THE fourth generation of Skoda's Fabia has been revealed in prototype form and, 22 years after it was born, the Czech company's mainstream small hatchback has certainly grown up.

As well as boasting a striking new design, the latest Fabia will be 11cm longer and 3cm wider than the current model with significantly more space for passengers and their luggage.

That's because it is built on the Volkswagen group's latest small car underpinnings which it will share with the VW Polo, SEAT Ibiza and Audi A1.

Under the bonnet, there will be an increased choice of five petrol engines, but no diesel or hybrid power units. All five engines are from Volkswagen Group's new EVO generation and include anew top-of-the-range, four-cylinder,150PS, 1.5TSI unit which is combined with a seven-speed DSG gearbox as standard. The rest of the engine line-up comprises three-cylinder units with power outputs ranging from 65 to 110PS.

Full details of the UK line-up and specification levels will not be released until much later in the year but Skoda promises that even the entry level model will be equipped with a treasure trove of standard kit and a significantly improved interior - offering a high level of comfort, advanced infotainment and innovative assistance systems.

Says Johannes Neft, Skoda's board member for technical development: "Our new entryâlevel model has everything you could want from a modern small car - and more."