Skoda has updated the Fabia Sport. The new model can be identified by its 15mm lower ride height. Other equipment standard on the Sport includes tinted windows, 16-inch alloy wheels, a tailgate spoiler and new front bumper incorporating fog lamps. Inside, the driver gets a three-spoke leather steering wheel, trip computer and curtain airbags.

Four engines are offered in Sport trim: 1.2- and 1.6-litre petrol units, as well as 1.4- and 1.9-litre turbodiesels. Performance figures in Sport trim are the same as for other Fabia models with the same engines. Marginally the swiftest is the 1.6-litre petrol with a claimed 0-62mph time of 10.1 seconds, but the 1.9-litre diesel is only slightly slower, yet on the combined cycle has a considerable economy advantage: 57.6 as opposed to 40.9mpg. Economy champion is the small diesel motor, which returns 58.9mpg and just 120g/km of carbon dioxide, earning a band-B VED rating.

Prices start at £10,880 on-the-road for the 1.2-litre petrol Sport while the 1.9 PD TDI model is the most expensive at £13,025. The latest Fabia variant is on sale now.

John Lambert - 20 Oct 2008