Supermini takes on the best

The fourth Fabia, that is, after an astonishing 19 years on the market and a mainstay of the rebirth of Skoda.

At the time, it was certainly one of my favourite superminis then and the latest revamped version has done nothing to change that.

It's a tough field to compete in with potential buyers spoiled for choice, not least from stablemates Audi, VW, and SEAT.

But with its excellent build quality, underpinned by the parent VW group, ever more stylish profile and clean and efficient engines, it is quite a package with a starting price of around £12,000.

The firm is also famous for its little innovations, known as Simply Clever, which include, the ice scraper concealed in the fuel filler flap now incorporating a gauge for measuring the tyre tread depth together with various others such as the umbrella, phone holder and and boot tidy.

All models now feature the one-litre petrol engine with two MPI engines feature indirect injection and produce outputs of 60ps and 75psS respectively, while the two TSI engines are turbocharged enabling them to generate 95ps and 110ps.

Both TSI engines are fitted with a petrol particulate filter. The most powerful of the quartet can be matched with a seven-speed DSG gearbox as in this model.

Equipment levels have also been uprated and the range offers five trim grades on both hatchback and estate variants.

The include S, SE, SE L, Monte Carlo and Colour Edition.

All cars get, front assist proximity alert, 6.5-inch touchscreen controlling infotainment, connectivity and navigation, electrically adjustable and heated wing mirrors and a trip computer.

This model had more bells and whistles including, air-conditioning and rear parking sensors, 16-inch Evora alloy wheels, Amundsen touchscreen navigation, auto-dimming rear view mirror, body coloured door mirrors and door handles, 'see me home' lights, a leather multi-function steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake and a full raft of safety gear including air bags, assisted braking and stability programme.

Whatever the trim option, it does look even better than ever, with, for the first time, new LED daytime running lights, revised bonnet and grille flanked by the narrower headlights.

It looks sleeker and more subtle, but is still at heart a small family hatchback with the practicality that entails. The interior is typically Skoda, a less is more philosophy if you like.

It feels solid and robust while still offering subtle styling cues. The central touch screen dominates with this model featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, but only SE L models come with integrated navigation.

This 110ps version comes with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed, double clutch automatic which provides seamless super-quick gear changes.

It is lively enough, hitting 60mph from a standing start in just over 10 seconds accompanied by the now familiar throaty rasp of the three cylinder engine.

Economy is also impressive with 47.9 mpg claimed seeming pretty much on the money with low emissions.

On the road the three pot engine revs sweetly while steering is direct and responsive. Equally at home pottering around or on the motorway it seats four adults in comfort, a fifth with a bit of a squeeze and has a large boot for its class with 330 litres which, with the rear seats folded increased to 1,150.

AT A GLANCE

Skoda Fabia SE-L 1.0 TSI

Price: £17,705

Mechanical: 110ps, 999cc, 3cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 7-speed automatic gearbox

Max Speed: 120mph

0-62mph: 10.1 seconds

Combined MPG: 47.9

Insurance Group: 11

C02 emissions: 106g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles