Superb Petrol

Colgate and Kellogg's make it clear on their packets that they don't make products for anyone else. They feel the need to tell you this so you don't buy the cheaper, larger supermarket own brand produce in the belief that there's no difference.

Auto Express Car Reviews

March 2002

Colgate and Kellogg's make it clear on their packets that they don't make products for anyone else. They feel the need to tell you this so you don't buy the cheaper, larger supermarket own brand produce in the belief that there's no difference.

Sadly for Volkswagen, it can't claim the same with its Passat now that Skoda has borrowed all the best VW ingredients for its new family saloon. To make up for the lack of brand image that its German counterpart is blessed with, Skoda has made its four-door bigger and cheaper, too.

We were impressed by the diesel Superb we sampled in Issue 687, but it's the entry-level petrol cars which will offer the serious value and are set to make a big impact in the UK. For those of you unfamiliar with the Superb concept, the Czech manufacturer's flagship is a perfect blend of Passat and Skoda Octavia, with a hint of Audi A6 thrown in for good measure. It's not only good-looking, but also 100mm longer than the Passat with all the extra length installed between the wheels. It is also longer than the Audi and BMW's acclaimed 5-Series.

Does this mean the smaller petrol engines struggle to cope with a car this substantial? The smooth and torquey 150bhp, turbocharged 1.8T is undoubtedly the pick of the bunch. The unit combines decent performance with cleaner CO2 emissions - essential for company car drivers - and less fuel consumption than the entry-level 2.0-litre. But with a starting price likely to be less than