Skoda Superb (Old) | Driver Power 2009 | Car Reviews

2Skoda Superb (Old)91.13%

Here’s another successful Driver Power debutant. Its successor has only just arrived, yet the old Superb is proving to be a hard act to follow. It has helped to secure a first place finish for Skoda in the manufacturer chart, too.

The key to its success is its strength in depth. Only for handling does it drop out of the top 50, due to the saloon’s large size and ageing platform. It’s hard to beat the build quality, which is rated as second only to the original Lexus IS.

The next highest rankings are for comfort, ride quality and ease of driving: it’s clear the Superb is one of the best long-distance mile-munchers around.

One surprising score is for practicality: 42nd is poor for a model with limo-like rear legroom. The only obvious drawback is the lack of a hatch – addressed by the all-new Superb’s unique dual tailgate and boot. With versatility improved, the Skoda could well achieve a similarly lofty score in 2010.

WINNER OF CLASS

Family

What a year for Skoda! It’s secured not only supermini victory but two family-sector podium positions, too. The Superb has pushed last year’s Driver Power winner, the Octavia, into second place. While the new Superb is grabbing the headlines, it’s the original car that has blown away rivals here due to its value, practicality, big boot and super-smooth ride. What’s more, used examples are available from £2,500! In third is the Rover 75 with its superb ride and British heritage. Ford will be disappointed that while the Mondeo hit a great 11th place in the Top 100, it manages only fourth in this class. Fifth goes to Subaru’s Legacy. If its running costs could be capped, it would shoot even further up the chart.

Your Quotes

“I feel smug when I read about reliability problems with so-called premium cars. My Superb is approaching 160,000 miles and is still an absolute pleasure to drive.”

Norman Collier, East London