Skoda Fabia Hatchback (07 on) - Review

The Fabia has a strong engine line-up. There are three petrols kicking off with a three-cylinder 1.2-litre unit which is available with 60bhp or 70bhp but despite the modest power outputs this little powerplant is impressive. It provides a charismatic engine note and is great fun to drive, especially in and around town - you do have to work it quite hard but the snappy gearshift makes this more of a pleasure than a chore. Buyers who do more motorway driving should try the 1.4-litre with 86bhp - it’s quick-off-the-mark which makes it an ideal urban runabout, while it can hold its own for short stretches on faster roads. The top petrol is a 1.6-litre with 105bhp that's smooth and manages 0-62mph in 10.1 seconds and is also available with an automatic gearbox. Then there are the diesels - all three are frugal if a little noisy. The 1.4-litre is available with 70bhp or 80bhp. It pulls well, has enough grunt for overtaking and will give 50mpg+ in everyday driving but the 1.9-litre with 105bhp is a punchier option. The special Greenline model uses the 80bhp version of the 1.4 TDI engine but thanks to engine and aerodynamic tweaks, emissions are cut to 109g/km of CO2 (from 120g/km) and economy increases to an impressive 69mpg. Performance remains unchanged. In 2010 Skoda introduced a 1.2-litre TSi petrol engine. Even though this model has only an output of 85bhp, the car is fun to drive and feels more powerful than it actually is - 0 to 62mph is a respectable 11.8 seconds and it has a top speed of 111mph. The 'box is really well geared and overtaking on single-carriageways is a pleasure rather than the chore it would be in some rivals that have similar power.

The Fabia is easy rather than exciting to drive - the steering is light, it's simple to park and it's very comfortable on the motorway. On A and B-roads it steers precisely and corners well, although there's a degree of body roll. But the ride is exemplary - it copes superbly with potholes and lumps in the road and the progressive brakes add to the surefooted feeling. It's not as agile as some rivals but feels well planted to the road with excellent road manners.