Skoda’s biggest-selling Octavia sedan will be moving to an all-new generation for 2020. New design sketches released by the Czech carmaker reveal the car’s overhauled exterior and preview the model due to be revealed and hit showrooms next year.

The sketches confirm details seen in previous spy shots – and that the new car takes influence from the Skoda Superb. At the front, the 2020 Octavia ditches the controversial split-headlamp design of the current car in favour of single units that bookend a much larger grille that brings the car in line with the rest of the range. The influence of the Superb is clear in a new clamshell bonnet.

The Superb-esque accents are developed in the Octavia’s profile, particularly in the sedan depicted here. The car appears to have deeper swage lines and more contours, as compared to the outgoing model, along with an overall look that is more angular. In the estate version that was spotted testing earlier this year, a rear spoiler wraps around the sloping rear window. In both models, the tailgate and tail-light design bears no resemblance to today’s Octavia.

The fourth-gen Octavia is not expected to grow in exterior dimensions, since it’ll make use of an updated version of the MQB platform used by today’s model (as well as the next-generation Golf). However, VW insiders told our sister publication, Autocar UK, that the Mk8 Golf will use a greater percentage of lightweight metal, reducing its kerb weight by around 50kg. This may also be the case for the new Octavia.

We have yet to see the Octavia’s interior in any form, but based on the new Scala, it will feature a new interior design with a greater variety of materials and newly developed infotainment. Like its smaller sibling, the 2020 Octavia should be one of the first VW Group models with the ability to update itself over the air, while it is also likely to offer wireless support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The 2020 Octavia’s engine range will be familiar, featuring an updated iteration of the 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol at the bottom of the range, with the 1.5-litre ‘TSI Evo’ unit also available. Diesels will still feature prominently in the range in 1.6- and 2.0-litre form, while larger engine choices will also benefit from 48V mild-hybrid technology to improve efficiency.

With the VW Group’s extensive electrification programme spreading across brands, a plug-in hybrid Octavia is likely to be offered for the first time. However, the vRS performance brand is also still very much alive, so we should see more powerful options to make this the fastest Octavia yet.

Earlier in 2019, Skoda India's sales, service and marketing head, Zac Hollis, spoke to Autocar India and confirmed that the new Octavia will go on sale in India within 2020. When it arrives at the very end of next year, the new Skoda Octavia will compete with the like of the Honda Civic and recently updated Hyundai Elantra.