The Skoda Fabia Estate running costs are incredibly low thanks to its fuel-sipping engines, low road tax costs and cheap insurance.

Inexperienced drivers should take a look at the low-spec 1.2 model which falls into the cheapest insurance group, but even the top of the range 1.6 TDI Scout only falls into group 15. Resale values should remain strong.

The Fabia range won’t cost the earth as it’s impressively frugal overall. All the petrol motors are easy on fuel particularly the Greenline versions.

Skoda Fabia Estate emissions are also very low with the diesel engines all emitting less than 130g/km CO2. The cheap-to-tax Greenline II produces a rock-bottom 89g/km and returns 83.1mpg. It is undoubtedly the engine of choice for eco-conscious buyers.

The new Fabia borrows elements from the previous model – which has a good track record for proving dependable. Given the high levels of customer satisfaction that the Czech company achieves for its car, Skoda Fabia Estate reliability should be the best there is.

What’s more, Skoda is part of the Volkswagen family and benefits from shared technology and development, so engines are dependable, interior plastics feel durable and the overall finish is of a high quality.