The third generation Skoda Octavia has been unveiled and it features a new engine line-up, a fresh new body design and all the latest infotainment kit and safety features you could wish for.

The Octavia is the Czech brand’s top seller and since its launch in 1996 the company, which is part of the VW group, has produced more than five million models.

Last year it made up more than 40 per cent of Skoda’s total sales globally with 436,000 vehicles sold. In the UK the Octavia enjoyed its most successful year with 23,068 registrations, up two per cent on 2015.

From a styling viewpoint, the latest Octavia comes with a new front end with wider radiator grille, which has been expanded by introducing additional headlights, plus wider air inlets with honeycomb structure in the redesigned bumper.

The car is also wider and longer than its predecessor which results in more space within the cabin. Inside the changes are more difficult to spot. There is a multifunction display and the air-conditioning controls have been retouched slightly. Subtle optional lighting units in the doors provide an ambient glow which can be adjusted to one of 10 different colours.

When it comes to interior space, the Octavia hatchback and estate continue to set the benchmark. Their boot capacities measure 590 and 610 litres respectively, and with the back seats dropped flat, it’s 1,580 and 1,740 litres. For the estate, an electric tailgate is available as an option.

Infotainment systems in the new Octavia are part of a new generation with the option of eight or nine-inch screens with full navigation plus Wi-Fi hotspot.  Other online services, including remote access to the car, operate using the Skoda Connect app on your smartphone.

On the safety front there are systems to assist the driver, including trailer assist, blind spot detect, rear traffic alert, city emergency braking function and park assist.

The range of engines consists of two TSI engines and three TDI engines with power ranges from 115bhp to 184bhp. Besides the manual gearboxes, DSG transmissions with six speeds are available for almost all of the engines.

At the top end of the upgraded Octavia range are two vRS engine variants – the 2.0 TSI petrol and the 2.0 TDI diesel.

Prices and details of when the car will be on sale are yet to be announced, but the entry level price is likely to be around £17,000.