocharger kit, Performance Race camshaft, Stage 1 CP3 fuel pump, Stage 1 injectors, upgraded valve springs, and a Snow Performance Stage 1 water injection system. The 2.0 L motor produces 302 hp and 425 lb-ft (576 Nm) of torque with water/methanol injection or 274 hp and 420 lb-ft (570 Nm) of torque on diesel only. That power is sent to the front wheels through a 02J five-speed manual transmission with a Sachs SRE Performance clutch and Wavetrac LSD. The car rides on H&R 40 mm lowering springs, H&R anti-roll bar, 2013 SEAT Ibiza rear axle, and Mtec C-hook front rotors.
Source: Darkside Developments and amd87ts
And not before time I’ve always liked the look of the fabia but wouldn’t consider them as a potential buy owing to the humorous lack of power. Skoda have seriously missed out on a great opportunity and massive sales because of this.
The Monte Carlo could have been a top seller but for this blatant error of design, performance really matters and they’ve scored an own goal with this mistake. I think the designers owe the motoring public an explanation for this lack of forward thinking.