Overview

Skoda has been doing pretty well under VW’s wing, launching an increasingly impressive model line-up that now challenges its parent company in terms of performance and refinement. This is their first stab at a hot hatch – the diesel-powered Fabia vRS. Under the bonnet is a 1.9 TDI engine with a 130bhp. It’s a different proposition to the traditional hot hatch and buyers looking for an instant buzz might be disappointed; the talents of the Fabia vRS are more subtle and take a little time to appreciate.

But if that doesn’t impress you, just remember you’ll be getting double the fuel economy of a Focus RS.