Skoda will return to being a two-model range when production of the Felicia comes to an end in August. But the arrival of the Fabia supermini guarantees the company's record sales growth in Britain will continue, believes business sales manager John Rooney.

'Running out the Felicia means we're severing the links with the past and finally laying to rest the part of the firm's activities that inspired jokes in some quarters. But none of us is likely to forget the important contribution made by the Felicia in transforming this brand. It was responsible for a significant increase in volume and played its part in helping us achieve 30,000 UK sales last year.'

Interest in the Fabia from fleet buyers suggested the car would work well in complementing the Octavia's success in the daily rental, contract hire, Motability and fleet operator areas.