We review the Skoda Fabia from price to economy and all its features

YOU lend a mate a car for five minutes and look what happens.

BMX ace Dan Paley lands a huge tucked bunny hop on the roof of a £14,535 Skoda Fabia estate — and he only had one fail.

4

Even more impressive is his verdict on the Fabia, as it proves how far the firm has come under VW ownership.

Dan, 24, said: "I like it. You're getting a lot of car for your money."

4

But surely a Skoda would dent a stunt rider's street cred? He said: "I never thought they had a bad rep. I've never heard a Skoda joke, so they must have turned round their image pretty well if they're bringing out cars like that.

"And if it's getting voted Car of the Year as well ... " Wingman Tom Willis, 23, added: "If I was going to buy a Golf, I'd buy a Seat or a Skoda, otherwise I'm just paying for the badge."

Well said.

Far more practical for modern living

The award-winning Fabia hatchback hit showrooms in January, priced from £10,600, with more looks, more standard equipment and more mpg than the old car.

4

It has also got more boot space (330 litres) than a Polo, Fiesta or a Corsa.

But the estate is even better. Launched earlier this month, it is far more practical for modern living, with 530 litres of space with the rear seats up and 1,395 litres with rear seats folded.

Dan and Tom had no dramas loading their bikes — and there is room for two more on the roof rack.

The Fabia range comes in three trim levels — S, SE and SE L — with seven EU6 engine options, four petrol and three diesel.

Our mid-range test car, the 1.2-litre petrol (90PS) SE, is expected to be the big seller at £14,535.

It is smooth, comfy, has handy storage and will do 44mpg in the real world.

It is also loaded with touchscreen, DAB radio, USB, speed limiter, stop/start, 15in alloys and parking sensors.

4

You could say it's a clever box of tricks.

VERDICT: The Fabia has always attracted Grandads with sensible shoes. Now it's turning heads with the young crowd. Czech it out.