Skoda Superb stretches a point

What is it?

The Superb is Skoda's flagship model, offering limousine space for family car money. In this second generation model, Skoda has managed to find even more interior space, especially in the generous rear seats, while shortening the Superb's wheelbase to give it greater agility. There's also a less jelly-mould appearance to the new Superb, giving it a greater air of authority. Skoda is well aware that it will be families who make up the bulk of its customer base. To cover this angle, the Superb is no longer a saloon like its predecessor. No, it's a saloon and a hatch thanks to Skoda's clever Twindoor tailgate that can open in two ways to work as a smaller boot or larger hatch. And it goes to show the Superb is big and it is clever.

Is it any good?

The new Skoda Superb moves things on from the first generation model by providing even more rear leg room, which was far from meagre in the previous car. Just about the only person that might find leg space a touch lacking would be the World's Tallest Man. Just as impressive is the rest of the rear cabin space provided by Skoda. Even with the slight slope of the rear roof to accommodate the Twindoor tailgate there's ample headroom and it's possible to fit three adults in the back seat without cause for complaints. Out the back, the boot is stadium-sized and almost 25% bigger than the previous Superb's already large boot. Up front, the driver and passenger are treated to equally generous proportions of space as those in the rear. However, the big news in the front cabin is the sheer quality of the materials, fit and finish. If the Skoda badge were covered up, there would be no quibbles from us if we were told this was the cabin and dash of a new Audi executive saloon. It really is that good. On the road, the Superb does nothing to take the shine off of its polished cabin. There's a range of three petrol and three turbodiesel engines, and it's the diesels that will make up the bulk of sales. The 1.9-litre turbodiesel is feeling its age, but it will also be available in the Superb Greenline, which is an eco model with emissions of 136g/km of CO₂ and economy of 55.2mpg. The pick of the engines is the 2.0-litre turbodiesel with 138bhp. It's super-refined, offers easy acceleration and combined economy of 47.8mpg is impressive for a car of this size. A mix of Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Passat suspension components combine in the Superb to give it a well controlled ride that is unfazed by poor roads surfaces. There's plenty of grip and the Superb's steering is responsive enough to make this family car enjoyable on back roads, though it's not quite as agile as a Ford Mondeo. Only the range-topping 3.6 V6 model with its four-wheel drive lets the side down. Its ride never settles and the engine doesn't feel particularly potent until its revving harder than is often necessary.

Should I call the bank manager?

Skoda has yet to announce prices for the Superb ahead of its September launch in the UK, but expect it to cost between £16,000 and £24,000 depending on which engine you choose. There will be three trim options, covering Ambiente, Comfort and Elegance. Reckon on a 2.0 TDi Comfort coming in at around £18,500 and the Superb is great value compared to most rivals. For this much space, quality and comfort at attractive prices, you'll most likely find the bank manager ahead of you in the queue down at your local Skoda dealer.

Summary

Skoda has been a company in the ascendancy for some time now, and the Superb demonstrates that ably. It's a handsome car with acres of interior space, build quality to shame many far more expensive cars and a decent drive (so long as you avoid the 3.6 V6 model). With the ingenious Twindoor, the Czechs have side-stepped the whole saloon-or-hatch debate by offering both in one car. In doing so, they have avoided making the Superb neither one thing nor the other but comes up with a car that is brilliant at both.

Alisdair Suttie