Nobody really tells Skoda jokes anymore - it wasn't so long ago that the universal language of amusement was some dig at a passing Estelle, but steely determination on the part of the Czech manufacturer has seen it become one of the more credible car makers out there today. It has hardly put a foot wrong in the ten or more years since the original Octavia was launched, and the efficient Fabia sealed the deal with regard to its rehabilitation in the eyes of the car-buying public.
What the Fabia lacks in soul it makes up for in understated style and competency - it is almost the sort of car that Saab should be building, but without the wilful and obtuse idiosyncracies that classic Saabs have brought with them. The second generation loses some of its predecessor's neat looks, but at least establishes a common family face for Skoda.
The Fabia handles safely, but it is tall for a supermini and you feel every inch of that height as the body starts to lean over and roll as you're going through a corner. It doesn't encourage spirited driving; rather you should take it easy and let the car do the work. The suspension is very well set up and takes the edge off the worst of the road surfaces you might come across. It's a very mature ride and, add the comfortable seats and adjustable driving position, and you've got a car that's surprisingly suited to longer distances.
Where you will feel the benefit of the Fabia's extra height is in the ample legroom front and rear, thanks to higher-set seats. The Fabia will accommodate four people in relative comfort and luggage space in the boot is usefully increased over the previous-generation car. The quality of materials in base-spec cars is nothing to write home about, but the higher you go up the range the more Volkswagen-like the dashboard becomes, with some judicious use of classier plastics.
There is a good range of engines on offer with the Fabia so anyone can find a combination that suits them - the 1.4-litre TDI diesel is a good performer, its relaxed style and excellent fuel economy suiting the Fabia's character. The Skoda looks like good value at the beginning of the range, but the equipment is quite stingy, so better to find a bit more cash for a nicer car. It is, however, a very sensible choice.