THE Skoda Fabia has always been ace when it comes to space - and the latest generation enhances that reputation.

Where perhaps previous incarnations have suffered a little is in the looks department - but the exterior styling has been sharpened up making the latest Fabia both practical and good looking - a combination that is already starting to gain recognition on the awards front.

But the main strength is the cabin where Fabia maintains its roomy reputation. The legs, heads and shoulders of three adults are capable of being accommodated in the back without yoga flexibility being required.

The boot is huge for a supermini swallowing an anaconda-like 330-litres of shopping or luggage - and thanks to rear seats that split and fold flat this can be extended to 1,150 litres.

There is also a small enclosure that looks like a sheep pen in the luggage area. However rather than keeping miniature sheep in here it is more likely to hold items that would normally roll irritatingly around.

Big windows ensure a light and airy cabin - ably assisted by the efficient air conditioning. There is a myriad of cubby holes including hidden draws under the front seats as Skoda's designers have made use of every inch of room.

The door bins are also large and there are two cup holders placed just in front of the gear lever.

The front seat and steering wheel are fully adjustable so finding that perfect driving position is a cinch and the dashboard is a delight with a logical layout and a 6.5-inch touchscreen that is simple and intuitive to use.

Skoda pack the Fabia full of goodies with the SE version I tested a step up from the entry-level model which gets a digital radio, Bluetooth, remote central locking, a socket to connect your portable music system and electrically adjustable door mirrors.

The SE adds rear parking sensors, an upgraded stereo, alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and the aforementioned air-con. Pay the extra cash and the delights of climate and cruise controls as well as a multi-function steering wheel can be yours on the SE L version.

While the cabin is high class, the same cannot always have been said in the past about the Fabia's exterior which came across as slightly country and western in the rock and roll world of supermini design.

The new car is thankfully more Oasis than Tammy Wynette with a bigger grille and new headlamp design at the front, plus neat creases cut into the flanks giving it a hunkered down sporty look on the road.

The 1.4-litre 90ps diesel engine under the bonnet of the car I tested is a decent power unit that is nippy around town, can cruise happily on a motorway and sips fuel with pleasing frugality while offering low tax-busting levels of carbon dioxide emissions.

Skoda have put the Fabia on a diet so it is now 65kg lighter than before and the benefits can be felt with the response in corners and increased levels of grip.

The steering is well weighted and the car handles nicely while the ride is smooth thanks to an efficient suspension that copes admirably with the excuse we have for roads these days.

Safety is taken seriously with the Fabia achieving top marks in crash tests with all models getting six airbags, stability control, a tyre pressure warning system, a low-speed collision avoidance system and seatbelt reminders.