The Skoda Fabia vRS has always been a leftfield hot hatch. First coming to market in the early 2000s with diesel power and manual gearbox, the second-gen model pivoted to petrol while adopting both turbocharging and supercharging, alongside a DSG transmission.

Now the model is back – in spirit – as the Fabia 130, named not for its power output, but to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the Czech manufacturer. Sadly, the third bite of the apple appears to be the most mainstream yet, taking a Fabia 1.5 TSI as its base and upping the power by 27bhp to 175bhp, with 184lb-ft (250Nm) of torque available from as little as 1,500rpm. 

There is more to it than a simple remap to the turbocharged four, as Škoda engineers have optimised the intake plenum, vibration damper and rocker arms to handle the higher output. Mated exclusively to a seven-speed DSG, the Fabia 130 becomes the fastest production Fabia yet, capable of reaching 142mph and covering the 0-62mph sprint along the way in 7.4 seconds. The gearbox mapping has also been tweaked, which Skoda claims contributes to the mid-range performance; with 50–70mph taking 4.8 seconds.

Bringing the chassis into alignment is sports suspension which lowers the car by 15mm, 18-inch Libra alloy wheels and recalibrated steering. Revised Normal and Sport driving modes adapt both steering weight and throttle response, while a two-stage Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) allows greater freedom before intervention.

The exterior channels the near-apologetic subtlety of the second-generation vRS. Based on the Fabia Monte Carlo, the 130 adds signature VRS details such as the black grille, black front and rear spoilers, a rear diffuser, and special 130 badges on the front wings and boot lid. Four exterior colours will be offered: Moon White, Velvet Red, Race Blue and Black Magic – each with a gloss black roof, pillars and mirrors.

Inside, the Fabia 130 offers electric sports seats with firmer side bolsters, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel housing DSG paddles, and stainless-steel pedals. A decorative grey and black aluminium trim runs across the dashboard and doors, while a 9.2-inch infotainment display handles the infotainment. Thankfully the climate control has physical buttons.

The new Fabia 130 is priced from £29,995 OTR with UK order books open from 30 October 2025. While any attempt at a hot hatch should be celebrated in this day and age, the 130 does appear to be undernourished, with the Mini Cooper S five-door offering another 30bhp for the same money, knocking a second off the 0-62mph time. Perhaps the naming strategy means Skoda is holding back for a genuine vRS, built in the spirit of their Rally2 competition cars. We live in hope.