The big, soft, comfortable cruiser that is the ŠKODA Superb Estate, is one handsome load lugger. Škoda’s Superb Combi Style in 2.0 TDI guise is a car you don’t mind doing mid-winter city centre traffic time in. With 150bhp on tap leveraged through the DSG transmission, the 6 speed diesel is leading the Estate pack. Yes it’s got a big booty with which to fill up with plenty of presents, food, children or whatever but don’t let that make you think it’s going to be a dull and boring ownership prospect. I can’t say I wasn’t excited when I booked it for test. Hot hatches cover my every-day driving needs but the Skoda is just so appealing with those sharp suit lines in Business Grey Metallic paint.
Priced at €42,777, its greatest success is how it combines design heroics and value for money with a fantastic degree of practicality. The boot expands from 660-litres with the seats up to a maximum of 1,950 litres with the seats down. VW’s MQB platform continues to provide Rubix cube like malleability. The Golf’s platform is the basis of the new Superb, the Skoda may be only 23mm longer than its predecessor but its wheelbase has extended by a considerable 80mm.
Passenger space is huge, six-footer’s having loads of knee room, even when sitting behind a driver requiring as much leg room as possible. There’s headroom too and the car is wide enough to sit three adults (even budding shoulder-to-shoulder rugby players) in the back.
All the latest technology is on tap if you so choose, there’s lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, park assist and Smart Link compatible with Apple and Android smart phones. It’s simple and easy to hook up but the issue with volume still hounds the stereo. You need to remember to lower the volume when switching between streaming services and back to the radio. The multi-function stereo controls on the steering wheel aren’t intuitive to use, they take a bit of getting used to. It’s the cars only oddity in that they don’t feel as if they have been thought out as well as the rest of the car.
Practical touches include a boot light that doubles as a removable torch, umbrellas in the doors and an ice scraper within the fuel filler flap. Yes I did say Umbrellas in the doors, what a lovely touch.
The suspension has been comprehensively reconfigured. The Superb’s front MacPherson struts distinguish it from more expensive rivals. Handling response is enhanced by the latest version of VW’s XDS+ electronic stability control system. The torque vectoring system activates at a lateral acceleration of just 0.15g to subtly brake the inside wheel when cornering. And for when you do find yourself stuck in that insufferable traffic on the quays, Lane Assist works with the adaptive cruise control system for the Traffic Jam Assist function. It accelerates, brakes and steers the car for you in jams.
Special mention : I could play with the tailgate all day
Needs work : Multi function steering wheel
Specs:
| Max Power 150bhp | Max Torque 340Nm |
| 0-100 kph in 9.0s | Road Tax €200 |
| Price as tested €42,777 | Boot Capacity litres 660-1950 litres |
| Mpg 4.7 l/100km (60.1 mpg) |
Optional extras
- 18” Pegasus alloy wheels – €494
- Leather Multi-Function Steering wheel with paddle shift for DSG transmission – €107
- Automatic unlocking Roller Blind with multi-function pocket – €136
- Mechanical roller Sun Visor for rear side windows – €197
- Electric Tailgate (opening/closing) – €367
- ‘Sunset’ tinted rear and rear side windows – €2688
- Colour ‘Maxi Dot’ dashpad display – €103
- Alcantara/Leather upholstery option (over standard full leather) – €0
