On the road: YOU can keep your big swanky cars, the best things come in small packages. Revamped and revitalised, the Fabia puts many loftier models to shame. In a week full of surprises the first came within seconds of getting in. Where’s the ignition? There isn’t one, it’s push button start. Once the preserve of executive cars, such technology is now filtering down the food chain. Fire the 1.2 litre engine into life and it sounds perkier than a pig that avoided the chop.

It’s perky under acceleration too, the small power plant boosted by turbo direct injection. Nought to 62mph comes in 10.9 seconds, while the top speed is 113mph. Getting there in spritely fashion, for me in any case, isn’t the be all and end all. It must engender a sense of fun and the Fabia does that in spades.

The ride won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but it would be harsh to be overly critical for in almost every other area it excels. The steering is responsive, the gearbox smooth and accurate and its low centre of gravity means it corners like a kart.

On the inside: THE interior is fresh and modern. It’s logically laid out, but whereas in some cars that would be a byword for boring, the Fabia’s is anything but. While this may be a small family hatch at the lower end of the scale plenty of thought has gone into its design. There’s quality throughout and you certainly feel like you are getting value for your monetary outlay.

The Northern Echo:

What do you get: THERE are three trim levels in the Fabia range, S SE and SE L. Our SE L car featured, among other items, 16ins alloys, a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with radio and telephone controls, acoustic rear parking sensors, Arkamys sound package, climate control air conditioning and DAB digital radio. In addition, there was also electric front windows, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, front fog lights, keyless engine start and stop, LED daytime running lights and remote central locking. Extras included Skoda’s Simply Clever package of boot storage compartment and netting, holder for multimedia devices and waste bin. How practical is it: THE Fabia is bigger and stronger than the previous model, but thanks to more advanced materials it actually weighs 65kg less. It is one of the most spacious cars in its sector with plenty of room for four or even five if you don’t mind getting up close and personal. The boot can swallow the family shop with ease, having 305 litres of load space. Drop the seats, and while they don’t fold completely flat, the load area increases to 1,150 litres.

Running costs: YOU might expect a Skoda to be cheaper than its rivals if you hadn’t sat in one recently. But despite all the kit, all that modern technology under the skin, it still manages to undercut its main rivals. It’s well built and reliable too. On the combined cycle, Skoda say our car should return 60.1mpg. CO2 emissions are a shade over the magic figure, coming in at 107g/km.

Verdict: THE small car that’s making a big noise.

Alternatives: Ford Fiesta, VW Polo.