A HIGH-PERFORMANCE version of the Octavia will soon be spearheading Skoda's campaign for fleet acceptance. Examples of the 1.8-litre turbocharged saloon are expected to be in the showrooms before the end of the year. Skoda UK director Rob Tracey said: 'This will be a flagship model which should speak volumes for the brand. With 150bhp on tap, it will offer a superb blend of quality, performance and practicality. We are aiming to offer it at about £18,500.'

The top Octavia will be followed by an as yet unnamed replacement for the Felicia hatchback and estate range. To be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the fresh entry-level Skoda will be the first VW Group product to use the platform which has been developed for the next-generation Polo. 'It will be slightly bigger than the Felicia and will be more expensive,' said Tracey.

It should be on sale in Britain by May next year in hatchback form and is likely to be followed by an estate version 12 months later.