The Skoda Fabia, with its simple, sturdy appearance is not only an eye-catcher – it’s a darned good little car to boot. The tall body induces a feeling of lavish spaciousness inside and, for a small vehicle, it gives an amazingly quiet ride. The engine is very well insulated and the suspension can make you feel that you’re driving a cloud. The adjustable driving position adapts to all heights and body-girths and the seats are comfortably firm. There are abundant interior storage options, better than average boot space and relatively generous leg room all round. It only comes as a five door hatch, but its modest external dimensions make it an ideal city run-around, enabling you to slip into the tightest parking spaces whether at the side of the road or in a multi-storey.

The engine is not a charging stallion, but then such a beast would be jarringly out of place in a car like this. The basic model is a 1.2 litre, 60 bhp petrol, which does struggle to get to the 60 mph mark; but your inner Lewis Hamilton will not be providing the motive for selecting this car in the first place. There are, however, progressively livelier engines on offer: 1.4 litre petrol and diesel, a 1.6 litre petrol and a 1.9 litre diesel. The latter two are certainly spirited enough for more zippy acceleration.

The car handles surprisingly well, with steering that has a certain softness to it which makes you think you’re driving a much bigger car.