Skoda is jumping on...

Skoda is jumping on the environmental bandwagon as well. The Czech maker is launching a new eco-friendly Fabia – badged Greenline – at the Frankfurt Show. And with CO2 emissions of 110g/km and 70mpg fuel economy, it certainly lives up to its name.

Externally, only the use of low rolling resistance tyres marks out the eco-friendly machine. Inside, luxuries such as electric windows and air-con have been dumped in an effort to save weight.

It’s under the bonnet where the biggest changes have been made. Here you’ll find a tweaked version of the firm’s 78bhp 1.4-litre oil-burner. The three-cylinder unit now features a diesel particulate filter and hi-tech exhaust gas recirculation system. Further fuel savings are made thanks to a long-ratio five-speed gearbox.

Also joining Skoda’s clean running line-up is a biofuel Octavia. Using a modified 1.6-litre FSI motor, it can run on normal unleaded and E85 bioethanol. When using the latter, drivers should see their CO2 output drop by around two-thirds.

Both will be joined on Skoda’s stand by a concept version of the upcoming Fabia estate. Called the Scout, it features chunky body cladding, a raised ride height and high-spec interior.