Skoda Superb Estate review
The Skoda Superb is our class-leader due to its huge boot, luxurious cabin and great line-up of engines
The Skoda Superb is the firm's range-topping model and it certainly doesn't disappoint. Included in the value price-tag is a quality cabin with plenty of space for passengers and cargo as well as a comfortable and refined drive with an advanced engine line-up.
Our choice: Superb Estate 2.0 TDI 140 Elegance
Styling
The Superb is one of the few cars on the road which arguably looks better as an estate than it does as a saloon. The extended roof-line curves gently into a sleek and elegant rear end. Roof-rails also come as standard on all models. Entry-level 'S' models get a set of stylish alloy wheels and fog-lights included. The rear seats in the Superb boast limousine amounts of legroom thanks to a long wheelbase. Interior quality is class-leading for this price bracket too. All switches and buttons feel well put together and soft-touch materials help create a luxurious feel. Basic 'S' models come equipped with air-con, hill-start assist and electric windows. 'Elegance' trim gives you all the kit you'll ever need including sat-nav and full leather upholstery with heated front seats.
Driving
The Superb Estate range kicks off with a 1.4 TSI petrol engine with 123bhp. The unit is supercharged and turbocharged meaning it still delivers an impressive 0-62mph time of 10.6 seconds. If you're covering lots of miles the refined diesels are a good choice, particularly the 2.0 TDI 140 which delivers a great blend of performance and economy. The Superb Estate is no sports car but through corners it impresses with very little body roll and plenty of grip. The Superb's most impressive asset is the comfortable ride though.
Reliability
The Superb has a reputation for reliability and there's nothing to suggest the Estate will be any different. Eveything certainly feels bulletproof and many of the components are used throughout the Volkswagen Group range without any problems. There’s no doubting the Skoda’s strength, as a five-star EuroNCAP rating proves. All versions get ESP, seven airbags and ISOFIX seats. You can also splash extra cash on adaptive headlamps and tyre pressure monitoring.
Practicality
This really is the Superb Estate's trump card. Boot space is 595-litres, which beats everything else in this class, including the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia. Best of all the rear seats fold down incredibly easily to free up 1,865-litres of load space. Also included in the boot is a rechargeable and removable torch.
Running Costs
The Superb is a big car so you won't find any stunning economy figures but the most frugal unit is the 1.6 TDI which claims a combined 54.3mpg. In Greenline trim this number improves to 64.2mpg and a CO2 emissions figure of 114g/km which means free road tax for a year. To keep running costs low avoid 4x4 models, automatic gearboxes and the crazy 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine.
For an alternative review of the latest Skoda Superb Estate visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk
