What is it? Naming a vehicle is always a difficult one and while there is no denying a name like Superb creates a certain expectation Skoda’s flagship model lives up to it supremely.
Who is it aimed at? While it may be a long time since a roomy saloon was considered a proper family car the arrival of cars such as the cavernous Superb saloon should cause families to rethink. MPV’s and SUV may still be high on shopping lists but saloons like the Superb are all about room and comfort.
Styling The business-like exterior styling with its strong Germanic design lines is not the most exciting around.
Under the Bonnet We drove two Superb saloons one powered by a 1.4 petrol engine and the other by a powerful 2.0 litre diesel adorned in the lavish Laurin & Klement trim.
What’s it like inside Cars don’t get much more family friendly than this and the sheer space inside the Superb means for families that spend long hours travelling then this is the ideal car. The dash layout is functional and conservative but the feeling of quality is tangible.
With more leg room than any comparable car, to say it is generous simply doesn’t convey the abundant space. Rear passengers enjoy limo leg room and there is an exceptionally spacious cabin and boot. Our top-of-the-line Laurin & Klement version benefits from a truly lavish specification with alloy wheels, decorative ledge with L&K label, plaque with L&K logo on front side fender and leather seat covering (incl. headrests) front with L&K logotype.
On the Road Given the sheer size of the car and weight it is surprisingly good to drive. Both engines handle very well but the larger one copes better with the sheer bulk of this Skoda. While the Superb never feels fast and offers a stately rather than a sporty ride for soaking up motorway miles in comfort it is unbeatable.
Safety In the event of an accident, it is reassuring to know that the Superb comes equipped with seven airbags as standard and scored a 5-star NCAP rating for occupant safety.
Fuel Economy Fuel economy on all models is very good, and in the case of the 1.4 TSI petrol the combined cycle is 6.8 litres per 100 km while CO2 emissions are 157 g/km so it qualifies for Band B annual motor tax (€225). The 2.0 TDi diesel returns an excellent 6.2 litres per 100 km.
Verdict:
Skoda’s Superb is pretty unbeatable as a blend of comfort, space and economy. This is an excellent saloon that is ideal for the daily commute or as the family load lugger. Euro for euro, in terms of space, quality and comfort the Superb pretty much knocks everything else out.
Why you’ll buy one? Space; Price; Quality
Why you won’t? Dull styling, insipid drive
Competitors:
Volkswagen Passat CL 1.4TSI 122BHP €27,975
Ford Mondeo Zetec 1.6 TDCi 115 PS €28,295
Opel Insignia SRI 1.4i 16v Turbo S/S B €28,995
Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI/92 kW (125bhp) GL Pack
Factfile
Engine: 1,390 cc turbocharged petrol engine putting out 92kW(125bhp) and 200Nm of torque between 1500 – 4000 rpm
Max speed: 201km
0-100km/h: 10.5 seconds
Emissions (motor tax) 157g/km (€225)
Starting price: €24,695
Model price range: €24,695 – €40,545 (Test Car €26,195)
No of Doors: 4 doors
Euro NCAP: 5 stars
Fuel type: Petrol
Fuel Economy: 6.8 litres per 100km
Boot Capacity: 595 litres (1700 litres)
Length: 4838mm
Width: 1817mm
Height: 1462mm
Wheelbase: 2761mm
For more information check out Skoda.ie or the Skoda Ireland Facebook page
22nd August, 2012
