The ŠKODA 130 RS was remembered as a “sporty Škoda”. Now a novelty of the same name has been announced, but with a completely different story behind it.
Škoda has released a teaser video for the upcoming arrival of a special sports edition of the Fabia model with the 130 designation, which will premiere on October 7, 2025. The “130” designation is not a coincidence, but is a direct link to the legendary Škoda 130 RS model from the 1970s, one of the most successful racing and rally cars in the brand’s history.
New teaser reveals sporty character
The teaser video shows a compact car with pronounced sporty lines and a dynamic stance. There have also been hints that Škoda could adapt technology from the Volkswagen Polo GTI, which is powered by a 207 hp engine. Since the Fabia and Polo share the same technical basis, such an idea sounds feasible and opens the door to the possible return of the RS badge to the range.
However, a similar model brings a challenge in the form of harmful emissions, which the brand is trying to move away from with increasingly strong electrification.
What to expect under the hood?
One option is the 130 hp EA 211 evo engine, which was used in the Golf 8 until early 2024. Today, it has been succeeded by the more powerful evo2 with 150 hp, already available in the current Fabia Monte Carlo. Last year, the 190 hp Fabia 1.5 Rally2 was also introduced to the Spanish market, in a limited series of just 100 units, which shows that there is certainly room for more powerful versions.
However, it is more realistic to expect that the new model will emphasize a sporty look and design refinements, while the technical changes will be more subtle. The final answers will be provided by Skoda’s premiere scheduled for next week.
The symbolism of the number 130
The mark “130” reveals a double symbolism. In addition to commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 130 RS model, it also refers to the 130 years of Škoda’s existence.
The company was founded in 1895 by Václav Laurin and Václav Klement as a bicycle manufacturer, and has been producing cars since 1905. After World War I, the weakened company was taken over by the Škoda concern in 1925.
The 130 RS, also known as the “Porsche of the Eastern Bloc”, was introduced in 1975 and has gone down in motorsport history. With a 1.3-litre DOHC engine and a weight of just 710 kilograms, the car was light but powerful and very successful in competition. Its most famous victories came in 1977 when it won its class at the Monte Carlo Rally, and four years later, in 1981, Škoda won the manufacturers’ title in the European Touring Car Championship.
However, a similar model poses a challenge in terms of CO2 emissions. The Polo GTI currently emits 149 g/km, which could make it harder for Skoda to meet its overall regulatory targets. Especially since the brand is introducing the Epiq electric model from 2026 and its strategy is increasingly shifting towards electrification.
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