SKODA'S second-generation Fabia never bothered the big hitters in Australia's light-car segment. Instead, it was seen as an alternative offering with quirky styling and unusual proportions.

Skoda has refined the exterior design for the Mk3 version while ensuring it still retains its 'Fabia', added in a bunch of new safety and infotainment technology to appeal to the youth, and it is offering a pair of new fuel-efficient Euro 6-compliant petrol engines for the environmentally conscious to boot.

On top of that, Skoda has maintained the outgoing model's $15,990 (plus on-road costs) starting price.

In third-generation guise, the Czech-built hatch and wagon range is in serious danger of rising above its also-ran status to become a real threat to the top sellers in the light-car segment.

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