Skip advert
Advertisement

Final: Skoda Superb vs Renault Scenic

MPV champ meets our top hatch in epic battle. Will it go to penalties?

OVERALL WINNER: Skoda Superb (£16,665-£27,875)
beat Volkswagen Golf in the semi final

RUNNER-UP: Renault Scenic (£14,703-£23,637)
beat Citroen C3 Picasso in the semi final

Making it through to a final of this magnitude is a huge achievement in itself – but having come this far, neither of our contenders will want to go home empty-handed.

Advertisement - Article continues below

After negotiating the group stages, and then two knock-out rounds, our final is contested by a model from one of the most established sectors of the new car market and another from one of the youngest…

As a compact MPV, the Renault Scenic is designed to be family friendly. But the Skoda Superb has a much wider brief. It’s expected to play the role of family model and executive saloon – which only adds to its appeal.

Yes, the Scenic’s flexible seats and versatile interior will attract plenty of customers, but the Superb has even more space for occupants and luggage without resorting to sliding seats and underfloor cubbies. As a result, the Renault only gets the nod if you’re on a budget or limited with parking space.

Much has been made of Skoda’s performance in Auto Express’s annual Driver Power satisfaction surveys. It was voted the best brand in our 2009 poll, on account of its brilliant dealer network and its ability to keep owners happy. In contrast, Renault finished in last place overall – and that represents a massive own goal here.

In fact, the closer you look, the further the Skoda pulls ahead. The Superb’s engine line-up is second to none, and there’s the added benefit of VW’s optional DSG twin-clutch gearbox. Capable, low-emission diesels under the Scenic’s bonnet keep the score looking respectable, but the Skoda’s versatility is hard to ignore. It can turn its hand to virtually anything – from entertaining the driver and cosseting passengers to impressing onlookers and carrying huge loads.

The Renault feels one-dimensional in comparison. While it’s an incredibly capable family carrier, it’s compromised when performing other tasks. Plus, the Scenic falls down on resale values and cabin quality, on top of dealer service.

Skoda is no longer an emerging World Cup nation. The Superb’s victory cements its place in the family car elite.

Skip advert
Advertisement
In This Review

Our latest car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,080Avg. savings £3,600 off RRP*Compare Offers
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,155Avg. savings £2,485 off RRP*Compare Offers
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,505Avg. savings £3,518 off RRP*Compare Offers
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,710Avg. savings £2,338 off RRP*Compare Offers
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Suicidally, Jaguar is opening the door for Tesla and BYD to pick off the best of its dealerships
Opinion - Jaguar

Suicidally, Jaguar is opening the door for Tesla and BYD to pick off the best of its dealerships

Mike Rutherford thinks it's been a difficult few months for the British car industry
Opinion
8 Dec 2024
Skoda Elroq review
Skoda Elroq - front

Skoda Elroq review

The Skoda Elroq is even more appealing than the bigger Skoda Enyaq, and just as brilliant
In-depth reviews
9 Dec 2024
Car Deal of the Day: Ford’s Capri coupe-SUV is a great fit for families at this price
Ford Capri - front action

Car Deal of the Day: Ford’s Capri coupe-SUV is a great fit for families at this price

Ford’s Capri has been revived, this time as a family-friendly coupe-SUV. It’s our Deal of the Day for 8 December
News
8 Dec 2024