The days when the Czech manufacturer was the laughing stock of the automotive world have long since passed and under Volkswagen's stewardship, it's settled into a cosy little niche.

It doesn't garner many headlines and no longer warrants a mention on the comedy circuit but the cars are good and low-key seems to be serving Skoda very nicely.

True to recent form, the latest Fabia supermini isn't one of today's most talked about cars and it certainly draws precious few complaints from people who drive it.

In the past, the Fabia has been powered by some elderly engines that were well past their best but the latest line-up has the glossy sheen of the new about it.

Yes, the 60bhp and 70bhp 1.2-litre units at the base of the range are nothing special but buyers with the means to rise above those really do get some choice technology.

The 1.2 TSI engine is a compact turbocharged petrol unit that's available in 85bhp and 105bhp forms.

It's lightweight and produces strong economy with the performance you'd expect from a larger unit. The diesel option is in a similarly high league with common-rail fuel injection and a diesel particulate filter. It produces 90bhp with its 1.6-litre capacity.

All of which leaves the 1.4-litre engine that powers the Fabia vRS.

It's arguably the most advanced of the lot with a turbocharger and a supercharger helping it to 178bhp.

There's a good amount of space inside the Fabia, particularly for rear seat passengers.

Inside and out, the Fabia's design keeps it simple which is a big part of the car's appeal.

All engines are compliant with Euro5 emissions regulations and the advanced combustion systems of the TDI diesel and TSI petrol units in particular give rise to excellent returns at the pumps. Even the DSG automatic gearbox is designed not to hamper efficiency with the 105bhp 1.2 TSI model equipped with that transmission returning 53mpg on the combined cycle. CO² emissions for the TDI diesel fall below the 110g/km barrier.

This isn't a car that makes a song and dance about its qualities but look beneath the unassuming surface and there's a highly accomplished package that's only made more appealing by the price.