Although… The classification among small powerful hatchbacks is not entirely accurate, as it only applies to the first generation. In the second RS, there was also a station wagon body design. And just to remind you – the second generation Fabie RS was powered by a 1.4-liter, 132 kW turbocharged gasoline engine connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
But now we will be more interested in the first “er-eso”, which was sold between 2003 and 2007. The most powerful version of the first generation of Škoda’s bestseller is becoming a relatively rare car that could even have collector’s potential one day.
Of the 21,551 examples produced, not so many pieces have survived to date, and if so, the vast majority are cars with large mileages, in not very good condition and mainly affected by various modifications and tuning. But try to find a Fabia RS in its original form and with a “reasonable” ride. Finding such a car for sale is not an easy task.
We also tried to do that recently, but in the end it turned out that we were most interested in the modified car. We were amazed by his performance.
But before we get to it, let us remind you that the first generation Škoda Fabia RS is powered by a 1.9 TDI turbodiesel, providing a standard maximum output of 96 kW (130 hp) at 4,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 310 Nm at 1,900 rpm. It is complemented exclusively by a six-speed manual transmission. The hatchback accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and accelerates to 206 km/h.
However, according to the Romanian seller, the piece that we discovered on the advertising portal Mobile.de is capable of up to 296 kW, i.e. 402 horses! At the same time, the original diesel one-nine is hiding under the hood, but it has understandably undergone various modifications.
Photo: Mobile.de
It is also interesting that the owner replaced the original manual transmission with a dual-clutch automatic – because it copes better with the capabilities of the boosted engine. In relation to performance, the seller mentions three software maps – when using the basic engine it provides 278 hp, the medium setting gives 320 hp and the top one already mentioned 402 hp. And in addition, a tremendous torque of up to 697 Nm… The power of the engine still travels to the front wheels.
The 2006 car has about 215k miles so far and the seller claims it has never been in any competitions. It is said to be purely a personal project.
In addition to performance, the owner also modified the chassis and equipped the car with more powerful front brakes. The modified Škoda Fabia RS is for sale for 11,000 euros, which translates to about 278,000 crowns.
The Škoda Fabia RS: A Rare Gem or Just Another Hot Hatch?
Buckle up, folks! We’re about to dive into the world of small, powerful hatchbacks where the Škoda Fabia RS struts in like it owns the place. Now, let’s get one thing straight: talking about car classifications is like understanding a complex family tree. Everyone’s got a different version, and it can get bloody confusing! Sure, the classification applies to the first generation, but did you know the second generation decided to throw in a station wagon? Yes, because what says “I like to go fast” like a shopping cart for your groceries?
Today, though, let’s get back to the original “er-eso”—the first generation Fabia RS, sold from 2003 to 2007. It’s like the rare collectible in your uncle’s garage that we all secretly wish is worth something one day. With just over 21,551 rolling out of the factory, you can imagine trying to find one is tougher than finding a polite taxi driver in a busy city!
Most surviving examples have racked up mileage like it’s training for a marathon—trust me, walking the dog would be a blissful change of pace for them. Add to that various modifications that would make a car enthusiast weep, and you’ve got a real conundrum. Who would have thought finding a Fabia RS in its unspoiled state would be like finding a needle in a haystack? Spoiler alert: we tried!
As we set out on our quest, we discovered a rather tantalizing prospect—a modified beauty boasting performance figures that had our eyebrows doing a tango! But let’s rewind a bit and appreciate what the first-generation Fabia RS brings to the table. Picture this: a 1.9 TDI turbodiesel engine churning out a respectable 96 kW (130 hp) at 4,000 rpm. Add a maximum torque of 310 Nm at a mere 1,900 rpm, and you’ve got yourself a hatchback that can be a bit cheeky.
The hatchback can blitz from 0 to 100 km/h in a brisk 9.5 seconds—impressive, but let’s face it, it’s not exactly leaving your grandma’s slow cooker in the dust. And when it hits the top speed of 206 km/h, you can almost hear it muttering “catch me if you can!” Well, if you’re not driving a BMW or an Audi, that is.
Now, hold onto your hats! The gem we found is claimed to be capable of up to 296 kW—that’s 402 horses under the hood, all still hidden beneath the original diesel engine. It’s like discovering that the quiet kid in class is actually a world-renowned ninja! This beast has undergone some serious modifications, including a dual-clutch automatic transmission, because why not throw a bit of sorcery into the mix?
Imagine having three software maps to play with—278 hp for the eco-conscious, 320 hp for those in need of a little therapy, and the mind-blowing 402 hp for when you need to drop everything and chase the wind. And did I mention the torque? A staggering 697 Nm! That’s not just torque; that’s a full-on wrestling match in your engine bay!
This little wonder has been through its paces with about 215,000 miles on the clock—well used but ‘never in competitions,’ as the seller claims. Right, and my pet goldfish is actually a secret agent! It’s purely a personal project, my friend, which means it’s in the hands of someone who loves meddling with things but perhaps should have taken up knitting instead.
Oh, and for the price? A dream-inducing €11,000—or about 278,000 crowns. You know, just casually shelling out that much for a modified Škoda Fabia RS. It’s the kind of purchase that makes you whisper sweet nothings into your bank account afterward!
Although the classification of small, powerful hatchbacks generally applies to the first generation of vehicles, it’s important to note that the second-generation Škoda Fabia RS also introduced an additional station wagon design. The second-generation Fabia RS boasted impressive features, including a robust 1.4-liter, 132 kW turbocharged gasoline engine, linked seamlessly to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for an exhilarating driving experience.
The focus of our discussion now gravitates towards the first-generation “Fabia RS,” which was manufactured and sold between 2003 and 2007. This iteration of Škoda’s beloved model, recognized for its power and efficiency, is gradually becoming a rare find, potentially holding significant collector’s value as time passes.
Out of the impressive run of 21,551 units produced during its lifecycle, only a small fraction remain today. The majority of surviving models have racked up considerable mileage and are often found in subpar conditions, impacted by various alterations and performance modifications. Searching for a Fabia RS in its original guise, coupled with reasonable mileage, proves to be an arduous task in the current market.
Our recent search for such a vehicle led us unexpectedly toward a modified example that piqued our interest due to its remarkable performance metrics.
To provide context, the first-generation Škoda Fabia RS is equipped with a robust 1.9 TDI turbodiesel engine, delivering a standard maximum output of 96 kW (130 hp) at 4,000 rpm, accompanied by a formidable peak torque of 310 Nm at 1,900 rpm. This powerhouse of an engine is exclusively paired with a six-speed manual transmission, propelling the hatchback from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 9.5 seconds, with a remarkable top speed reaching 206 km/h.
Interestingly, we discovered a listing on the advertising portal Mobile.de, where the seller claims the car has been extensively modified, pushing its capabilities to an astonishing 296 kW, equating to a staggering 402 horsepower! Notably, while the original 1.9 TDI diesel engine remains intact under the hood, it has undergone significant enhancements to unleash this additional power.
Remarkably, the owner has swapped out the original manual transmission in favor of a dual-clutch automatic system, which is better suited to handle the engine’s increased output. The seller provides three distinct software mapping options for this upgraded engine: the basic configuration offers a powerful 278 hp, the mid-range setting boosts it to 320 hp, while the top-tier mapping achieves the previously mentioned 402 hp in conjunction with an astonishing torque figure of 697 Nm—all while driving the front wheels.
The 2006 model currently has approximately 215,000 miles on the odometer, with the seller asserting that it has never participated in any racing events. It is described as a passionate personal project rather than a competition-focused vehicle.
In addition to enhancing the powertrain, the owner has also made substantial modifications to the chassis and fitted more capable front brakes, elevating the overall performance of this well-rounded hatchback. This modified Škoda Fabia RS is now offered for sale at a price of 11,000 euros, which translates to roughly 278,000 crowns.
An engine allows the Fabia RS to dash from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.5 seconds, showcasing its competitive spirit in the realm of hot hatches. While it may not have the blistering speed of some modern rivals, the combination of practicality and decent performance has still endeared it to enthusiasts over the years.
However, the modified version that caught our attention takes everything up a notch. Boasting an astonishing 402 hp and a torque output of 697 Nm, this Fabia RS has transformed into a legitimate powerhouse, leaving its original specs in the dust. This level of engineering prowess comes from a series of modifications, including enhancements to the engine and a sophisticated dual-clutch automatic transmission. The driver can switch between three different power maps, offering a choice between 278 hp for the daily drive, 320 hp for a bit of spirited fun, or the full-throttle experience with 402 hp for those moments when the road demands it.
Aesthetically, this particular Fabia RS has also undergone chassis modifications and is fitted with upgraded brakes to handle the increased power. This meticulous work speaks to the dedication of its current owner, who has treated this vehicle as a personal project rather than a competitor on the track.
With a price tag of €11,000 (around 278,000 crowns), this modified Škoda Fabia RS represents an intriguing proposition for those on the lookout for a unique vehicle that offers both performance and a dash of eccentricity. Whether it’s a race-ready machine or a fun weekend cruiser, its charming quirks and impressive specifications captivate the hearts of those who appreciate the finer details of automotive craftsmanship.
Ultimately, while the search for a standard, original Škoda Fabia RS may yield fewer results in today’s market, this modified example serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of the model—all while delivering eye-popping performance that reminds us just how exciting the world of hot hatches can be!
