Topic / Fabia-130-engine
The Engine Is the Main Attraction
The engineers focused on increasing the engine’s output for the limited-edition Fabia 130. However, they fine-tuned other details as well, so that drivers can enjoy the ride to the fullest.
Martin Hábovčík from the EPS/1 – Engine Application of Drive – Basic, Driveability participated in the calibration of the increased-power drive.
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The 130 kW engine clearly improves the Fabia 130’s dynamics. The 1.5 TSI engine is based on the standard 1.5 TSI evo2 engine with the output of 110 kW; however, the engineers modified it to increase its output to 130 kW. “This engine version is intended exclusively for a limited edition to celebrate the company’s 130th anniversary,” says Martin Hrdlička, Head of the EP – Development Powertrain and Chassis Systems department.
The engine will be manufactured alongside standard versions on the production line in Mladá Boleslav. “The original 1.5 TSI evo2 engine was developed at Volkswagen, but the development work associated with increasing its power was carried out primarily in Mladá Boleslav,” says Martin Hábovčík, development engineer for engine control calibration at EPS/1 – Application of drive-basic, driveability.
This is part of a long-term strategy to transfer the development competencies for the EA211 engine series from VW to Škoda Auto.
In connection with the increased output, the engine designers primarily focused on modifications to the more heavily loaded components. “In some cases, we installed more robust parts, while also optimizing the parameterization of the engine and transmission control unit,” explains M. Hábovčík. The result is also the availability of the maximum torque of 250 Nm across a wider RPM range. To ensure that the behaviour of the seven-speed DSG transmission matches the engine’s dynamic nature, it was tuned for sportier shifting.
The Fabia 130 model is powered by a 1.5 TSI evo2 engine with increased power output of 130 kW.
Other smart features
However, it was not only the engine developers who worked on the Fabia 130. Some of the car’s systems also received new features. In particular, the ESC stability control system was modified. It features two newly added modes. In the first ASR Off mode, traction control for controlled wheel slip is disabled. The other mode, ASR Sport + ESC Sport, allows for greater permissible wheel slip and later ESC intervention, so that the car can, for example, drift slightly.
If understeer occurs, the system helps to minimise this inherent characteristic. “In the event of an extreme yaw rate increase, ESC still intervenes and prevents loss of control of the car,” adds M. Hábovčík. Interestingly, when the ESC Sport mode is activated, some assistant functions, such as Front Assist, ACC and cruise control, are deactivated. When cruise control or ACC is activated, the ESC system switches back to its standard settings.
Motorsport heritage
The Fabia model, whose first generation was launched by the carmaker in 1999, has long been associated with motorsport. That is why it has seen a number of sports editions. These included two RS models – the first generation with a 1.9 TDI engine and the second with a 1.4 TSI engine. The third generation included the limited edition Fabia Edition R5. The Fabia WRC, Fabia S2000, and Fabia Rally2 specials from Škoda Motorsport scored points in rallies. Thanks to a series of victories and titles in WRC2 and ERC, as well as in national and regional competitions, the Fabia rally special became the most successful car in its category.