THERE'S a definite hint of nostalgia about the newest Skoda Fabia.

Not only is it a hatchback, a trend lately largely overtaken recently by the upright and ubiquitous SUV, but it's pretty quick ⦠at least to warm hatchback standards, if not exactly a full-on hot hatch that rivals the iconic Cooper S.

Yet the Fabia TSI 130 loses none of its practicality and sensible nature through its new-found turn of speed.

Powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine it will whizz to 62mph in a shade over seven seconds and run out of steam at 142mph. No sign of a hybridisation here, but it's still capable of squeezing close on 50 miles from a gallon of E10.

You may expect a manual gearbox but Skoda gas chosen only to offer the excellent seven-speed dual clutch automatic. Shame really, but a sign of the times.

Don't be fooled by the 130 designation - this pocket rocket has 175bhp on tap, and the reference to 130 is to mark Skoda's 130 anniversary last year.

Visually, a few 130 badges dotted around, visible exhaust pipes, red brake callipers and a purposeful diffuser mark out the car, and inside it's treated to sports seats with coloured stripes which are particularly comfortable though somewhat softer than expected.

The Fabia is one of the larger super-minis with genuinely sufficient space for four adults together with decent head and legroom. The boot holds 380litres of cargo which puts it towards the front of the space race.

With an extra 27bhp over the regular Fabia, there's notably greater punch and the engine revs eagerly, if not particularly quietly. Ample torque allows relaxed cruising and brisk overtaking. Steering wheel paddles add to driver control and enjoyment if you're that way inclined.

The centra gear selector is pulled back for Sport and moved left if you want manual. Changes are quick and largely unnoticeable if you're trundling.

As far as the ride is concerned, Skoda engineers have reached just about the right balance between comfort and dynamic performance. Our rutted, ruined roads are made to feel less uncomfortable yet the handling is taut and responsive through long curves and tight bends alike. Good result.

The engine sounds a tad coarse when worked hard but throttle back at cruising speeds and it's more muted and quite relaxed. Tyre noise can be intrusive over some surfaces.

The fascia is smart enough though somewhat sombre in black. Switchgear and the infotainment screen follow the VW Group's tried and tested pattern and is easy to adjust to. A nice Skoda touch we have grown use to is the hidden umbrella in the driver's door for those wet days and a curry bag hook in the boot.

Considering the available performance of the Fabia 130, its thirst for fuel is exemplary. We managed a best of 52mpg during gentle driving and averaged 44mpg during the complete review which took in considerable fast cross-country running.