If everything had gone according to plan, you would not be reading this.

I had intended driving Skoda's most powerful car yet, the Octavia vRS, but days before it was due to arrive it suffered a crash. So those nice folk at Skoda hastily replaced it with its little brother.

It is several years since I was at the wheel of the Fabia vRS and I thoroughly enjoyed renewing acquaintance with a little car that cleverly blends practicality with a sharply-tuned edge, guaranteed to put a glint in your eye.

The Fabia vRS was the first car in its class to use a high-performance diesel engine. The result is 130 horsepower when you need it, combined with 50-plus mpg consumption.

That fuel efficiency in itself is more than enough to justify spending a bit more on a little luxury.

There is plenty of that on offer with 16-inch alloy wheels, electric front windows, remote central locking, an eight-speaker CD system and air conditioning.

Inside, sports seats, rally-inspired instrument dials and a vRS emblem stitched on to each seat zip up the interior.

Outside, the front air dam, rear spoiler, rear bumper and chunky stainless steel exhaust pipe, provide clues to its potential, but the vRS carefully conceals its power beneath stylish, slightly lowered, but understated bodywork, which does not scream boy racer.

Put the bodywork tweaking to one side - it is the way the 1.9-litre turbodiesel delivers its power that really wins you over.

In third, fourth or even fifth gear, a gentle press on the accelerator and the car pulls eagerly away. Despite the engine's power it is remarkably flexible, easy to manage and makes overtaking swift and safe.

Matching the engine perfectly, the short-throw, six-speed manual gearbox is light, precise and adds to the driving pleasure.

Equally, the car's long wheelbase, broad track and uprated suspension make for sharp handling and a comfortable ride.

For technology fans, the vRS comes equipped with ABS (anti-lock braking system), EDL (electronic differential lock), MSR (engine drag control), and ASR (anti-skid regulation) as standard.

Forget the acronyms, the systems all add up to a package of active safety designed to keep you and your passengers safe and sound.

Driver and passenger airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are also provided if the worst happens.

Clearly, the vRS is not the most sensible Fabia on the planet, but it is the most fun.

The good news is that Skoda has produced a turbodiesel version of the Octavia vRS. I can't wait.

Auto facts Skoda Fabia vRS

  • Price: £12,375
  • Insurance group: Nine
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 53.3mpg
  • Top speed: 128mph
  • Length: 400.2cm/157.6in
  • Width: 164.6cm/64.8in
  • Luggage capacity: 9.1 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 9.9 gallons/45 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 143g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles