THE Fabia is the small car that has played a big part in the 21st century success story of Skoda.

Launched in the UK in 2000, it promptly picked up the prestigious What Car magazine Car of the Year award, becoming the Czech marque's top seller for much of the subsequent decade.

And that popularity has endured throughout Skoda's rise out of the bargain basement into the mainstream global market place under the shrewd auspices of the VW Group.

The third-generation Fabia was unveiled this year and, even as the first models were arriving in showrooms, was emulating the feat of the original when it too was crowned What Car's Car of the Year for 2015.

The design of the new model echoes that of other recently revamped Skoda's, with a new grille, more angular edges and sharper lines combining to create a cleaner more up-to-date look.

Power comes from a range of petrol or diesel engines which are up to 17 percent cleaner than those in the previous version.

Petrol options are two three cylinder 1.0-litre units offering 60 or 75 horsepower and two 1.2-litre turbocharged engines packing 90 or 110 horsepower, while diesel fans can opt for 1.4-litre units offering 90 or 105 horsepower.

A Fabia Greenline, focused on economy with a three-cylinder 1.4-litre diesel, is also due to join the range but, while diesels will be sensible for high-mileage users, the petrols are likely to prove more popular, in common with other small cars.

The lower powered of the two 1.2-litre turbos in my car was a lively performer while at the same time offering decent economy.

A 0-62mph sprint time of just under 11 seconds and top speed of 113mph might not set the heart racing, but it actually feels much more perky than those figures might suggest when you're sat behind the wheel.

Throttle response is smooth and prompt and, if you're happy to work the snappy five-speed gearbox a little, this can be quite a fun car to drive, especially when zipping around in town.

Grip is good and the fact that the new car is wider and has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor helps to endow it with some nimble handling and improved stability.

The popularity of the Fabia has always been built upon the space and practicality that Skoda managed to squeeze into its small frame and the latest model continues that tradition.

There is plenty of head and legroom for four adults and good personal storage provision, with a large glovebox, generous door bins and further space beneath the centre console.

The boot is the biggest in class and, at 330 litres, even tops that of the bigger Ford Focus while an optional ‘Simply Clever' package costs just £65 and adds nets and a basket-like restraint to keep your shopping secure as well as a useful waste bin that fits in the door and a holder to stop your mobile phone being thrown around.

It's extra little touches like this, which help to make their cars easier to live with, that Skoda are particularly good at and the Fabia also features a clip on the windscreen for parking tickets as well as an ice scraper hidden away in the fuel cap compartment.

Equipment levels have also improved across the range, with the latest technology helping to keep passengers comfortable and safe.

SE trim sits between entry level S models and flagship SE L spec and boasts an automatic start/stop system, DAB radio with surround sound, Bluetooth, aircon, stability control and a touchscreen interface with a system that allows owners of Android smartphones (iPhone compatibility will come later) to operate functions and apps via the screen.