Road warriors: Above, the Skoda Car Works in the Czech Republic has come a long way since the days when it was one of the dubious jewels in the industrial crown of the Soviet Bloc. Now owned by Volkswagen, its Fabia was named 2000 car of the year. Below, the Astra S is one of the sleek station wagons for sale at HWP.

Smart cr: The Volkswagen cabriolet, available at HWP's automotive department.

LONG recognised in Bermuda as a distributor of leading brands of automobiles, it's no wonder that HWP is bringing in the car that received the distinction of being selected as Auto Express' New Car of the Year.

The top honour for 2000 was given to Skoda's Fabia hatchback.

"Our top honour for 2000 goes to the amazing Fabia, a car which sets new standards for its class, confirming Skoda as a force to be reckoned with,'' said a spokesperson from Auto Express. "A decade ago, no-one would have believed our supreme honour winner could ever be a Skoda. And yet here we are with one of the most magical hatchbacks we've ever driven.'' Part of the Volkswagen Group, the Skoda Fabia is everything a small hatchback should be -- and then some.

"Volkswagen's influence is clear in the car's design and build,'' added the spokesperson. "It boasts the same solidity and functionality as that which makes the VW Polo so popular. But in our opinion, the Fabia has the edge over its stablemate when it comes to external styling. And inside, the layout is simple and straightforward, even if it lacks the visual appeal of Polo's round dials and blue-backed instruments.'' The difference in visuals won't matter at all to prospective clients, according to Auto Express, as the Fabia excels at those elements which customers consider most important.

"The seats are placed low, which not only affords an excellent driving position...but also means plenty of space for taller occupants. Rear-seat legroom is unparalleled in this class, and the boot is easily extended.

"Then there's the quality which runs much closer to the Polo's than VW would ever care to admit. Thanks to the VW Group's practice of platform sharing, the Fabia's chassis is borrowed from the next generation Polo, which is not due to see the light of day until 2002. . ...The Fabia is not only Skoda's most convincing car yet, it is also the most complete, best value and well rounded supermini on the market.''