FORGOTTEN CONCEPT – Skoda Fabia RS2000: When the manufacturer’s modification was fashionable

A few years ago, Skoda was one of those manufacturers that created unique models for car rallies. The Czech brand used the most famous of them to show the Fabia RS2000, a 2+2 roadster that reflects the shape of the Rallye version of its city car.

During the 2000s, restructuring was a trend that affected the entire planet, from Japan to the United States, through Europe. Garish painting, wide equipment, chrome rims, hi-fi system on board, adjustable suspension… it’s impossible to miss the car. Nope. The style was such that car rallies were held every weekend, with the aim of sparking the interest of one among the ” enhancements ».

One of them even gained exceptional popularity: Tour of Wörthersee, in Austria. This big meeting brought together all car fans from the VAG group, starting with Volkswagen. The event was so unlikely that it was impossible for the German brand not to have an official presence on the site.

If die-hard fans remember the Volkswagen Golf W12 in particular, Skoda was not left behind, and unveiled the Fabia RS2000 there in 2011.

An open rally car

The Skoda Fabia RS2000 comes in the form of a more compact 2+2 highway. The front face was enlarged and showed a shadow the future face of the Skoda Fabia S2000. The profile revealed the silhouette of the ½ species, with a unique window cutout… and four doors.

The wings receive ventilation to cool the brakes. The 18-inch rally rims are fitted with a Skoda hub.

The back is the most natural part. The roof was just removed. The rear trunk is highlighted by a discreet black lacquered spoiler. Rear optics are dark. Hidden under the lacquered black air diffuser, the exhaust pipe is more laid back and visible than the production version.

On board, the connection is direct with the Skoda Fabia RS. THE four individual bucket seats they are covered in leather and Alcantara. Green pipes recall the color of the bodywork. This same nuance is found in features such as anodized door handlesor even the edge of the steering wheel. The top of the dashboard is designed clear carbon fiber. Remember, the presence of 4 point seat belts for each seat.

Wörthersee: the balloon has fallen

The Skoda Fabia RS2000 existed at the same time as two other models from the VAG group in Austria: Audi A1 Clubsport quattro Concept and Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet Concept. Czech mini-roadster did not pretend to pass the production stage.

Today, the Austrian assembly has been moved by Volkswagen. Now it takes place on its grounds, not far from the football stadium of VfL Wolfsburg. The popularity rating has declined somewhat in recent years.

This does not prevent current followers « GTI meeting » going there in large numbers, as a place of pilgrimage for every German brand lover.