But we’re testing the (slightly) more exciting 1.2-litre petrol turbo TSI model with 104bhp. The Fabia Monte Carlo looks the part – but is it really a cut-price alternative to the Fabia vRS?

Given the Fabia’s chiselled but relatively bulky form the 1.2-litre, 108bhp TSI petrol could have its work cut out. The reality, thankfully, is more promising. With 129lb ft of torque at 1400rpm ...