Skoda Fabia vRS

The nippy Fabia vRS is quite possibly the automotive bargain of 2010, turning in a performance to match or better rivals costing thousands of pounds more.

A lot has changed since the previous version of the Fabia vRS, which was produced between 2003 and 2007.

The most significant difference is the switch to a new supercharged and turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine, replacing the turbodiesel unit.

Skoda has teamed this new engine – by far the most powerful ever offered in a production Fabia – with the excellent Volkswagen seven-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox, which can operate in manual or automatic modes, with none of the performance loss experienced with traditional automatics.

This is the same superb transmission as that used in VW stablemates such as the Polo GTi and Seat Ibiza Cupra and will more than likely make an appearance in the forthcoming Audi A1.

In addition, there are paddleshift gears on the steering wheel and a Sport mode that changes the throttle response and introduces a more throaty engine noise.

There’s no manual transmission available, and why would you want it?

As always with modern Skodas, the vRS’ cabin has a quality, robust feel, albeit a little dull and unsophisticated in the dashboard area.

The ride is particularly civilised for something purporting to be a performance hatchback. Unlike many of its counterparts, you don’t get out of the Fabia after five minutes on a pock-marked city street feeling as though you’ve just been beaten up. There is a composure, a finesse to the way it darts around that seems befitting of a pricier prestige car.

Show it a curvaceous B road, however, and watch what happens. The vRS’s uprated brakes help to shave off any excess speed before its snub nose dives into the bends. Its chassis, which it shares with the Volkswagen Polo and Seat Ibiza, feels taut and nimble and more than capable of dealing with what the average driver can throw at it.

The Fabia is an assured handler too, thanks to its XDS system which electronically mimics the action of a limited slip diffential, making the car more manoeuvrable and stable when cornering at speed.

It may still lag behind in terms of desirability, but of all its rivals the Skoda performs at least as well, costs less and acts the most mature.

Available as a hatch and estate, the vRS accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.3 secs, with a top speed of 139mph (140mph for the estate).

It features 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daylight running lights and vRS body kit giving it a sporty appearance. although I could not help wondering whether the designers might have made it a bit more special to look at.

Customers can also choose an optional white or black roof with a range of body colours, including the new Rallye Green, inspired by the Fabia S2000 rally car.

Inside, the vRS boasts figure-hugging vRS sports seats, a three-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel with radio controls and paddles for changing gear and MDI (Multi-Device Interface) for use with iPods and other mp3 players.

And the list of features goes on… manual air conditioning, trip computer, eight-speaker stereo, chrome double exhaust pipe, rear spoiler and stainless steel pedals and a vRS logo on kickplates combine to make this feel like a complete package which you would drive out of the showroom without a second glance at the options list.

In keeping with vRS tradition, the Fabia vRS is as practical as it is sporty. With the addition of an estate version, owners benefit from 480 litres of boot space (300 in the hatch) with the rear seats in position and a vast 1,460 litres (1,163 in the hatch) with them folded.

The 1.4 TSI engine is a first for Škoda and features both a turbocharger and a supercharger to delivermaximum performance across the rev range.

The engine has unusually high torque levels, which in turn allows for longer gear ratios to be used. As a result you get terrific fuel economy for a car of this type – an average of 45.6mpg if you don’t put it through the wringer.

Changes to the power steering system have resulted in sharper and more direct responses, while stiffer dampers and firmer rear-axle springs have been introduced to give the vRS greater stability through corners.

Finally, the ride height has been reduced by 20mm to lower the centre of gravity.

Put all this together and you have a car that is a real driver’s machine.

Skoda – the “manufacturer of happy drivers” – is certain to put a lot more smiles on faces with this offering.

Skoda Fabia vRS - £15,700

Engine: 1.4-litre supercharged and turbocharged petrol, producing 180bhp.

Transmission: Seven-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox.

Performance: 0 to62mph in 7.3 seconds; top speed 139mph.

Economy: 45.6mpg combined.

CO2 Rating: 148 g/km.