Skoda Superb   Women's view

Motoring writer June Neary checks out Skodas Impressive Superb

All of this surprising Skoda stuff is getting a little boring. If youre reading this page, then you likely already know that this Czech maker produces some pretty impressive cars these days and none more so than the model Ive been checking out here the Superb. This is supposedly a medium range Mondeo-sized family saloon: at least, thats the way its priced. Check out the room in the back however and its much more akin to cars from the next class up BMWs 5-Series, Audis A6 and so on. Of course, if you dont care about back seat space, thats not going to attract you very much. You might also be put off by the fact that there are no hatchback or estate bodystyle options (hasnt Skoda missed a trick there?).

But what you cant get away from is that this car, like every other Skoda, offers quite outstanding value for money. And on that basis, you may well feel like I did, that its a car you just cant ignore.

The Superb is based on a stretched mkV VW Passat, something you could guess quite easily from a casual glance, either inside or out. The efforts to Skoda-ise the design are a bit more half-hearted than with some of the Czech companys other models but then thats all to the buyers benefit. What Skoda influence there is has been neatly integrated and the latest cars benefit from a series of minor revisions. redesigned radiator grille, updated to give it a more 3-dimensional look.

The turn indicators have been integrated into the wing mirrors and the front indicators have been combined with the headlamps. Similar to those of the koda Roomster and the Octavia, the tail lights are C-shaped, giving the Superb rear view a more distinct character. Inside, theres a redesigned dashboard configuration on all trim levels and the instruments clusters are backlit with very gentle white light. Once I seated myself inside, the first thing that struck me was the wood trim actually done rather well.

Adorning the dashboard and the doors, the dark timber is tasteful and Germanic.

Most buyers will go for the smaller engine options. Petrol-wise, these include the Octavias familiar 115bhp 2.0-litre and 150bhp 1.8 Turbo units.

Diesel buyers meanwhile, get a 1.9-litre 115bhp TDI, a 2.0-litre 140bhp and the 160bhp 2.5-litre V6 TDI to choose from.

Theres no four-wheel drive option but you can specify the excellent 5-speed Tiptronic automatic widely used on up-market Audis. Since this car is, as I said, based on the fifth generation VW Passat, I wasnt expecting a particularly involving driving experience and I didnt get one. Still, the ride is pretty good even by modern standards thanks to Skodas careful tweaking of the four-link strut and torsion beam suspension. Its certainly difficult to imagine anyone getting out of shape in one, particularly as ESP Electronic Stability Control is standard.

Much better to just sit back and enjoy the inviting cabin. Most of the extra 95mm in length over the standard Passat has been donated towards the cause of extra legroom and it makes lots of difference. Sadly, the boot capacity is no different to an ordinary Passats (462 litres) but you can at least extend it by using the easily-to-operate split-folding rear seats. Its even possible to fold the front passengers seat flat for particularly long items.

If you want to go further, youll be wanting an estate but there are no plans for one: yet.

Prices lie in the £13,955 to £22,540 bracket, which makes this car something of a steal. The 2.8-litre V6 193bhp unit develops an impressive 206 Ib/ft of torque and is the largest engine on offer or at least it will be until someone gets round to sticking the W8s 4.0-litre V8 under the bonnet.

But I cant see why anyone would want to when this one makes sixty in 8.0s on the way to 147mph? A bit of a downside is the fuel consumption: I struggled to average much more than about 28mpg. Four trim levels are being offered Classic, Comfort, Elegance and Laurin and Klement and all include electric windows, air-conditioning and a trip computer. Go for the Elegance and you can expect to find xenon headlamps, a premium CD stereo system, leather trim, satellite navigation, rain-sensing wipers, climate-controlled air conditioning, 17" alloy wheels and electric seats with a memory function.

Skoda, as we all know, has changed out of all recognition over the last five years. And yes, the Superb is just as good as the other VW-inspired designs which have gone before it. Forget the surprising Skoda rubbish. This is a great car.

Full stop.