Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI
Skoda's Class-leader and Driver Power champion 2011 is thrilling to drive and spacious. But can it hold on to its crown?
Any maker who calls its family model Superb is taking a big risk – but Skoda was confident enough in its second-generation machine to retain the famous name.
When it arrived in 2009, the Superb lived up to its badge by shooting straight to the top of the class. The estate followed suit a year later, so this is the car that Peugeot has to beat if it wants the new 508 to take glory here.
On the outside, the Skoda is a traditional estate, with a boxy profile. However, its neat details and well judged proportions ensure it isn’t outshone by more sleekly styled rivals. Elegance trim includes xenon lamps and smart alloys, and the Superb’s chrome grille and imposing stance lend it a classy and distinctive appearance.
The cabin has a simple layout, high-quality switchgear and a generous kit list. Flagship trim includes an intuitive touchscreen interface for the stereo and standard sat-nav, while leather upholstery and heated front seats also feature. Passenger space is unrivalled in this class, and rear legroom is particularly generous.
Boot space is ample, too. The 633-litre load area increases to an enormous 1,865 litres when the rear seats are folded. A variety of load-securing rails, bars and straps, plus a user-friendly cover, make it the ultimate carrier.
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Up front, the driving position offers a wide range of adjustment, although because the electric motors sit under the seat, it can’t be set as low as a manually adjustable version. Still, it’s easy to find a comfortable position from which to enjoy the Skoda’s excellent dynamics.
The 2.0-litre TDI is available in 138bhp and 168bhp versions. The former, tested here, offers plenty of pace. It powers the Superb from 0-60mph in 10.1 seconds, matching the Peugeot exactly. Punchy in-gear responses rank the Skoda slightly ahead of the VW, but behind the rest of the cars on test. It feels lively from behind the wheel, with plenty of mid-range thrust for overtaking.
But what really marks the Skoda out as something special is the way it drives. It mixes comfort and refinement with engaging handling. The steering is light at low speeds, but weighty and precise when you up the pace. And with a positive gearshift and progressive brakes, all of the major controls have a well engineered feel.
In bends, the big Czech machine’s body roll is well controlled, and grip is impressive – in this company, only the dynamic Mondeo is as capable or agile. The nose tucks in neatly as you lift off the throttle, and the chassis maintains its composure impressively over mid-corner bumps.
The only downside to Superb ownership is its emissions – the 138bhp diesel puts out a hefty 145g/km of CO2. That has implications for company car drivers, who will have to fork out more to run the Skoda than its cheaper and cleaner rivals – so is it worth the extra?
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Chart position: 1
WHY: Our favourite family car is also the class-leading load carrier, with an impressive mix of space, performance and value.
