Used Skoda Superb Mk2 review

Skoda Superb Mk2

History

The Superb Mk2 arrived in September 2008 with 1.4 TSI, 1.8 TSI or 3.6 V6 petrol engines, or 1.9 TDI (GreenLine) and 2.0 TDI diesels, the latter with 140bhp or 170bhp. Skoda also offered the 1.8 TSI, 2.0 TDI 170 and 3.6 V6 with 4WD.

The same engines were available in the estate, introduced in February 2010; at the same time the 2.0 TDI 140 diesel received common-rail fuel injection to improve refinement and economy. In August that year, the 1.9 TDI GreenLine made way for a 1.6 TDI GreenLine.

A facelift in summer 2013 brought redesigned lighting and more efficient engines. Then SE Business trim arrived in April 2014, with sat-nav, cruise control and Bluetooth. Skoda introduced an all-new Superb Mk3 in 2015. 

Which one should I buy?

A diesel Superb is the perfect cruiser, but if you do mainly short journeys, go for a petrol model to avoid diesel particulate filter (DPF) problems. If you’re buying to tow, a four-wheel-drive model is ideal, while the DSG auto box is lovely to use.

All Superbs are well equipped; there were initially three trim levels (S, SE and Elegance) with SE Plus then SE Business arriving later. The S has alloy wheels, powered windows all round, an eight-speaker stereo and air-con. SE adds a multifunction steering wheel, rear parking sensors, Alcantara trim, cruise and climate control plus electrically folding door mirrors. Elegance spec has bi-xenon lights, sat-nav, electrically adjustable heated front seats, leather trim and tyre-pressure monitoring.

Alternatives to the Skoda Superb Mk2

To enjoy similar cabin space to the Superb, you need to be in the executive segment, which means cars such as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class – all of which cost much more.

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Price-wise, the closest rivals to the Skoda are large saloons, hatchbacks and estates such as the Ford Mondeo, Toyota Avensis and Vauxhall Insignia, all of which have less interior space.

If you’re looking for an estate, the Volvo V70 is a spacious car that’s also very safe and well built, on top of which it represents good value as a used buy. Don’t overlook the Volkswagen Passat, either: this is related to the Skoda, but is more expensive and less roomy. 

What to look for

Alloys

All Superbs have alloys, but some corrode beneath the lacquer. Dealers often replace these under warranty. 

Keyless

The ‘KESSY’ keyless entry system sometimes refuses to acknowledge the key, meaning the car won’t start 

Badges

Skoda badges can corrode noticeably. The only fix is to replace them; some have been done under warranty.

No spare

There is no spare as standard, just a repair kit. A full-size spare usually fits in the well, though, depending on spec. 

Interior

The Superb is incredibly spacious inside, particularly in the rear, with a clearly laid out, solidly constructed and well equipped cabin. Five-doors have a ‘Twindoor’ rear end, allowing the bootlid to be opened either in a regular saloon fashion or as a full hatch tailgate, giving access to the vast 1,670-litre boot with the seats folded. Estate models can stow a massive 1,865 litres. 

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Running costs

Superb owners can choose fixed or variable servicing. A car with the latter is much cheaper to run; the fixed intervals are every 12 months or 10,000 miles, but variable servicing can double this to two years or 18,000 miles. Either way, check-ups alternate between minor and major, priced at £159 and £279.

Diesels have a cambelt that needs replacing at between 90,000 and 140,000 miles or four/five years depending on engine; budget £389 for this.

Replace the brake fluid and service the air-con every two years, budgeting £54 and £79 respectively. 

Recalls

First of all, some 1.6 TDI and 2.0 TDI engines are included in the VW Dieselgate scandal. You can check if a potential buy has been updated on the Skoda website.

DSG Superbs built from September 2008 to August 2009 were called back in December 2009 due to drive being lost; a software update fixed this. And examples with the 2.0 TDI engine made from January 2009 to December 2011 were recalled for possible fuel leaks. 

Driver Power owner satisfaction

Fourth place in our Driver Power 2017 used car satisfaction survey underlines the Skoda’s breadth of talents. These are highlighted by first place for practicality, second for interior and comfort, plus third place for safety features. The lowest score of 24th was for exterior finish – still better than the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.

Verdict

The Superb lives up to its name; it’s no wonder owners love it. The car topped our Driver Power satisfaction survey in 2011 – one of four consecutive podium finishes. We’ve handed it a raft of other trophies, too, including Best Family Car and Best Estate three times in a row at our annual New Car Awards. The only fly in the ointment for some will be the Superb’s size; unless you’re using it as a family car it’ll probably be too big. It’s 484cm long, so you’ll need a large garage to accommodate one of these king-sized Skodas. Still, the generous dimensions ensure excellent stability when you’re towing, while the massive boot and cabin mean you’ll never be short of carrying capacity.