Dimensions for the new model grow significantly, with the Estate 90mm longer and 45mm wider than its predecessor. Importantly the wheelbase has grown by almost 11cm, resulting in record room and space and giving class-leading legroom for rear passengers according to the brand.

The boot also sets a class record with 610 litres of space rising to 1,740 litres – up by 160 litres compared to the hatch – and the Estate also offers features such a folding passenger seat to make transporting long objects easy. Also included are a retractable parcel shelf and roof bars under the adjustable and retractable variable boot floor.

The Estate also brings in “Simply Clever” features from the Octavia Hatch, including a double-sided boot floor mat, the net restraint system, a waste bin, an ice scraper in the fuel tank opening and a warning-vest holder under the driver's seat.  And the estate also features a coat rack and a remote fold-down function for the rear-seat backrest.

Skoda chairman Winfried Vahland said: ‘The Skoda Octavia is at the heart of the brand and our most popular model by far. The Estate represents all good ŠKODA values and has a large share in the success of this model range. With the third generation, the Octavia Estate takes a huge leap forward. The car really is in a class of its own; offering mid-class quality at compact-estate prices.’

Engines will be carried over from the hatch and in the UK will offer two petrol and two diesels, with a fuel-efficient GreenLine version offering 83.1mpg combined and CO₂ emissions of 89g/km.

Also on the stage at the Geneva motor show will be the Octavia Estate 4×4 with a newly developed all-wheel drive and fifth-generation Haldex clutch.