The Fabia feels like a trustworthy companion even before it has turned a wheel. This impression is validated within your very first mile; each of the major controls moves with measured linearity, alluding to solid, dependable engineering and endowing the Fabia with the feeling of a larger car.
The steering requires more work than in some rivals, being less eager to react off-centre, but it has the most feel of the electric systems that dominate the class. Similarly, the five-speed gearbox (a six-speed auto is available for the 1.6) is light to operate, accurate and satisfyingly mechanical. The first three ratios are low – convenient around town – but fifth is longer-legged. Motorway travel is impressively free of wind and road noise, but the Fabia is susceptible to crosswinds.
The ride confidently smooths the worst roads, passing unfazed over high-frequency ridges and adeptly cushioning occupants from potholes. Below 20mph, sharper-edged manhole covers cause the suspension a little trouble, more audibly than physically, and with little movement translated into the cabin. This small criticism aside – which may have been caused by our test car’s optional 16in alloy wheels – the Fabia rides as well as anything in the class besides the Corsa.
The secret to that winning ride becomes apparent the moment you arrive at a corner with any gusto, the soft springs providing a cornering approach in the classic French supermini style.
Other than through the most severe compressions, this soft set-up is in itself not a problem, but with the seat’s poor lateral support, enthusiastic cornering can send you sliding from your perch. Persist and you’ll discover the Fabia possesses admirable handling and decent grip. It is – to the extent an 85bhp hatchback can be – fun to drive, feeling faithful to your inputs and providing a sense of connectivity with the road absent from Renault’s and Vauxhall’s superminis. ESP is a £340 option across the range.