(Mon 10 May 10)

The Fabia and the Roomster are the first models to benefit from Skoda's second-generation efforts to improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions. Both cars, known in this form as GreenLine II, use the same 75bhp 1.2-litre TDI turbo diesel engine along with lowered ride height, improved underbody aerodynamics, brake energy recovery (to save the engine the work of recharging the battery), low rolling resistance tyres and a start/stop system.

The result of all this is that the Fabia GreenLine II (pictured) has combined fuel economy of 83.1mpg and official CO2 emissions of 89g/km, putting it well below the 100g/km VED threshold. Figures for the equivalent Roomster are 67.3mpg and 109g/km.

In each case there is a display recommending that the driver change gear if required, but unlike other low-CO2 specials the gear ratios themselves are the same as those of the standard 1.2 TDI.

No official on-sale date has yet been confirmed, but it's likely to be within the next two months. Pricing will be announced nearer the time.

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