The ŠKODA FABIA has been named Best First Car in the annual Parkers New Car Awards. The compact yet feature-packed Czech supermini fought off tough competition to be named as the number one car to buy for new drivers.

Thanks to its impeccable road manners, bold design and smooth drivetrain, the FABIA has been a favourite with learners and newly qualified drivers since the first-generation car was launched in the UK in 2000. Now the latest, fourth-generation version, which arrived in the UK last year, has been recognised as the best all-round package for drivers looking to buy their first car.

Explaining why the FABIA hit the mark with the Parkers judging panel, Keith Adams, Editor of Parkers said: “The FABIA is an incredibly well-rounded small car that makes a sound choice for those just starting out. You’ll find plenty of room inside for your friends and family plus a generously proportioned boot for the class.”

The judging panel also praised the FABIA’s simple but refined driving experience, with Adams adding: “It’s easy and pleasant to drive, with a good balance between comfort, handling and decent performance. Specify some flashy alloy wheels and loud paint from the options and it looks the bees’ knees.”

The new model is the first FABIA to be based on Volkswagen Group’s modular MQB-A0 platform and continues to set the sector benchmark for space, value and quality. Like its predecessors, the new Fabia is the most spacious car within its segment and delivers a range of new comfort features in addition to a plethora of new safety and assistance systems.

The range consists of four highly specified trim grades: SE Comfort, SE L Colour Edition and Monte Carlo with buyers able to choose from four petrol engine options that deliver outputs between 80PS and 110PS.  All units come from the Volkswagen Group’s advanced EVO generation of engines that deliver improved efficiency.

A full database of media assets covering the full ŠKODA range is available at www.skodamedia.com.