Review
/5
- Pros:
- Class-leading space
- Bargain price-tag
- Cabin build quality
- Cons:
- Boot floor isn't flush with load lip
- Conservative styling
- Could be more exciting to drive
reviewed by Carbuyer
"The Superb Estate is the most spacious car in its class, but it's also fantastic to drive - as well as being well-built and impressively luxurious."
At a glance
- The greenest
- S GreenLine 1.6 TDI CR 105PS 5dr
£20,140 - The cheapest
- S TSI 125PS 5dr
£18,915 - The fastest
- Elegance 3.6 V6 260PS DSG 4x4 5dr
£30,910 - Top of the range
- Elegance 3.6 V6 260PS DSG 4x4 5dr
£30,910
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The Superb Estate manages to successfully combine the talents of the hatchback with an even bigger load area, and that's why we named it Best Estate Car in our 2012 Car of the Year Awards. It's still easy and comfortable to drive, but boasts 633-litres of boot space – and that's with the rear seats up. Fold them down and there is a mammoth 1,865-litres of space available - no rival comes close. There's still a brilliant range of engines on offer, with the most frugal being the 140bhp 2.0 TDI diesel, claiming 52.3mpg. Then there's a range of petrol engines, including the 170bhp 1.8 TSI unit. From the driver's seat, the Estate is just like the hatch, meaning comfortable seats, plenty of space and excellent buid quality. The only difference is a small button that opens the boot from the inside.
Drive
Loses none of handling ability of the Superb hatch
The Estate loses none of the handling ability of the Superb hatch. Precise steering and plenty of grip mean it inspires confidence when cornering. All the engines provide a good turn of speed, but if performance is key then it may be best to avoid the 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine. The more powerful engines get a seven-speed semi-automatic gearbox which provides quick and seamless changes. Alternatively, the six-speed manual box is still a pleasure to use.
Comfort
Relaxing and quiet
Comfort is where the Superb shines. Even on the bumpiest of roads its soft suspension means it seems to float over any imperfections in the road. Plenty of sound-deadening means the cabin is quiet too – even the diesel engines fail to make themselves heard in the cabin. Wind and road noise are also kept to a minimum, too.
Reliability
Quality cabin and reliable safety
Just like the hatchback model, the Estate boasts top-notch build quality and expensive feeling materials to give the cabin a really luxurious feel. Skoda always does well in owner satisfaction surveys, and buyers should have no reliability issues to worry about. Side, curtain, driver and passenger airbags are all standard, while the Superb has a five star Euro NCAP rating.
Practicality
Class-leading boot space
There's plenty of space for passengers, but the Superb Estate's party trick is its huge load carrying ability. With the rear seats up there's 633 litres of space and with them down there's a class leading 1,865 litres. The optional electric tailgate can also be closed at the flick of a switch.
Value for money
Cheaper and better equipped than rivals
As well as boasting class-leading space, the Superb is also one of the best value for money estates on the road. Basic 'S' models come with electric windows all-round, air-conditioning and 16-inch alloy wheels as standard. 'SE' models get suede-effect Alcantara upholstery, cruise control and dual-zone air-conditioning on top of that. The range-topping 'Elegance' models are expensive but get full-leather upholstery and sat-nav included in the price.
Running costs
Frugal engines make Superb cheap to run
The 140bhp 2.0 TDI diesel is incredibly cheap to run, but customers looking for a bit more performance can always opt for the 170bhp unit, which is nearly as cost effective. The petrol engines are less efficient but are smoother. The Superb is expected to hold on to its value quite well too, so there won't be any nasty surprises when you come to sell it.
*Our monthly finance prices are updated on a regular basis, but due to the dynamic nature of the market are not guaranteed accurate. You can always confirm the monthly finance price with FinanceAcar.
