Skoda Superb review - MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Despite it being a large, luxurious car, the Superb shouldn’t cost much more than a Skoda Octavia to run. The most efficient model is the 148bhp 2.0-litre TDI with a manual gearbox – CO2 emissions sit at 103g/km and it’ll return a claimed 49.6 to 56.5mpg in base S trim. These decent figures are for the hatchback version, but the estate doesn’t lose out too much. Go for the DSG gearbox and you’ll sacrifice a few miles per gallon.

In fact, all diesel Superb models are fairly economical for their size, weight and performance. The less powerful 1.6 TDI should easily return fuel economy in the mid forties, while the more powerful version of the 2.0-litre TDI will return high thirties. CO2 emissions are relatively low too but you’ll have to make sure the AdBlue tank is kept topped-up to maintain this.

Petrol buyers know to expect reduced economy and increased CO2 emissions but the Superb still manages to stay competitive. The 1.5 TSI added to the range in 2019 is an efficient unit that can return up to 43.5mpg on average in SE hatch models; CO2 emissions for this model sit at 120g/km.

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Climb the range or choose an estate and these figures will suffer slightly but not unduly. It’s worth noting that the identically engined Volkswagen Passat 1.5 TSI in SEL spec returned marginally better economy when we tested both against the now-discontinued Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport 1.6 petrol – which itself was more powerful yet more efficient that either VW Group product.

Even the least efficient Superb manages to keep things sensible – a top-spec 2.0 TSI 272PS DSG 4X4 Laurin & Klement estate will emit 161g/km and return 30.4 to 32.8mpg on average.

Insurance groups

The 1.6 TDI is the cheapest Superb to insure thanks to a group 12 rating, although the Greenline is group 13. The mid-range performers fall into groups 18/19, while the 187bhp TDI is group 24 and the performance flagship 276bhp 2.0 TSI is group 27. 

Depreciation

In June 2015, CAP compared the likely depreciation of the Superb to the Ford Mondeo, Hyundai i40, Vauxhall Insignia, Citroen C5, Toyota Avensis and Peugeot 508 – declaring the Skoda the clear winner. Depending on model you can expect to keep 40-49 per cent of the original price after three years.