THERE is nothing not to like about the Skoda Fabia's marvellous range of abilities - especially when it's fitted with the little turbo 1.2 TFSi petrol engine.

I would love to have kept the sporty Monte Carlo version for a lot longer. Not only does it look marvellous but it goes just as well, with a smooth, quiet and tuneful engine that gives marvellous verve.

There's great urge in the lower four of five gears and it revs easily to the red line of 6,000rpm.

But it's also smooth and willing at lower revs and will trickle through town in fifth gear without grumbling.

Taut suspension and alloys with low profile tyres give very good road holding, yet it is also comfortable over longer journeys and when the surface gets less than perfect - as so many are.

It is simply brilliant to drive, giving huge fun and decent economy. It's the kind of car I'm happy to take out for a drive just for the joy of it.

The Fabia is a Tardis inside, with as much rear legroom as a VW Golf and a good sized boot.