EVER since the memorable ‘cake' advertising campaign in 2007 the Skoda Fabia has perhaps been regarded as one of the more homely hatchbacks on the market.

The hugely successful TV ad featured a group of technicians lovingly crafting a motor out of layers of jam, cream, and cake topped off with fondant finishing touches.

And, while it placed the Fabia firmly in the nation's consciousness, it has also probably been seen as a sweet, inoffensive little car ever since - best suited for the ladies of the WI to toddle along to baking classes in.

Until now that is... for the Czech company's baby has been given a 2010 injection of attitude which, particularly with the new 1.2-litre TSi power pack installed, have revealed something of a wolf from the previous sheep's clothing.

A sharp-new look and the option of a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox complete the revamp and breathe youthful zest into the model.

The tweaks should help to shed that saccharine image and broaden the Fabia's appeal to a whole new and younger audience.

The front end has been totally re-worked to accommodate the new range of engines and features a bold new grille, fresh headlamps and a revised bumper arrangement.

The changes bring the Fabia's face into line with the rest of the Skoda range and give it a wider and lower appearance which helps to create a much more sporty look than previous versions enjoyed.

Certainly the car I drove had all that attributes to appeal to the bright young things about town.

Sporting optional storm blue metallic paint (£410) and white roof (£355) along with 16-inch alloys, tinted windows and front fog lamps my Elegance model was clearly seeking to tap into the funky feel of the Mini or the Fiat 500.

Inside the look remains a little more staid, it has to be said, but the quality has stepped up a notch and there is room by the bucketload.

Interior materials feel well put together and equipment featured in the top-of-the-range Elegance trim includes aircon with climate control, cruise control, a sunglasses holder, a flip-down front armrest with storage compartment, trip computer, MP3 compatible CD/radio with aux-in socket, rear parking sensors and leather trim on the steering wheel.

The controls are simply laid out and easy to navigate and the ride is impressively refined, with little noise intrusion, while all-round visibility is good.

As well as the armrest there is further storage in a double glovebox arrangement.

There is very good head and legroom, front and rear, for a supermini and, as the Fabia is one of the bigger cars in its class, a good sized boot too which will easily cope with the weekly shop or a child's buggy, for instance.

In fact, luggage capacity is a very reasonable 480 litres and rises to a maximum of 1,460 litres when the 60/40 split rear seats are folded down.

There is even a clip on tray attachment to prevent smaller or fragile items being thrown about in transit.

But the real wow factor with the new Fabia comes under the bonnet - at least it does with this 1.2-litre TSi petrol engine on board.

Lifted from the Roomster - where it is the most powerful petrol engine in the range - and coupled with the seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox this 105bhp unit gives the Fabia some real oomph.

You'll get from 0-62mph in a snap over ten seconds and the automatic box ensures acceleration is silky smooth - you even get a satisfyingly sporty rumble from beneath the bonnet as you put your foot down.

And you'll find it equally pokey around town or on the open road - with the power still coming on strongly at the top end.

While it may not be as cheap, in comparison to its rivals, as its predecessor the new Fabia is still priced competitively enough to maintain Skoda's proud value for money ethos and running costs should be reasonable - with average fuel economy of 53.3 miles per gallon for CO2 emissions of 124g/km.

In fact, for anyone looking for a small hatchback that is genuinely big enough to cope with the family then this motor is a serious contender.