Skoda SUPERB 1.8T RANGE
Skodas Superb 1.8T Is Much More Than A VW Passat With A Big Grille. Andy Enright Takes A Look.
1995 really doesnt seem that long ago, does it? The world really hasnt changed a whole lot since then. Unless, that is, you work for
Skoda. Back in 95 their idea of a flagship vehicle was 67bhp worth of 1.3-litre Felicia which is to the Superb what Davids sling is to a laser-guided bunker buster.
The futures come crashing into Skoda in a big way.
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We mean big as well. Despite being powered by a modest four-cylinder engine, the Superb 1.8T has 150bhp to play with, more than enough to propel the hulking fuselage at autobahn speeds. With 100mm more in the wheelbase than a
Volkswagen Passat,
Skoda are quite literally offering more car for your money.
When stacked up against the Passat, the Superb works out at around £400 cheaper model for model, the 1.8T Classic opening at £14,950 with the plush 1.8T Comfort variant available at £16,350. This turbocharged powerplant is, after the entry-level 2.
0-litre, the second engine in a five-strong line up and looks set to be the most popular. If youre after typical Skoda value it doesnt make sense to spend a fortune, but the 1.8T is a markedly superior offering than the 2.0-litre version and worth the premium.
Its an unusual engine, refined at speed but with a curiously uncouth diesel-like clatter on startup, endowed with generous levels of torque but throughout a relatively narrow band.
"If youre after typical Skoda value it doesnt make sense to spend a fortune."
Nevertheless, the Superb 1.8T has enough about it to create a convincing first impression. Only automotive Philistines will laugh at the badge, and the huge front grille imparts a certain degree of gravitas. Its almost as if Skoda is being gratuitously unapologetic.
The Skoda badge is mounted loud and proud in the middle of acres of chrome, looming large in the rear view mirrors of dozily grazing
Vauxhall Omegas,
Peugeot 607s and
Volvo V70s. Being able to rattle off the sprint to 60mph in a mere 9.5 seconds gives you an indication as to the big Czechs verve, whilst a top speed of 134mph means that normal motorway cruising is reassuringly unstressed. The emphasis is very much on comfort, the Superb not being averse to a bit of pitch and roll should you get a little medieval with the pedals and steering wheel.
Drive smoothly, surf the turbochargers bow wave of torque and the Skoda is far happier. As with the Passat, you shouldnt expect a particularly involving driving experience. Still, most buyers will find the ride to be truly excellent 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.
Refinement is good although those migrating from a Passat will note a little more engine noise and road vibration than they were used to. If this is the worst example of cost cutting in the Superbs make-up then Skoda have achieved a truly superb result. What Skoda influence there is has been neatly integrated: the restyled bonnet and trapezoidal headlamps are all detail changes. The wider cabin and unique small rear side windows represent more fundamental improvements. Move inside and the first thing that strikes you is the wood trim. I remember laughing the first time I saw wood in a Skoda (an after-market package fitted to a Felicia a few years ago) but theres nothing remotely funny about this.
Adorning the dashboard and the doors, the dark timber is tasteful and Germanic. Whereas the Octavias cabin seems to have been kept deliberately drab to preserve Passat sales, this one seems almost as good as anything from the German marques stable. As you might expect, most of that extra wheelbase length 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. For the drivers its all very plush, thanks to a multi-function leather-coated steering wheel that adjusts for both rake and reach. Both trim levels offer electric windows, air conditioning and a trip computer. Plus of course you can order leather seats and satellite navigation should you want it, although the relatively unexceptional 202g/km CO2 showing may dissuade corporate buyers from reaching any further into their pockets.
Whichever way you choose to view it, the Skoda Superb 1.8T is one of the key contenders for your money if you want a combination of quality, size and affordability. Its not the greatest drivers car to ever turn a wheel but it scores well on the qualities that many buyers in this sector value. Chairman of the Board looks for photocopier service representative money? Thats about the size of it.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Skoda Superb 1.8T range
PRICES: £14,950-£16,350 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 11
CO2 EMISSIONS: 202g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 9.5s / Max Speed 134mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 34mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm 4803/1765/1469mm
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