01/08/2008 01:59. Skoda's principal claim for the 1.2 engine is one of economy, although at 47.9 mpg on the combined cycle, it is no match for the 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, Citroen C1, which does better than that on the urban cycle. Indeed comparing the C1 with the Fabia 1 does the latter no favours whatsoever. Here are the Fabia's 'official' fuel-consumption figures, with the Citroen's in brackets: Urban 36.7 (51.4), Extra-urban 57.6 (68.9), Combined 47.9 (61.4).

In emission terms, the Skoda fares no better. The 3-pot Fabia 1 HTP is rated at 140 g/km, compared with 108 g/km for the Citroen, which is also quicker off the mark. Whereas the C1 will next year fall into VED Band C at £30 per annum, the Fabia 1 will be in Band E at £110 per annum. And, unlike the Citroen, the... // New Car Net