IF THE Fabia was a TV character it would be a paramedic in Casualty.
The job it has performed resuscitating Skoda sales to good health after a heart-stopping fall has been nothing short of miraculous.
Launched in 2000 the Fabia has helped the Czech company to rebuild its reputation for quality, value for money cars.
Skoda's founding fathers - the two Vaclavs Lauren and Klement - built top notch automobiles before their dream turned into a nightmare when the Iron Curtain descended in 1945.
The disastrous decline and countless jokes are well documented.
But now the ugly duckling has become a swan again. In the greatest comeback since Ian Botham made the Australians cry at Headingley in 1981, Skoda has wowed sceptics and critics with a series of excellent cars.
The latest Fabia to be launched - the 1.4TDI - is no exception and a real Czech mate for drivers.
The engine punches above its weight as well as doing its best to take the carbon dioxide out of CO2 emissions. The car boasts exceptional fuel economy of more than 61 miles per gallon.
I suppose this could be improved upon - but it would require a mast, a sail and a following wind.
Using the latest technology, the 1.4-litre diesel power unit in the Fabia achieves a commendable power output and torque for its size. You're not going to scare the sports car set at the lights, but you'll surprise a few with the Fabia's sprightly performance - especially when overtaking.
It looks the part as well with sleek lines and neatly designed front and rear ends.
Once inside it's obvious that the brief was to keep things simple with a functional fit and finish. The dashboard is intelligently laid out and all the controls are logically placed leaving the driver to concentrate on the road. The steering wheel and driver's seat are fully adjustable allowing a comfortable driving position to be achieved.
The longer than usual wheelbase gives lots of luggage and passenger room for a car in its class.There is a spacious feel to the interior which in turn encourages even the most nervous back seat drivers to relax.
Deep door pockets and a large glovebox - cooled by the air conditioning - provide cubby hole space galore. There is also a storage drawer under the front passenger's seat and all models have two cup holders moulded into the glove box lid with two more in the centre console.
The car is available in both hatch and estate versions and is offered in Classic and Comfort trim.
Choose the Classic and Skoda include driver and front passenger airbags; power steering; anti-lock brakes, RDS radio with a single CD player system and fold-flat, split rear seat. Select the Comfort version and you'll also get electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, electric front windows and remote central locking as well as EDL and ASR traction control systems. Optional equipment available includes air conditioning, electric sunroof and metallic paint.
Given this, the pricing is keener than a gun dog at a grouse shoot as you get a lot of car for the £10,155 sticker price of the car I drove for the week.
The Fabia also comes with an excellent three-year/ 60,000 mile warranty, plus a 10-year guarantee against corrosion and a three-year paint warranty.
With new parent Volkswagen's help, Skoda has become a name to be reckoned with in the motoring world again.
FAST FACTS
Skoda Fabia 1.4TDI
Price: £10,155
Mechanical: 75bhp, 1,422cc, 4cyl diesel driving front wheels via 5-spd manual transmission
Max speed: 104mph
0-62mph: 14.2secs
Combined mpg: 61.4mpg
Insurance group: 4
CO2 emissions: 124g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 10yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint