YOU will find smarter looking super-mini models on our roads but it is hard to beat the Skoda Fabia when it comes to buying a very practical car. It has good room and economy and should be a best seller at entry level price.

But sadly for some motorists out there the badge is still a problem. There are those who are reluctant to buy a Skoda because of the eastern European bloc background and apparantly no amount of telling them that Skoda cars are the best built VWs these days seems to change their minds. Some motorists still look down on the winged arrow emblem on the Skoda grille which in this day and age is nonsensical and an expensive bit of snobbery if the Fabia is dropped from their list.

Yes Skoda was a low-tech means of transport even after the emergence from the Soviet era but build quality was never in doubt. When it entered the VW family, money and expertise poured in and Czech engineers set to designing modern smart cars that are built for family motoring. That is why Skoda never makes three-door models and why the practical design and good interior space are hallmarks of all Skoda models through the range of models.

This trait is evident in the new Fabia and also the high selling Octavia which is rapidly becoming a favourite with taxi drivers. These are people who want space and durability and know good value when they see it. Nowadays it is not uncommon to see a Fabia Combi doing the taxi rounds also.

Virtually all parts used across the Skoda range are shared with VW and the Fabia sits on VW's new super-mini platform which is also to go under the VW Polo.

Entry level prices start at Euro14,250 for the 1.2 litre petrol engine version which puts out 60bhp.

The 1.2 litre three-cylinder engine in the test car, which develops 70bhp at 5,400rpm and puts out 112Nm of torque, is much more acceptable in terms of performance but lags slightly behind rivals such as Toyota Yaris and Opel Corsa which churn out 10 and 16 extra bhp respectively from their 1.3 litre engines. Nothing to worry about for the urban driver but in overtaking terms on country roads the extra power gives the edge and keeps the revs at fuel saving levels.

The entry level Classic models get four airbags, tinted windows, CD with iPod compatability and remote locking. The next level up, Ambiente, gets electric mirrors and windows with an onboard computer, while the top of the range, Elegance, which was the trim level in the test car, had six airbags and air conditioning as standard, but at a high price.

However, the days when most Fabia drivers would opt for the entry level are long gone.

Everyone likes their comfort now and is prepared to pay for it. But the Euro17,000-plus price tag may prove to be a bit too rich.

The new Fabia is now one of the largest cars in its class and is bigger on all fronts. It has a longer sleeker body with high sides and the rear seat headroom has been improved. The legroom for front and rear seat passengers is now best in class and the boot capacity of 300 litres increases to 1,163 litres when the split rear seats are folded down.

Behind the wheel the Fabia handles well on rough and tumble country roads and is a reasonably quiet mover unless pushed really hard. The controls are light and easy to use and the driver can get a good position behind the wheel. The steering gives a good feel of the road surface. The build quality is strong and while it may not be the quickest in the car park the drive is not disappointingly slow although getting from 0-100km does take almost 15 seconds, not the best in its class. Top speed is 163km.

There are seven models in the Fabia range, each one available in four trim levels. Apart from the two 1.2 litre engines there are also a 1.4 and 1.6 litre petrol offerings putting out 85 and 105bhp. On the diesel front there are two 1.4 litre TDI engines putting out 70 and 80bhp and a 1.9 litre 105bhp which is available in Ambiente version only.

VITAL STATISTICS Skoda Fabia Elegance 1.2L petrol 70bhp 3,992mm 1,642mm 1,498mm 2,462mm 0-100km - 14.9 secs 163km/h 5-speed manual 5.9L/100km Euro17,695 140g/km