Since the first Skoda Fabia went on sale in 2000 it has become a popular model with those seeking a practical, safe and affordable hatchback. Now launched in its third generation, these key ingredients remain unchanged, but get turned up another notch. Plentiful interior space and a 330-litre boot makes the Fabia feel roomy enough to steal sales from the class above.

Its small petrol and diesel engines have also been heavily updated to the extent the ‘dirtiest’ new Fabia is almost on a par with the ‘cleanest’ old model.

Performance

Let’s start with petrol first. Here the entry-level 59bhp or 74bhp 1.0-litre will be familiar to Skoda Citigo owners and is expected to be popular in the Fabia. It’s a pleasant engine happiest in town driving, where its 14.7-15.7 seconds 0-62mph acceleration is less of a hindrance. If you are a more demanding driver - or use the motorway regularly – the 89bhp 1.2-litre TSI petrol feels in a different league, as its 10.9 second 0-62mph time attests. It’s also available with 108bhp, but the extra power isn’t really needed.

Diesel buyers are served by a three-cylinder 1.4-litre TDI with either 89bhp or 104bhp and getting to 62mph from rest in 11.1 and 10.1 seconds respectively. Without the added balance of a fourth cylinder, this engine can sound rather throaty, but it’s not without character and we enjoyed its willing power delivery. For ultimate economy it’s the one to choose, but our pick would be the 1.2-litre 89bhp TSI petrol for its better refinement and because it feels the best to drive.

Ride and Handling

Soft suspension means large bumps like sleeping policeman are soaked up well

Skoda has made the Fabia lower (31mm), wider (90mm) and lighter (up to -65kg) so while it’s still not a Lotus Elise, it has a more ground-hugging stance than the outgoing model. On the road this adds up to a more confident driving experience, with less body roll and better high speed stability. Soft suspension means large bumps like sleeping policeman are soaked up well, keeping passengers happy. Light steering takes some pain out of city driving, but driving fun isn’t top of the list, with the Fabia always feeling safe but sensible.

Interior and Equipment

Skoda designers have fitted as many as nine ‘Simply Clever’ touches to the Fabia, including an ice scraper found in the fuel filler door and a rubbish bin in the door to keep the interior tidy.

Despite being 8mm shorter on the outside, the interior of the latest Fabia has actually grown by 8mm, thanks to wheels pushed right out to each corner. Shoulder room has also improved by 21mm for front passengers, changes which add up to the Fabia feeling almost as spacious as a family hatchback from the next class up. Its 330-litre boot is class-leading and clever nets and partitions are available to secure your shopping and belongings. The big car theme continues on the dashboard, with plush materials, DAB radio and a standard five-inch touch-screen able to connect to your smartphone, all as standard with the S trim level. Choose SE from £12,760 and alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, an enhanced speaker system and 6.5-inch touch-screen are included. The top SE L trim brings LED daytime running lights, larger 16-inch wheels and a keyless entry and start system. It’s also possible to add some flair to your Fabia with Skoda’s Colour Concept, where the roof, door mirrors and alloy wheels are painted white, silver or black to contrast against the body colour. Apparently 93 combinations are available, and while some work better than others, most choices suitably liven up the Fabia’s appearance for a reasonable £250.

Cost

If you buy a diesel it will cost nothing in annual road tax

The Fabia has always been great value, and things have taken another step in the right direction. If you buy a diesel it will cost nothing in annual road tax, while the petrol versions ask you to stump up just £20 each year. The 1.4-litre 89bhp TDI can return 83.1mpg, while the equivalently powered 1.2-litre TSI petrol can manage 60.1mpg. This is undoubtedly a large difference, but factor in the £1,350 purchase premium for the diesel and we’d still recommend the petrol to those with shorter commutes. Costing from £10,600 to buy, the Fabia represents good value, undercutting the Volkswagen Polo by £650 (more if you take equipment into account) and roughly matching the Hyundai i20. Resale values are also expected to hold up well, thanks to its strong reputation and a buoyant market for affordable small cars.

Our Verdict

The Skoda Fabia might not be as fun to drive as the Fiesta, but in almost every other way it is class leading or very close to it. Its engines are economical, refinement is impressive and we think the new Fabia looks better too. But, most importantly, it offers excellent value for money and practicality. The boot is enormous and you often forget you are driving a supermini, such is the feeling of space in the cabin. Its spec list is grown-up too, with much of its kit reserved for executive cars not so many years ago.