Skoda Fabia Hatchback 2007 - Present

The launch of the Fabia in 2000 was one of the first of the collaboration between VW and Skoda and they've never looked back. The original Fabia was well equipped, reliable and a pleasure to drive, 2007 has seen Skoda build on that success and retain the head turning prices.

The body has been given a complete revamp but much of the foundations of the car are the same as the earlier model and are consequently tried and tested, and most of all reliable. Inside the car the seats are comfortable but functional front and back. There's room for four adults but not really room for anyone over the age of eight in the middle back seat. The legroom is good for the size of car and so is the headroom. The instruments and switches are workman like but efficient.

On the road the Fabia is a nice car to drive. The steering is precise and offers a good feel for the road. The suspension is firm but offers fair levels of comfort and good road holding. There are a choice of engines that all have their place in garages nationwide. The entry level 1.2 petrol engine is nippy enough as a town runabout and the lithe handling and light steering certainly compliment that well. Although it's somewhat exposed on the open road as it lacks any real muscle. Motorway drivers may want to think about the 1.4 or 1.6 petrol options both of which offer good acceleration and top speeds. The three diesel options are all frugal and give a more insistent performance, which instils more confidence to tackle long journeys.

Fabia owners will soon feel somewhat smug at the performance and price of their purchase as it will perform on a par with any of its rivals and will leave the buyer with change in their pocket to boot. The inside of the car may not be quite up to the most image conscious of drivers but the price means it's got to be considered when looking for a new supermini.

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