Skoda Superb lives up to title

Introduction

With a name like Superb, Skoda's biggest saloon is going to have be pretty special. This third-generation model does a reasonably decent job living up to that moniker, with more space than ever, a beautifully finished interior and a decent driving experience. If only it looked a little bit more distinctive, as among its rivals it falls into the rather forgettable category.

What are its rivals?

If you're looking at a Superb then it's likely you'll have looked at the mainstream saloon and hatchback offerings from numerous firms. Think Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall's new Insignia, the Citroen C5, Peugeot 407, Renault Laguna and, hell, even its cousin the Volkswagen's Passat along with a host of Japanese alternatives. The Superb solves the problem of producing both a hatchback and a saloon model, Skoda engineering a system called 'Twindoor' that allows you to choose from either a hatchback opening or a saloon one. Neat, admittedly, but perhaps a solution to a question nobody asked?

How does it drive?

The Superb is huge, but it belies its size on the road. The 2.0-litre turbodiesel here is the 168bhp common-rail version, giving the big Skoda plenty of punch. Lower output 1.9 and 2.0-litre turbodiesels are also offered, but they use Volkswagen's old Pumpe Duse technology and lack this 2.0-litre common-rail's refinement.

The steering is decently weighted and although it's not a car that's likely to be hustled down a country road the Superb does a rather fine job with neat body control, precise steering and a neutral, balanced stance. Where it really majors though is on comfort, the Superb doing a good impression of a car in the premium class above with its big-car feel and comfort.

What's impressive?

What's not?

Should I buy one?

Kyle Fortune

Specs