It may be the disguise that makes it look larger than the model before it.

Skoda has just unveiled the updated Superb lineup as well as the all electric Citigo. But the biggest surprise for 2019 is still to come. The all-new Octavia is coming soon. This year, Skoda celebrates its 60 ^th anniversary. Bernhard Maier (the automaker’s boss), made the announcement at Skoda’s annual press conference earlier in the year. New spy photos from the stunning Alps show the fourth iteration for the modern Octavia.

This prototype is also the wagon version, as it was with most of the other prototypes seen in recent weeks. It appears to be wearing the entire production body. The Octavia Combi’s front and rear are still camouflaged. Skoda put fake panels on the bodywork and painted them white to fool us into thinking the test vehicle was unidentified.

The faux stickers cover even the headlights. However, the continuous LED daytime running lights at bottom of the clusters can be seen and confirm Skoda’s decision to return to traditional headlights rather than keeping the O3 FL’s split design. Side note: I am the owner of an outgoing Octavia and can confirm that the headlight assembly is still a single piece, even though it appears split from the outside.

The taillights appear to have been masked and are now extending from the tailgate. The tailgate has also been covered in the annoying white paneling that I mentioned earlier. However, there are some small cutouts that may make the reverse lights more visible. The prototype is braking and we can see some of the taillight graphics, which are quite different from the current Octavia Combi. The spoiler on the roof seems to be sticking out more than usual, but the exhaust remains completely hidden underneath the bumper.

Under the black-and-white disguise, the quarter glass and large portions of the rear column are still visible. However, we can see that the greenhouse won’t undergo any major changes. The Octavia wagon is a small car. We are curious if it will get any larger.

It is obvious that a wagon does not have roof rails. However, the production model will surely have them to store even more if the trunk is too small. The Combi can hold a staggering 610 liters (21.5 cubic ft), which is essentially midsize car territory.

When will the final version be available? Skoda has not yet released a date but the Octavia IV might be shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The VW Group may want to debut the new Golf in October before it releases its more practical Czech counterpart. Skoda’s current MQB model was the fourth to debut in 2012, after the VW Golf, Audi A3, SEAT Leon, and the VW Golf.