Replacing the 1.2 TSI, it’s the first time the Octavia has been offered with a three-cylinder engine. The 999cc unit produces 115hp thanks to a turbocharger, a higher output than the outgoing 1.2-litre.

In combination with 7-speed DSG, the new 1.0 TSI accelerates the hatchback from 0 to 100kph in 10s and achieves a top speed of 202kph. For the 6-speed manual gearbox, the 0-100kph time is 9.9 s with the same top speed. The Combi is available with seven-speed DSG or a manual gearbox; both versions reach a top speed of 200kph and accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 10.2 and 10.1s respectively.

The biggest improvement, however, is to the new three-cylinder TSI’s fuel consumption, which is 8% lower than that of the previous engine. The hatchback with 7-speed DSG offers an official figure of 4.5l/100km with 105g/km or 103g/km when combined with a manual gearbox. The Combi offers 4.6 l/100 km (106g/km) and 4.5 l/100 km (105g/km) respectively.

Buyers can also fit an aerodynamic package, comprising lower sports suspension, active air flaps and a rear spoiler, and low rolling resistance tyres. This further improves economy to 4.4l/100km with 102g/km CO2 emissions.

Other changes to the 2017 Octavia include Adaptive damping for versions with 150hp or more, while a Phonebox technology for wirelessly connecting and charging a smartphone is now available as an option.