What's all this about?

Skoda has priced up the fourth-generation Octavia for the UK market, as well as confirming various trim levels and specifications. And the news is that you'll be looking at £22,390 as the minimum price to get yourself into this handsome Czech challenger.

OK, what does that get me?

A 1.5 TSI 150 SE First Edition hatchback. At the other end of the scale, there's the 2.0 TDI 150 DSG Estate SE L First Edition, which weighs in at £29,515. As the year progresses, more derivatives and powertrain options will join the line-up, including the vRS models - which will be available in petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) forms, the latter appearing as a sporty model for the first time as the vRS iV. Expect further developments to include an entry-level S specification, a manual 1.0 TSI, mild hybrid (MHEV) derivatives of the 1.0 and 1.5 TSI motors, and plain PHEVs without the vRS performance flavour.

Sounds good. Can you go through the launch range, then, please and thank you?

No problem. There are three trims to go at initially, which are SE First Edition, SE Technology and then SE L First Edition. Both SE and SE L will continue beyond the launch period, although they will eventually drop the 'First Edition' naming which denotes 'exceptionally high equipment levels'; this is a tactic many manufacturers employ these days, to boost early sales figures.

All cars will get the third-generation MIB infotainment system with at least an 8.25-inch touchscreen, a Virtual Cockpit Display, LED headlights and wireless smartlink for Apple CarPlay, plus a two-spoke leather-bound multifunction steering wheel and rear parking sensors. DSG models also enjoy a shift-by-wire selector. On the SE First Edition, that specification is bolstered by 16-inch Velorum alloy wheels, Front Assist, Lane Assist, an e-Call safety system, an eight-speaker stereo system, five USB-C ports (one in the rear-view mirror, allowing for easy connection of a dashcam) and full smartphone connectivity. As stated, that kicks off at £22,390 for the 1.5 TSI 150 hatch, but there's also a 2.0 TDI 115 hatch (£23,300), while the Estate versions are £23,370 (TSI) and £24,280 (TDI).

Stepping up to an SE L First Edition, it's the flagship of the launch line-up and starts from £25,150 for the 1.5 TSI 150 hatch. It adds to the opening specification and brings 17-inch Rotare Aero alloy wheels, chrome window surrounds, a chrome strip in the lower front bumper, microsuede seat upholstery, heated front seats, LED ambient cabin lighting, an electrically adjustable driver's seat with memory and lumbar support, the upgraded Columbus infotainment, Blind-Spot Protection, front and rear parking sensors with Manoeuvre Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Drive Mode Selection, and also keyless entry on all four doors. Aside from the 150hp petrol hatch, the 2.0 TDI 115 hatch costs from £26,060, the 1.5 TSI Estate kicks off at £26,225 and the 115 TDI wagon begins at £27,405, but this is also the only level at which the 2.0 TDI 150 DSG is available; it costs from £28,460 as a hatch and £29,515 for the Estate.

The SE Technology is aimed at business users, more than private buyers, and sits between SE First Edition and SE L First Edition. It costs from £22,640 (for the 1.5 TSI 150 hatch, rising to £24,530 for the 2.0 TDI 115 Estate), and enjoys 16-inch Twister Aero alloys, the ten-inch Columbus infotainment, Remote Access, Voice Control, front and rear parking sensors with Manoeuvre Assist, and one year's worth of Infotainment Online. All initial versions of the new fourth-generation Octavia will be open for order in June, with cars in retailers from July.