There has been so much advanced positive editorial reviews about the new Superb that I really didn’t know what to expect when a car eventually arrived for me to test.Apologies I missed the official press launch as I was away on holiday seeking some sunshine, but for the record all the initial praise seems to be justified.
Certainly the new Skoda Superb is an imposing and striking car, a worthy flagship for the Czech brand. The way new car sales are being hit at the moment it comes at an opportune time for some customers looking for high spec models and at a bad time for budget brand buyers.
Unlike other Skoda models, where they have made their mark by having a low price, the new Superb doesn’t appear to have any price advantage over say the Passat saloon on which the architecture is loosely based or indeed the market leading Mondeo hatchback.
The Superb prices run from £15,490 to £26,675, mainstream Passat saloon model prices run from £15,860 to £27,015 and Mondeo hatchbacks from £15,695 to £25,795.
Where the Superb scores is on its interior space, exceptional room for five adult passengers and huge boot and load area space to match. The new Twindoor boot/hatch design is sure to be followed by others, not least of all family members Volkswagen and perhaps even Audi –who knows.
The clever Skoda designers and engineers have re-engineered the VW family floorpan and made the car slightly longer than the Passat saloon at 4,838mm. This gives improved access and really generous leg and headroom for rear passengers, important in a car of this size.
The styling looks upmarket and has a polished luxury image. Let us hope the badge snobs don’t cut off their noses to spite their face as the saying goes, they will be missing out on a great opportunity to buy a great car.
With a wide range of engine options there is a Superb to suit most of the main requirements from a car that will predominately be used by business people and now it has the image to match.
My test model is the one Skoda expects to be the most popular in the UK, the Superb SE 2.0 TDI PD 140bhp six-speed manual priced at £19,030 on the road. But with options such as satellite navigation, floor mats!!!!!, Park Assist, Sunset glass the final price was £21,335. So as you can see the Skoda price advantage over the competition is not really there any longer, for the Superb anyway.
The specification is high though and even includes the limousine function of having an umbrella stowed in the rear door. The goodies list seems endless so the new owners will get lots of car for their money. I will just pick out the main items as a matter of record.
There are 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, subtle chrome trim, electrically operated door mirrors with integrated indicators, front fog lights and Halogen headlights. Inside there are heads rests for all five seats, an eight speaker sound system, air conditioning which includes the glovebox, front, side and curtain airbags, electrically operated front and rear side windows, electronic stability programme, executive style armrests, trip computer, remote central locking, leather trimmed steering wheel and gear knob/gaiter and split folding rear seats to make the best use of the rear tailgate and huge load space.
Whilst the standard fit umbrella is a bonus, paying extra for floor mats in a non premium brand car is not on. Overall the quality of the Superb is excellent and it no longer looks or feels like the poor relation of Volkswagen.
As for the performance? Well the engine is nothing new. It is the older 2.0-litre TDI diesel unit from the VW family, not the new, much quieter and livelier direct injection 2.0-litre unit used in the Audi A4 and VW Passat and Tiguan SUV for instance.
The Superb gives a hushed drive despite the sometimes noisy engine which is flat at low speeds but has good mid range response, a characteristic of this unit I’m afraid. Top speed is 128mph and zero to 62mph takes 10.2 seconds. Fuel economy is potentially good at officially 47.9mpg, 42.1mpg in real life. Emissions are 155g/km giving it a Vehicle Excise Duty Band D rating which costs £145 a year.
Ride comfort is first rate and long journeys are effortless. The suspension is compliant but the handling feels lazy and over some poorer surfaces the ride is fidgety. It is not as sharp or as nimble as the latest Mondeo, but for most people this will be of no concern.
Rear visibility, due to the three rear head restraints and shape of the tailgate window, is poor so the parking sensors are important. There is no rear tailgate wiper either.
The Skoda Superb might not quiet live up to its name but it scores heavily for passenger and load space, stylish good looks, high levels of equipment and clever boot/tailgate.
But in a declining market it will have to compete very hard indeed to move customers out of Mondeos or stop them buying the new Insignia. Financially it’s a tough time but the first indication of sales is that the Superb will do well
Skoda Superb MILESTONES
Skoda Superb SE 2.0 TDI PD 140bhp 6-speed, (Main selling model)
Price: £19,030 or £21,335 as tested
Engine/transmission: 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel 140bhp, 320Nm from 1,800rpm, 6-speed manual gearbox
Performance: 128mph, 0-62mph 10.2 seconds, CO2 155g/km
VED: Band D £145
Benefit in Kind tax: 22%
Insurance group: 9E
Towing weight braked: 1,800kg
For: Interior space, user-friendly Twindoor boot/hatch, high levels of specification, good quality, imposing styling
Against: Noisy engine, poor rear visibility, size could be too big for some loyal Skoda owners, even floor mats cost extra
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