Alternative review of Skoda Fabia

I didn't tell the neighbours that this was a Skoda - and they didn't ask. Nor would they. Who would guess this smartly-styled little supermini to be a product of a Czech manufacturer once known only for cheap and cheerful A to B transport? This improved second generation Fabia is much, much more than that. Certainly, it's a step forward from any compact car the Czech company has ever produced before.

Though used to a larger car, I could certainly consider this surprising little Skoda, for five can be seated in reasonable comfort. In my week with the car, everyone commented on how spacious it felt. Skoda claim more rear knee and headroom than any rival, helped by the fact that this restyled Fabia is 22mm longer and 47mm taller than the first generation model. The rather spartan feel is the only real criticism I would make of an interior that is otherwise a class above most other offerings in this sector. Still, forget the plasticky feel of previous Skodas: the materials used are of the highest quality, even on the entry-level '1' models. Pricier variants have lovely Audi-esque touches and you also get lots of extra storage bins. The boot's a useful shape (offering 1163 litres with the seats down), with 60/40 access through the split-folding rear bench and sturdy luggage hooks for securing awkward loads. Front side airbags are optional and parents get Isofix mounting points in the rear for the latest child seats. At the front, every Fabia gets rake and reach adjustment for the airbag-equipped steering wheel and there's driver's seat height adjustment. Which means that just about everyone should be able to get comfortable. That chunky styling means a boxy shape that offers good headroom, even for those in the rear. And that in turn contributes to a general feeling of spaciousness. Equipment levels were never the Fabia's strong point, relying instead on solid no-nonsense build quality. This time round there are items like electronically-controlled Climatronic air-conditioning and an MP3/iPod compatible stereo but if you go to your Skoda dealer expecting to be granted a view of the state-of-the-art in small car electronics, you're likely to be disappointed. Unimpeachable build quality, on the other hand, you can take for granted.

You're unlikely to impress your younger friends by buying a Skoda Fabia but they'd probably be a little shocked if you were to overlook that and toss them the keys for a quick go. To be honest, I wouldn't have encouraged that with previous Fabias but this one's a bit different thanks to major advances on both petrol and diesel fronts. Petrol first. This car was originally launched with older 60 and 70bhp 1.2-litre units, but these remain a glimpse of how Fabia motoring used to be. Today, the engine to have is arguably the most advanced of that in any small car, a turbocharged 1.2-litre TSI powerplant with a useful 105bhp on tap and even more impressive pulling power, sixty from rest occupying 10.1s, with little penalty if you choose your car with slick 7-speed DSG semi-automatic twin-clutch transmission. Urban-based drivers can order the same engine with 85bhp and either unit is enough at last to provide this car with the perky performance that was intended to be promised by this second generation model's cheekier looks. To be frank, it's a package I prefer to the hot hatch petrol vRS model with its 1.4-litre 180bhp TSI unit and auto-only transmission. As for diesels, well, that's even more of a step forward. The clattery old 1.4 and 1.9-litre TDIs have been ditched in favour of the hi-tech common rail 1.6 in use across the VW Group in everything from a £13,000 SEAT Ibiza to a £25,000 Audi A3 Cabriolet. This engine could still be more refined but here at least you get quite a choice, the same unit offered in 74, 89 and 104bhp states of tune. Price apart, there's no benefit in going for the feebler versions as all three return the same fuel and CO2 figures. For improvements in that regard, you've to turn to the 75bhp 1.2-litre TDI used in the Greenline II model. Depending on your selection from this smorgasbord of diesel power, sixty will be between 11 and 14s away from rest on the way to a top speed of between 107 and 118mph, which is quite as fast as most owners will want to go.

In summary, this second generation Fabia may not be as cheap as small Skodas of the past but it's still cheaper than nearly all its main rivals. And better in many ways, with space, safety and build quality all class-leading. Czech mate? I thought so.

TOP 5 FABIA DEALS

The results below show the top FABIA deals on buyacar

Skoda Fabia 1.2 TDI CR GreenLine II 5dr Diesel Estate
Price £12,642 Read Fabia Reviews	Save £1,778
Skoda Fabia 1.6 TDI CR S 5dr Diesel Hatchback
Price £10,066 Read Fabia Reviews	Save £1,784
Skoda Fabia 1.6 TDI CR 105 Elegance 5dr Diesel Estate
Price £13,051 Read Fabia Reviews	Save £2,484
Skoda Fabia 1.6 TDI CR SE 5dr Diesel Hatchback
Price £10,823 Read Fabia Reviews	Save £1,962
Skoda Fabia 1.2 12V S 5dr Estate
Price £9,406 Read Fabia Reviews	Save £1,629
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