IT'S hardly surprising that the Fabia is one of the cars which has helped turn around Skoda's fortunes.
Aimed at the small car market, the hatchback and the saloon are definitely among the biggest vehicles in their class.
So when you progress to the estate car version you are certainly getting a lot of car for your money.
It may be designed to compete against the likes of the Renault Clio or Vauxhall Corsa, but the Fabia estate makes them look positively small.
Lift the hatch on the estate and you find yourself facing the sort of luggage space you would expect of a much larger class of vehicle - and that's before you fold down the rear seat backs. Do that - after folding the seat squabs out of the way - and you have the luggage space of a small van.
Passenger space too is impressive for a car in the super mini class. There is no rubbing shoulders here.
My test car was powered by the 100 bhp, 1.9-litre TDi engine - a real barnstormer if ever there was one.
Now when you consider that this engine gives impressive performance in the VW Passat - a much larger car - imagine what it is like in the Fabia.
On paper its 0-62 mph acceleration time of 11.6 seconds is respectable but deceptive. The beauty of this engine is more in its mid range performance, and in the Fabia estate it is dynamic. Even in fifth gear this car turns on the power instantly making it ideal for motorway overtaking.
The other plus is the economy. My test car registered an average fuel consumption for the week of 63 mpg - which no one could complain at.
On the downside I found it a little noisy by today's standards. This was particularly surprising considering the refined running of the diesel model Octavias.
The interior of the Fabia is more functional than designer, with a very plain dashboard. Everything is logical, however, and falls easily to hand. In the Fabia what you see is what you get.
My Comfort spec vehicle came complete with an RDS radio/CD player, seat height adjustment and a steering wheel which is adjustable for both height and reach. An on-board computer enables you to keep track of your car's performance and economy.
The Fabia is highly manoeuvrable with an excellent turning circle. Electro-hydraulic power steering reduces fuel consumption and also makes the steering speed sensitive, so it is at its lightest when you need it, at slow speeds such as when parking.
The Comfort version comes with driver and front passenger airbags, anti-lock brakes, power steering and electric front windows. Air conditioning is an optional extra.
The Fabia TDi Estate is best summed up as a sensibly priced, quality built car which offers economy motoring, excellent performance and sensible space for both passengers and luggage.
FAST FACTS
Skoda Fabia 1.9 TDi 100 Comfort Estate
Price: £11,585
Mechanical: 100 bhp, 1,896cc 4cyl turbodiesel engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 116 mph
0-62mph: 11.6 secs
Combined mpg: 56.5
Insurance group: 6
CO2 emissions: 135g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited miles; 10yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint