FORGET the jokes...size DOES matter - especially when it comes to estate cars.

And the model that's about to lead the space race is the new Skoda Superb Estate which hits the showrooms in September.

Priced at just under the important £20,000 mark, it can pack in no less 1,950 litres of luggage which is even more than the commodious VW Passat estate or the equivalent Mondeo.

In fact it's on a par with the prestigious E-Class Mercedes.

In addition to being roomier than rivals - and also the outgoing Superb estate - it manages to be sleeker with smooth flowing lines, a rakish rear and a nose which possesses genuine road presence.

A range of petrol and diesel engine are available for the model that's know as the Combi in Europe, but expect the diesel 1.6litre and 2.0litre diesels to be the best sellers in Britain.

The 1.6 diesel produces 118bhp and the two diesel 2.0 litre models knock out 148bhp and 187bhp. The smallest petrol estate is the 1.4TSI which develops 148bhp.

Most versions are available with either manual six-speed or DSG automatic transmission and there are no fewer than five levels of trim. Selected versions are available with four wheel drive.

The flagship model is the £31,840 Laurin & Klemin, named after the founders of Skoda.

The Estate makes its entrance just a couple of weeks after the similarly smart-looking new Superb hatchback and costs £1,200 more.

In many ways, it's an even more important model than the hatch as the outgoing Estate accounted for nearly three-quarters of Superb sales in Britain.

Built on the latest VW Group MBQ platform, which is shared with the Passat and Golf, the design blends strength and lightness which benefits handling, economy and refinement. The wheelbase is the same as the hatch so there are acres of legroom in the back. Headroom is marginally better thanks to the lengthened roofline.

Despite being 23mm longer than the last model and 47mm wider, the latest version manages to weigh in at up to 75kg lighter.

Unlike the old Estate, the tailgate is steeply raked giving it a more Audi-like profile which is sportier and more classy. It makes offerings such as the Passat and Golf estates from its more expensive breother in the group look decidedly staid in comparison.

The rear load deck is vast - 3.1m long with rear seats folded to be exact. To make the area completely flat, a double platform is available otherwise there's a small step that interrupts the level surface.

In usual Skoda fashion, there are a number of slick and innovative features that marketing people have labelled ‘simply clever'.

A couple of folding brollies are concealed in the front door armrests for unexpected rainfalls, you'll find a magnetic torch stored in the boot and a tow-bar pops out at a touch of a button then disappears out of sight with a gentle lick of the foot.

There are also iPad holders in the back of the front seats for the benefit or rear seat passengers.

But the feature that took the biscuit for me was the neat brackets with a sort of Velcro-style pad that stick to the luggage platform and prevent cases or shopping rattling around the boot. Why has nobody thought of this before?

Best seller in UK is likely to be the 148bhp diesel which is priced at between £23,235 in SE trim and £29,885 as an L&K version.

This is an accomplished all-rounder with a smooth flow of power that allows it to see off 60mph in less than nine seconds yet sip fuel at a rate of 68.9mpg (officially at least). Emissions of just 109g/km make it one of the class leaders. Top speed is 135mph.

It is quiet, effortless and pleasantly free from wind noise. Add the optional DSG automatic transmission, complete with steering wheel paddles, and it becomes still more stress-free.

If you want a bit more of a kick in the back, there's a 188bhp version of the same engine which slices a second or so off the 0-62mph times and adds another 7mph. But economy slips to an official 55.6mpg with emissions of 135g/km.

The real surprise was the baby of the group - the 1.4 TSi with its clever cylinder de-activation system.

It's uncannily silent and with enough punch to hit 62mph in 10 seconds and go on to 128mph, it will suit most families perfectly, particularly those who cover modest mileages. The revs need to be maintained but it's smooth and sounds good.

There are bound to be those who feel that they couldn't have a Skoda parked in their drive.

For the badge snobs, only an Audi, BMW or Merc will do. For the rest of us, the new Superb Estate represents incredible value and a seriously good driving experience.

At last, a Skoda that you buy with the heart as well as the head.