Skoda Superb Estate – superb by name, superb by nature

Skoda Superb is a car with a perfect name. We all have different opinions and views, but we can’t deny that it’s an excellent vehicle. Taxi drivers love them for their comfort, space and reliability.

Think again if you believe that this makes it a lower-end choice. Mercedes Benz has a good reputation and is loved by taxi drivers around the world. Skoda has also been a popular choice for emergency services and is a more prestigious buyer, for similar reasons.

The Superb comes in two versions, hatchback and estate. The latter is becoming increasingly rare as SUVs continue to dominate the showroom floor. Petrol, diesel, mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-wheel-drive are offered within four trim trims – SE, SE L, Sportline and Laurin and Klement.

The lead-in model comes standard with a touchscreen of 33cm/13 inches, navigation, rear and front parking sensors, heated front seats and adaptive cruise control. It also has LED lights and privacy glass. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, as well as heated folding and dimming side mirrors.

As a estate and a superb, the Superb has the most generous load space ever. There is enough room for the rear seat passengers to dance.

There are a few 2.0-litre diesel engines, a 1.5-litre petrol engine, and some with all-wheel drive. The Superb now only comes with a DSG automatic transmission on all engines. Even in its entry-level SE version, the Superb offers a wide range of standard features.

The 0 – 62mph sprint was relatively quick for my SE test car, which has a 1.5-litre petrol plug in hybrid with 204PS. It took just a few seconds. Low running costs are assured by the impressive economy and low emissions of 33g/km. It handles well despite its size and smooths out the roughest roads with ease.

The interior of the phone is very pleasant with its premium-looking and tactile materials. There are also buttons, even though there is a touch screen. Hurrah!  It’s a good thing! No, it’s not! This is really a 5-star vehicle.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

• Model: Skoda Superb Estate SE iV Plug-in Hybrid
• Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with plug-in hybrid assist developing 204PS
• Gears: 6-speed DSG automatic
• Price: €48,731/£41,580 (Range from €44,697/£38.135)
• Performance: 0 – 100kph/62mph 8.1 seconds/Max speed 218kph/136 mph
• Economy: Real-world combined consumption is between 4.71 and 4.04 litres/100km/60-70mpg, depending on driving conditions
• Emissions: 33 g/km

Model tested was UK specification, and equipment levels and pricing may vary on other markets