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Skoda Superb estate vs Vauxhall Insignia Sports tourer

Skoda’s impressive Superb is now available as an estate. Is it good enough to take class honours from our current champion, Vauxhall’s Insignia Sports Tourer?

Skoda Superb estate vs Vauxhall Insignia

March 2010

Once upon a time, estate cars were mere workhorses that put luggage capacity ahead of image. But modern-day carriers need to be as stylish as their saloon stablemates, without compromising practicality. Buyers also demand agile handling and lots of comfort.

The Skoda Superb is an excellent machine, with an ingenious Twindoor boot system that allows it to function as both a saloon or hatch. But it’s no substitute for a real estate, which is why the Czech firm has now devised a dedicated carrier based on its award-winning family model.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Superb Estate

 

It combines incredible interior space and quality with capable handling and impressive comfort. Competition comes from Vauxhall’s Insignia Sports Tourer – our current estate car favourite.

Here, we test it in Exclusiv trim with ecoFLEX mechanicals. Featuring a turbodiesel engine, long gearing and aerodynamic tweaks, it promises to be kinder to the environment and reduce running costs.

So can Skoda’s new challenger really dethrone the champion?

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18 Comments

Skoda?

Skoda is cheap shit. Sorry, but it's true.

By Depp500 on 16 March, 2010, 2:05pm

Re-think Skoda

I assume that Depp500 also believes that diesels are noisy, dirty and slow...? Oh, and probably drives a BMW!

By redcell51 on 16 March, 2010, 3:13pm

Estate cars look better?

Interesting how most of the new estate cars look better than their saloon counterparts. Recent examples include the Merc E-class, new BMW 5 series, Honda Accord, and the two tested here.

The obvious exception is the hideous Mini Countryman.

Or is it just me?

By spindler1955 on 16 March, 2010, 10:35pm

Cheap shit E'h

We still get people showing their ignorance, and Depp500 is a prime example.
Skoda have always been good engineers until the Russians deprived them of resources & here the Vauxhall & Skoda comparison carried out by experts gives a good accurate measure of the car, ie punchy diesel engine, classy interior, good handling & residual values.
I used a Skoda Superb when my new Volvo V70 was in the garage, and from build quality to handling, it was better all round.

By Bobbybev on 16 March, 2010, 10:47pm

Lack of experience

The first comment by Depp500 shows he just does not know what he is talking about, but feels the need to post. Skoda build good quality cars, but are still seen by some rooted in the past as a low quality budget brand. Get over your predjudice. We run a late model Range Rover and a Skoda as a second car. It is one of the best cars I've come across, without the price premium and I would only replace it with another Skoda.

By Top90 on 17 March, 2010, 8:38am

Skoda is Audi

How I laughed - Depp is German for Chav!!! How very apt!! Its the A6 estate dumbo!!! An Audi for people who aren't thick as 2 short planks....

By dieselmerc on 18 March, 2010, 9:51am

Depp is a dill

Sorry to read Depp's comment - he/she must be a dill (read idiot). The current Skoda Superb has all the positive engineering of Audi and VW and is an excellent car. I have one and am vvvvery satisfied.

By SprightlyBob on 25 March, 2010, 6:43am

Depp is a dill

Sorry to read Depp's comment - he/she must be a dill (read idiot). The current Skoda Superb has all the positive engineering of Audi and VW and is an excellent car. I have one and am vvvvery satisfied.

By SprightlyBob on 25 March, 2010, 6:45am

Still ignorance

I have an Octavia Hatch 2.0TDI. I do about 1200 miles a week and it's great. The build quality certainly matches the VW Bora TDI 150 I had previously and its extremely practical. It's based on a MK5/6 Golf as many of you will know. Skoda's are part of the VW Groups budget devision. You know you're getting a good car. Depps comments are simply whoefull and misguided, perhaps even ignorant.

By pattouk2010 on 25 March, 2010, 8:11pm

Skoda Superb the names says it all

Depp 500 obviously has great literary ability.
What a compelling well reasoned argument.
I am sure he knows how to sign his name too. Is it one X or two?
I can only assume he works for Vauxhall otherwise he needs help.
The Skoda build quality is acknowledged to be amongst the best available at any price. Vauxhalls are as I know to my cost not well put together. Their reliabilty and customer satisfaction are well down on those of Skoda too.
There is not a finer estate than the Superb and it will give longer service than the Vauxhall too given the same treatment.
No I don't work for Skoda I happen to be keenly interested in all things auto related and to see this ignoramouses rant annoyed me.
Oh yes and the Skoda will hold onto more of your money for you as well

By Carmad3 on 28 March, 2010, 5:41pm

Depp Is An Arse

Depp is cheap shit. Sorry but it's true.

By ThereWillAlwaysBeArses on 28 March, 2010, 9:43pm

Most estate versions spoil the look of a car. But this one is very handsome. Top marks for Skoda. They can be proud of the styling of their range of cars. Ford take note!

By bigbazza on 30 March, 2010, 9:09am

Depp is up his own arse!

I have just ordered a new Superb on War Motability and am very happy with my choice. I tried Ford, Volvo, Mercedes, Kia, Hyundai, Vauxhall and BMW 3 series and a few others. After my road test in the Skoda there was no other car that matched it for comfort,handling,space,equipment and value for my money. The extras I would have needed to add to some others to bring them up to the Elegance standard ran in to 1000's of pounds. Oh and how many other cars on the market can park themselves?

By Troyjd on 20 April, 2010, 6:36pm

ninja

depp is a bigot as gordan brown would say.
I bet depp has never driven a skoda in the last 3 years our is super rich & only own a BMW

By twcom on 30 April, 2010, 10:35am

Hang on!

Dont tell him what a great car it is. He might buy one! Let's keep our secret.

By smithjohn666 on 12 May, 2010, 10:31pm

Skoda is shit ?

Well, in that case so is Audi, VW, Seat.
They all share the same components and quality control.
Knob.

By whynotaskod on 22 August, 2010, 7:15pm

how are skoda's shit?

im 17 and ive bought a passat estate for 40,000 just 2 months ago, but my parents drive a skoda and i still feel that their car is more confortable to drive than mine. yet i love estate cars and i feel are best for your money. depp is an arse. take your foot out of your mouth boy!

By estatelover on 2 September, 2010, 6:47pm

Skoda Superb 170BHP 4 x 4

Depp what a tool,
I have a 10 plate 4x4 170bhp superb in white, i have had it from new and get a new car every 2 years, due to doing 1000 miles per week,its now done 61000 miles in 17 months, never got stuck in snow and never let me down, this Skoda is awesome you need to get your facts right chum, dont knock it till you can afford one. 0 to 60 in 9 secs, 45 mpg if you dont leather it, i am allowed any car i want within reason, and am about to order another Superb 4 x 4 elegance estate for delivery march 1st 2012 cos delivery is 8 mths, think that tells a story.

By bikeskeithy1 on 20 August, 2011, 1:36pm

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Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer

Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer Exclusiv ecoFLEX

Sharp styling, eco credentials and a cheaper price present stiff challenge to the Superb.
Skoda Superb Elegance Estate

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Facts and Figures

Verdict

These two cars are incredibly well matched on paper. Whether you’re interested in price, power or pace, there’s not a lot between them. But once you put down the spec sheets the real differences begin to emerge – and there can only be one winner.

The Vauxhall is the more efficient choice and has lower emissions, but its eco credentials come at the expense of driveability. Its long-ratio gearbox means it’s relaxed on motorways, yet frustrating elsewhere. The Insignia looks great inside and out, but its cabin can’t match the quality, space or kit of its rival. And while the chassis is capable, it lacks feedback.

In contrast, the Superb is a big car that handles with impressive agility. It costs more than the Vauxhall, but its huge cabin, versatile load area, classy interior and flexible engine put it ahead of its rival.

1st - Skoda Superb estate
With a classy but cavernous interior, subtle styling and loads of standard kit, the Superb doesn’t put a foot wrong. But its abilities run  even deeper, as it’s also fun to drive thanks to a punchy diesel engine and controlled handling. Strong residual values boost its long-term credentials, too.

2nd - Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer
IN ecoFLEX trim there’s no denying the efficiency of the Insignia, but its extra-long gearing is actually a weakness as it highlights the lack of mid-range punch. While running costs are competitive, it can’t match the Skoda for practicality or as an ownership prospect.

 
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