THERE'S often a compromise with smaller cars like superminis, simply because of their size.

Because of their light weight and the need for safe handling and road holding, the ride tends towards the bouncy compared to larger cars.

But there's one brilliant small car that rides beautifully and still takes the bends in complete safety and with no little verve.

I like the Skoda Fabia in all its forms, but this latest model is absolutely brilliant and as well as that comfort, the 1.2 TSI petrol turbo engine is fantastic.

This same power unit is available in other models with 105bhp, but the Fabia estate I drove only had 90bhp.

I say only, but I wasn't being negative. That power is plenty for the size and the engine's willing, free spinning nature makes it great fun to drive.

It's also smooth and quiet, but with just enough sweet sound as the revs rise to keep an old enthusiast like me interested.

The performance is very impressive on the road, with good acceleration from low revs whenever needed and enough urge for safe and swift overtaking.

The ride is truly brilliant over all surfaces at any speed - even when travelling slowly in town or on a rough country road at speed.

And although there is a little roll, the grip and road holding are superb even when pushed hard through a series of bends.

Driven fairly hard it still showed 41mpg, and so with careful driving, it should easily be capable of 50-plus.

Inside, the seats are reasonably supportive and there's decent legroom in the back together with a big boot.

Standard equipment in the SE I drove includes a big screen for stereo, air con etc, internally adjustable headlamp beam, electric front windows and mirrors, alloys, automatic stop start and an alarm.