The estate version of the Fabia hatchback, the third-generation Combi is debuted just weeks after its sibling model and goes on sale in January 2015.

Like with the hatchback, the new Fabia Combi uses design elements from the VisionC show car and is identical at the front to the hatchback model, employing the same wide headlights and characteristic slatted grille. There’s also an optional large panoramic glass roof.

Dimensions are also increased for the Combi, which is 10mm longer, 90mm wider and 31mm lower than its predecessor, giving a longer and wide interior. Boot space also rises by 25 litres to 530 litres (1,395 litres with the back seat folded down) – the largest in its segment – and there’s also a low loading sill and wider loading floor.

The rear seats can be folded down in two positions – the seat is folded first and then the backrest and items up to 1.55 metres long can be accommodated. The loading floor is 960mm wide, 2mm longer than in the previous model.

Practicality is also enhanced with up to 17 “Simply Clever” solutions, 10 of which are new to this model. Included are an optional adjustable false boot floor, which divides the boot into two horizontal compartments, an ice scraper in the fuel filler flap as standard – seen on other models such as the Octavia – plus a dedicated storage compartment for the high-vis vest, a multimedia device cradle located in the cup holder on the centre console, a waste bin in the passenger door and storage nets on the inside edges of the front seats.

The new Fabia Combi also brings improved eco credentials, thanks to a completely new generation of petrol and diesel engines, radical weight reduction down to 1,004kg and improved aerodynamics. A total of three petrol and three diesel engines are offered, all compliant with EU6 emission standards and fitted with a Start-Stop System and brake energy recovery.

Power output in the petrol engines ranges from 75PS to 110PS. The new three-cylinder diesel range offers between 75PS and 105PS. There will also be a Fabia Combi GreenLine model with 91mpg and CO2 emissions of 82g/km. Transmissions are manual or automatic DSG gearboxes.

The new Fabia Combi is based on Volkswagen’s MQB technology, such as engines, electro-mechanical steering and a large part of the electrics. It also features the enhanced electronic differential lock function XDS+ as standard, which maximises traction when cornering.

The model also debuts the new C-EPS (Column-Electric Power Steering), which saves weight and fuel and replaces the electro-hydraulic power steering used previously.

Safety kit includes the optional Front Assistant with integrated City Emergency Braking Function, the Multi-Collision Brake System, Driver Activity Assistant, which will detect fatigue in the driver, while the new Speedlimiter can prevent the car from exceeding a pre-set speed. Hill-Hold Control will help drivers start on a gradient. Also, the new Fabia Combi comes with an electronic tyre pressure monitor as standard in EU countries.

Passive safety elements include up to six airbags for finely adjusted interaction with the car’s three-point seatbelts.

Technology is also a key focus and the infotainment systems in the new Fabia Combi are all-new concepts based on Volkswagen’s MIB (modular infotainment matrix) technology. The new MirrorLink system brings smartphone apps including navigation to the infotainment system’s display. With the SmartGate function, certain vehicle data can be displayed, saved and accessed in dedicated apps on the user’s smartphone. 

Other new technologies include KESSY (Keyless Entry Start and Exit System), and front and rear parking sensors.