It’s the new Skoda Fabia!

This is the new Fabia, the first Skoda model to debut the company's new design language we first saw on the ‘VisionC' concept.

In other words, it's Skoda's attempt at injecting a little character and ‘emotion' into its Fiesta-rivalling little supermini. Though it's not that little anymore.

The new Fab, based on VW's flexible MQB architecture, is nine centimetres wider than the car it replaces, but some three centimetres lower and a fraction shorter than the car it replaces. That should go some way to providing at least a hint of the sportiness the brand promises is inherent in the car's styling DNA.

Buyers can opt for one of three engines - VW Group's existing 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol, its 1.2-litre TSI or the 1.4-litre TDI diesel. Skoda tells us the new Fabia, with its EU6-compliant engines, is 17 per cent more economical, with the diesel emitting just 88g/km of CO2.

The Fab will start at £10,600 for the base 1.0-litre, rising to £16,860 for a diesel with a DSG gearbox.

A range-topping VRS edition won't be on the cards, however. Skoda's CEO exclusively told Top Gear last year that though buyers liked the design and style of the Fabia VRS, they didn't like the price and running costs.

So instead of fast, the Fabia will instead major on personalisation and a design, says Skoda, inspired by its motorsport division. Buyers will be able to pick from 15 exterior colours and three interior trim styles.