Skoda’s most popular car will no longer have split headlights or a corporate logo.

Although we’ve seen spy shots of the next-generation Skoda Octavia have not yet seen the actual vehicle, all the prototypes that were out there were more practical wagon bodies. This is our first glimpse at the hatchback (or would you prefer the term liftback? As spotted by Auto.cz reader on the D11 highway in Czech Republic – Skoda’s home country.

Although it might seem that the prototype is completely unveiled, there is a lot camouflage in the same colour as the actual body to conceal the final design. We can still see some details, including the new one-piece headlights, which will replace the controversial split-shaped layout of the current model. The taillights are still hidden behind tape at the back. However, it is easy to see that the clusters will extend onto the tailgate’s gently curving shape.

Although it is not visible on the prototype, the Skoda emblem at the back of the new Octavia will be removed to allow for the company name in capital letters. The fourth-gen model, already one of the largest cars in the compact category, could be even larger to provide more cargo space and rear legroom.

Our friends at Auto.cz claim that Skoda will introduce the wagon first, and then wait for a while before introducing the liftback. Although it would seem odd to introduce the long-roof model first, it may make sense given that the Octavia Combi has been more popular in many European countries than the standard model.

We expect the wraps will come off towards the end and all its MQB compact siblings: the VW Golf, SEAT Leon, as well as the Audi A3.