The carmaker is targeting sizeable expansion, with 1.5 million unit sales globally as a goal for 2018 from 230,000 last year. A third of its total volume will be in China, where the Fabia, Octavia and Superb are already on sale and the Yeti is about to follow. Skoda's large rear legroom and chrome embellishments are both benefiting popularity in this emerging market.

Its entire model range will have been renewed by 2015, complete with a larger SUV model, but trims and segments will be kept simple. A spokesperson said the ease of its line-up had been attractive for customers.

But, he said, the brand had to remain within its price point. Over-equipping cars with expensive technology would affect its position in the market, and customers value thoughtful but inexpensive features, such as the ice scraper under the fuel flap, and neat storage solutions around the cabin higher. These will define future products, while retaining the brand’s high-value positioning.