The Octavia is the best-selling car in Skoda’s line-up and the all-new vRS 245 model packs a mighty punch making it the most powerful version to date.

It comes in hatchback or estate styling and is powered by a 2.0-litre 245bh TSI engine which gives the hatch version a 0-62mph sprint time of just 6.6 seconds (6.7 seconds for the estate).

It is the most powerful Octavia in the company’s history and also comes with many exterior and interior features that emphasise the sporty nature. But it also offers all the practicality required of a family car along the way.

Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG semi-automatic gearbox and the car’s top speed is limited to 155mph. Official fuel economy is 44.1mpg for the DSG automatic with carbon emissions of 148g/km.

As far as styling goes the vRS 245 boasts the Skoda brand’s new face while the car has a predominantly black interior with Alcantara sports seats and integrated headrests. The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable and has a memory function for three settings.

Driving and safety aids include blind spot detect, rear traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, predictive pedestrian protection, lane assist and driver fatigue detection.

And the traditional Simply Clever features include a bottle holder in the centre console for one-handed opening, two USB ports in the rear and a wireless phone charging pad in the centre console.

There is a removable LED torch in the boot of estate models as well as an adjustable boot floor, multifunctional shelf under the boot cover, a barrier net, four bag hooks and a 12-volt socket.

The Octavia vRS 245 is available to order now with deliveries expected late July or early August. Prices start from £27,595 for the hatchback and £28,795 for the estate version.