If you like the idea of a Fabia, go for the 1.2 105 bhp. The Fabia is a useful size - a bit bigger than most superminis - but it needs a correspondingly more powerful engine.

I think the 1.2 is one of the more efficient petrol engines, so unless mileage is going to be high there's no great advantage in getting a diesel.

They ran a similar special offer with the Octavia using the very old 1.6 8v MPI engine last used in early MKI Octavias - not related to the 1.6fsi. Good reliable and very long lived engine though - rather high CO2 though.

The 1.416v MPI (not related to the early MKI Fabia 1.4 8v MPI) has been regarded as a problem engine in the past with premature piston failure and dodgy plastic timing belt pulleys. Saying that I have this engine in a 2001 1.4 16V (75bhp) Octavia which has been great from new(and still is) - now 100k. Timing belt always changed at 4 years and I have always used higher performance petrol (97-99 RON) where possible - usually Shell Optimax/VPower(improvement in economy nearly covers the extra cost)- using 95 Ron they tend to have a touch of pre-ignition which will eventually cause damage. MPG on a run usually mid to late 40's mpg. My Father-in-law borrowed it and thought the fuel gauge was bust - he got 52mpg on a trip from Yorkshire to Hampshire. It's also always been surprisingly nippy

However am considering the 1.2tsi Octavia for my next car as I am fed up with many friends having major and expensive DPF issues with diesels from assorted manufacturers - not just on around town driven cars. I also want to avoid electronic handbrakes as I know someone that had a well into 4 figure bill just to replace rear brake callipers!! I also may change my spots as Hyundai are producing some interesting cars now which look very appealing along side that 5 year warranty.