THE Skoda Fabia is well-made and good value secondhand and, for me, it's one of the best superminis on the market.

It's better to drive than some much later models in the class and also more comfortable than most of them.

That Tardis-like exterior is a lot bigger than some competitors and, with the more powerful engines, it's a brilliant car to drive.

Petrol engines in the model built up to 2014 are 1.2-litre with 70, 85 or 105bhp, while diesels are all the same 1.6-litrefrom the VW stable, with 75, 90 or 105bhp.

There was also a 60bhp model, but it and the 70 and 75bhp cars are pretty slow. All the others have fair to good performance and both 105bhp units give good acceleration and plenty of urge for overtaking.

Whatever the engine, the Fabia is just about the best all-round supermini of them all and, don't forget, it's also available as an estate - something not part of most manufacturers' ranges.

Comfort is excellent over all surfaces by any standards, easily eclipsing cars in the large family class two above.

In this, it is one very special and unusual small car - one to downsize to without any loss of smoothness.

With such forgiving suspension, I would expect some loss of handing but amazingly, there is none.

The road-holding is fantastic and the grip tremendous even though there is a small amount of roll.

It takes speed humps with ease and a tight turning circle with short length make it very easy to park.

VW's marvellously tactile and informative power steering is standard and that only adds to the great feel of the whole car.

The hatch is one of the biggest in the class and although the dash is quite plain, everything works well, and build quality is right up with the best.

Seats and adjustment are excellent and equipment is good in all. Even base S models have folding rear seats, electric front windows and remote locking, steering wheel reach and height and a height adjustable driver's seat.

SE adds air con, alarm, alloys and traction control.

Pay about £5,300 for a '13 13-reg SE 1.2-litre petrol Fabia, or £7,500 for a '15 15-reg in sporty Monte Carlo trim.