A Skoda Octavia was once the least sophisticated of all the Volkswagen Group’s family hatchback products. Not any more.

Almost nothing has been held back for this third generation version, which now features a hi-tech 1.0-litre TSI entry-level petrol engine, the option of adaptive damping further up the range and more sophisticated optional smartphone connectivity. It’s smarter too, the lines having been streamlined, especially at the front. The two adjacent headlights form a dual face with a crystalline look and feature full-LED technology.

The two bodystyles - hatch and estate - are mated with TSI petrol or TDI diesel power. Petrol-wise, the range now starts with a clever 115PS three cylinder unit in the case of the entry-level version. Above that sits a 150PS 1.4 or a 2.0 TSI vRS variant offering 230 or 245PS. Diesel drivers choose between 1.6 or 2.0-litre TDI units. 4WD is an option with the 2.0 TDI engine. There’s the choice of six main trim levels - S, SE, SE Technology, SE L, Laurin & Klement and vRS. Whichever one you choose, your car will come with alloy wheels, tinted glass, climate-controlled air conditioning that also cools the glovebox, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, a four-spoke leather-covered steering wheel, a trip computer, an eight-speaker stereo with a DAB digital radio and USB and AUX-in sockets and a hill holder clutch that stops you from drifting backwards on uphill junctions.

Skoda people will probably quite like the fact that the look and feel of this car don’t attract too much attention. This MK3 model was designed to be significantly bigger than its predecessor and you get a feel for that when you lift the heavy bootlid. The cargo area is absolutely huge, with a 590-litre capacity on offer in the hatchback or there’s 610-litres if you go for the Octavia estate model.

The excellence of the latest 1.0 TSI petrol engine means that there’s no need to automatically opt for a diesel if you’re looking at this car and the ‘Simply Clever’ design touches make a lot of difference to day-to-day usability.

Skoda want the purchase of something like an Octavia to be viewed not as a cheaper choice but instead as rather a clever one. That time may already have arrived.

CAR: Skoda Octavia range
PRICES: £17,195 - £30,245 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 12E– 29E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 90-150g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.0 TDI 150] Max Speed 135mph / 0-60mph 8.5s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.6 TDI 110] (combined) 80.7mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Up to nine airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [5dr Hatch] Length/Width/Height, 4659/1814/1461mm