VOLKSWAGEN'S Czech subsidiary Skoda has finally gotten around to launching its smallest model in Australia – the Fabia hatch.

Alongside the imminent Yeti compact SUV, the somewhat daftly-named light car will greatly boost the brand’s presence in the Australian passenger market, while its Volkswagen origins should assure a car that can live up to such a burden.

Initially available in either base 77TSI or sporting Monte Carlo five-door guise, the range matches the VW Polo’s excellent 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder to a five-speed manual gearbox.

Featuring a strong list of standard features, excellent interior space and sharp entry pricing, the Fabia is a commendable effort that ought to help the brand widen its footprint Down Under.