Overall rating:

It's gruff; not particularly good looking inside or out; and the handling isn't as sharp as some rivals - in other words no class leader. But the Fabia Greenline II estate is still a four-star car thanks to an engine that will take as much punishment as you throw at it yet still return over 50mpg.

Key Facts

Model tested: Skoda Fabia Greenline II Estate
Pricing: £14,420 (£15,375 as tested)
Engine: 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder diesel
Transmission: five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: five-door estate
Rivals: SEAT Ibiza ST, Renault Clio ST, Peugeot 207 SW
CO₂ emissions: 89g/km
Combined economy: 83.1mpg
Top speed: 107mph
0-62mph: 14.3 seconds
Power: 74bhp at 4,200rpm
Torque: 133lb.ft at 2,000rpm

Inside & Out:

As an estate the Skoda Fabia is never going to win any design awards - compared to the daring Yeti or controversial Superb it's all a bit boring. In fact it looks more like a stretched hatchback than a proper estate.

There's plenty of space throughout (505 - 1,485 litres in the boot) but the Fabia's cabin is the weak spot in the brilliant Skoda range. A plain layout is fair enough, but the scratchy cabin plastics and coal-mine black finish are disappointing.

Ride & Handling:

The Fabia has never been a class-leader when it comes to ride and handling, and the Greenline II changes nothing. It's perfectly competent though, and, unlike some rivals the suspension is anything but stiff. The result is a comfortable ride, but corresponding levels of roll through the corners.

To coincide with that there's a curious elasticity to the steering feel, and the brakes can be overly sharp at the top of the pedal's travel. Still, settle back into a slower pace and the Fabia begins to make more sense, and proves a comfortable place to while away the miles - despite the rather high-set driving position.

Engine & Transmission:

Gruff with a capital G, but also full of character, the 1.2-litre three-cylinder diesel certainly makes an impression. Despite boasting 74bhp and 133lb.ft, you soon realise this little car needs to be worked hard to get the best from it.

Which makes the notch-like five-speed gearbox even more of a disappointment, the change discouraging you from swapping ratios in a bid to make progress. Still all is forgiven when you look down at the trip computer and spy your average economy.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

Because when you do look down at the screen, you'll see that, despite driving it like you stole it, the little load-lugger is still returning over 50mpg. In fact, take it a little easier, go with the flow and you'll soon see over 60mpg, all the while paying no road tax thanks to its 89g/km CO₂ figure.

It's not expensive to buy either, and as the global economy continues its nosedive the resale values of small, frugal diesel estates are sure to hold firm. Save for the SEAT Ibiza ST, Renault Clio Sport Tourer and Peugeot 207 SW it's one of the few frugal superminis also available as an estate.