I know, I know. Skoda's age-old connotation doesn't particularly inspire a lot of excitement on first glance, but hold those preconceived thoughts for a moment - the all-new Fabia has the capability to alter a lot of opinions.

You see, the Fabia has become something of a stalwart on the UK's roads since the Czech firm was taken under Volkswagen's wing and given it is Skoda's best-selling car, it's most definitely popular for a reason. It's affordable, brimming with equipment and built very well given it's based on the same platform as its parent company's Polo.

Now in its third generation, it's also just bagged a coveted industry award, beating rivals in the form of the Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio to be crowned as the small car of the year by What Car? magazine.

Quite a feat for 'just a Skoda', I'm sure you'll agree. With engines ranging from a tiny 1.0-litre petrol to the current range-topping 1.4-litre diesel with 103bhp, the key to the Fabia's popularity is its balance between price and equipment. Starting at just £10,500, even our top-of-the-range test car comes in at a whisker over £16,000 - far undercutting its rivals.

But don't think that that comes at the cost of skimping on tech, as the new Fabia's jam-packed with title-winning traits. Its five-inch touchscreen monitor - which houses its seamless DAB radio - is great and features front, side and rear sensors. The graphics are sharp and clear, while swiping and scrolling on it is handled with ease. Combine that with masses of space inside the cabin, a stop/start function to further improve efficiency and a class-leading 330-litre boot and it isn't controversial to predict that the car's going to continue its predecessors' exemplary sales records.

Right across the range there's Bluetooth connectivity, that impressive radio, electric front windows and a tyre pressure monitor as standard. SE trim adds alloy wheels to the package, air conditioning and a larger touchscreen system, as well as a hint more luxury in the form of a leather steering wheel and gear lever.

While it's more substance over outright style, the interior is well put together and is a huge improvement on Skodas of old, bridging the gap between the Fiesta's flair and the Polo's functionality.

Skoda - who claim the frugal diesel can return in excess of 80mpg - have made a car that's not only easy on bank balances but a fun one to drive, too. Under the skin, the new car uses the underpinnings of the outgoing model, albeit with heavy revisions. As a result of those it's slightly wider and a tad lower than before, and despite its overall wheelbase being fractionally longer, it's actually over 50kg lighter.

Despite its 'supermini' origin, it's actually got quite a lofty driving position so all-round visibility is great. The ride manner is impeccable, with the Fabia never managing to feel dishevelled over even the worst of the UK's roads. It retains its composure no matter what - just what you want when you're on a winding road. Its steering is light so it's a doddle to perform tight manoeuvres and although it doesn't possess much in the way of feel, it does weight up nicely once you're moving.

The three-cylinder diesel engine's noise settles down once it's warm, tiresome tyre and wind noise aren't ever an issue and it has plenty of in-gear pull as you'd expect, with a healthy 184lb ft of torque arriving low down in the rev range, being good enough to cover 0-60mph in a shade over ten seconds and record a 120mph top speed. Its sweet-shifting five-speed gearbox is also a great alternative to the twin-clutch DSG, which is a costly £1,000 option.

What's really clever about this Fabia is the way it's been made to a fit snugly into a specific price bracket but yet doesn't in any way feel like a typically budget option. It is what it is: affordable, well made and massively appealing. Give its badge a chance and you'll soon see why some 250,000 Fabias have found UK homes over its 15-year lifespan. With 3.5 million worldwide sales, there's no reason why the third-generation car can't build upon that.

You can find more information out from D.M. Keith Wakefield, Calder Island Way, Denby Dale Road, Wakefield, WF2 7AW. Telephone: 0843 3201235.