Move over Tardis, the new Skoda Superb estate and hatch are here

Skoda has pulled the covers off the all-new fourth-generation Superb, and has confirmed it'll be offered in both hatch and estate body styles. Sorry, Doctor Who, looks like you might have to park the Tardis.

Because an already gargantuan car has gotten even bigger. Skoda claims this new Superb offers up to 30 more litres of storage space in the estate over the third-gen car (and 20 litres more than the old hatch), thanks in part to expanded dimensions across the board. There's a better drag coefficient of course - which in turn helps fuel economy - but mostly, there's just tonnes of space.

Major changes to that exterior include a revised octagonal grille, a dark chrome front apron trim and a new set of LED Matrix headlights claimed to have 40 per cent more light output. A palette of six new colours is also available, including five metallic finishes such as Carmine Red, Cobalt Blue, and Ice Tea Yellow - yep, that really is the name of a colour. We’re now wondering when Pepsi Max Purple will drop to complement the choice of 17 or 19-inch alloys.

The interior has also been given a spruce with, says Skoda, a focus on achieving better ergonomics through a less cluttered design. Sustainable materials are also found aplenty, with Skoda claiming that all interior textiles are made from 100 per cent recycled materials.

The Superb’s new ‘Smart Dials’ can also be used to operate various functions in the car and are positioned right beneath the 13-inch infotainment screen. Which means, yay, actual physical controls! The infotainment screen’s selector lever has moved across to the steering wheel too, to declutter the centre console and free up space for a 5.5-inch cubbyhole. More room for empty crisp packets, we'd proffer.

A smartphone charging station is also provided in tandem with four USB-C ports that are equally split between front and rear-seat passengers, while a Canton 14-speaker sound system can be had as an optional extra. There's a 10-inch head-up display to access the Virtual Cockpit from - a first for the Superb range.

Speaking of range, six powertrain configurations can be chosen from launch including a quartet of 2.0-litre TSI petrol and diesel engines, and a plug-in hybrid with a claimed electric range of 62 miles. A 1.5-litre mild hybrid engine is also debuting to complete the set. Power will range between 150 and 265bhp, with all-wheel drive available on most models, and a seven-speed DSG transmission in all.

Tech and safety have both also seen significant overhauls, with a suite of new systems and driving assists. Such examples include Cross Road Assist and Emergency Steering Assist, while revisions have been made to improve the pre-existing technology.

A permanent internet connection also means over-the-air updates will happen seamlessly, while online services can also be accessed through Skoda Connect.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but expect the new Skoda Superb to float around the £35,000 margin, which, one suspects, is a tad cheaper than a Tardis.