THE launch of Skoda’s new compact SUV, the Karoq, is just around the corner.

It’s an important car for the Czech Republic manufacturer as this sector of the market becomes ever-more hotly contested. I attended the unveiling of the car in Sweden a few months ago, and it has the look of a winner. I hope to get behind the wheel at the European launch, in Sicily, next month.

The Karoq will find itself among some accomplished siblings, the Skoda Octavia amongst them. The five-door hatchback continues to be the company’s biggest seller and I have driven each generation of the car, but I always look forward with extra relish to sampling the vRS version.

With its lusty performance and great handling, it provides a dynamic driving experience, while being a highly capable family car with great luggage-carrying capacity.

And there is plenty of lovely, usable equipment, including acoustic rear parking sensors, LED headlights, front fog-lights and running lights, light assistant, telescopic headlight washers, rain sensor for wipers, and such attention to detail as an umbrella stowed under the front passenger seat, an illuminated glovebox and a rear armrest with load-through boot access.

You will also find a wifi hotspot, driver fatigue sensor, lane assist, driving mode selection (eco/comfort/sport/custom), three-spoke, leather-trimmed, multi-function steering wheel, heated door mirrors, satnav, and interior ambient lighting,

The car has been updated this year, with an increase in power to 230bhp for the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. With our six-speed automatic transmission car, that translates to a 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph, with combined fuel consumption of 42.8 mpg (manufacturer’s figures).

Other revisions include new headlights. a re-worked interior, and new infotainment systems.

The vRS model gets detailing including chrome finishers on the twin-branch exhaust pipes, and door-sill strips with motif.

And there’s a ‘vRS mode’ button to press which sharpens throttle response and adds steering weight to further enhance the driving experience.

Now in its third generation, the Octavia made up more than 40 per cent of Škoda’s total sales worldwide last year, with 436,000 sold. In the UK the car enjoyed its best year, accounting for 23,068 registrations, with more than 20 per cent of those carrying the vRS badge. Price: £27,625 (inc options).