Skoda will be out to prove that size really does matter when its latest launch reaches the showrooms next year.

With a cargo potential ranging from 633 litres behind the rear seats to a class-leading 1,865 litres with them folded, the cavernous Superb Estate will become king of the load carriers.

It will go on sale in February at highly competitive prices, likely to be from around £17,500, with standard features that make it one of the best equipped cars in its segment.

A key product to drive Skoda upmarket, Superb Estate has graceful lines, strong performance from three petrol and three diesel engines and surprisingly neat road manners.

Like the Superb hatchback, passenger space abounds in a car that offers many of the styling cues of a BMW 5 Series.

The quality feel continues on the move – Superb Estate is quiet, rapid and makes light work of mile-munching.

Air-con, alloys and stability control are standard and equipment becomes increasingly lavish through the three trims, culminating in Elegance’s adaptive front lights, touch screen sat-nav, leather upholstery, heated front seats, tyre pressure monitoring and a hill hold control.

Convenience options include a powered tailgate, automatically retracting load cover, a sliding false floor and automatic parallel parking.