What's all this about?

This is the new Skoda Fabia Estate (or 'Combi' as it's called in most of the rest of the world outside the UK), revealed in Paris alongside the all-new hatchback.

Hang on - why do I get the feeling you're about to use the three letters 'MQB'?

Because we are, though not in the usual way, as it appears that the new Fabia Estate is not based on the ubiquitous platform from the Volkswagen Group; instead it uses 'MQB technology' modules. . No matter, that sharp-suited body hides a boot that is class-leading, according to Skoda, while the car can weigh as little as 1,004kg.

How big is the cargo area?

A generous 530 litres with the rear seats up, which betters the old car's figure by 25 litres, and a mahoosive 1,395 litres with said seats folded away. This allows you to carry things of up to 1.55 metres in length, which is handy if you're a, er... builder, or something.

What else can it do?

Well, aside from a load of driver assist technology, state-of-the-art infotainment connectivity and a range of petrol and diesel engines (running from 75- to 110hp in outputs) that can emit as little as 82g/km CO₂, it has an ice scraper fitted as standard in the fuel filler cap.

Really?

Yes. It's the little touches that often count, we find.

And when can I slot my behind into the driver's seat?

The Skoda Fabia Estate goes on sale in January 2015.