The new model is intended to offer middle-class qualities at compact-car price and is said to deliver class-leading room for passengers and luggage.

At 4,659mm long, the new Octavia is 90mm longer as well as 45mm longer, with a 108mm increase in the wheelbase, giving extra interior space, particularly for rear passengers. Boot space is up by 5 litres to 590.

Skoda also promises significant improvements in fuel consumption and emission figures thanks to the range of newly-developed petrol and diesel engines as well as a lower drag coefficient and reduced vehicle weight.

Four TDI common-rail diesel engines will be offered and will include a 1.6 TDI 110PS GreenLine version with CO2 emissions of 89g/km and official combined fuel consumption of 3.4 litres of diesel per 100km.

There’s also four petrol TSI engines, with a range-topping 180PS 1.8 TSI. Petrol and diesel vRS versions are also on their way and a natural gas version.

All engines, except for entry-level versions, will be available in a Green tec version with a start-stop system and recuperation.

Skoda also promises innovative technology and the Octavia will feature news firsts including Adaptive Cruise Assistant, as well as future traffic-sign recognition as part of the “Traveller Assistant” package.

Other features will include Intelligent Light Assistant, which automatically switches to high beam and back, and Automatic Parking Assistant.

An electric panoramic sliding/tilting sunroof and foldable cargo segments and a double floor in the boot are also on offer.

The estate version will join the range from May while four-wheel-drive models will arrive in 2014.