Review
/5
- Pros:
- Loads of space
- Bargain price-tag
- Clever dual-opening boot
- Cons:
- Some may be put off by the badge
- Conservative styling
- Not exciting to drive
reviewed by Carbuyer
"The Superb hatchback provides understated looks, huge amounts of space and a clever tailgate which can be opened as a saloon or a hatchback. It's fantastic value for money."
At a glance
- The greenest
- SE GreenLine 1.6 TDI CR 105PS 5dr
£20,525 - The cheapest
- S TSI 125PS 5dr
£17,810 - The fastest
- Elegance 3.6 V6 260PS DSG 4x4 5dr
£29,650 - Top of the range
- Elegance 3.6 V6 260PS DSG 4x4 5dr
£29,650
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With five fantastic engines to choose from, as well as the option of a smooth and quick shifting seven-speed semi-automatic gearbox there's a Superb to suit everyone. The entry-level 125bhp 1.4-litre petrol unit is smooth and offers a surprising turn of pace, despite its small size. There's a 170bhp 1.8-litre petrol also available which offers a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds when fitted with the brilliant semi-automatic DSG gearbox. The 2.0 TDI diesels offer the best blend of power and economy though. Available with 140bhp and 170bhp, both are quiet and offer 52.3mpg and 49.6mpg respectively. Topping the range is a 3.6-litre V6 which comes with four-wheel drive, but it's only really suitable for buyers who favour performance over low running costs. Whichever Superb you opt for, you're guaranteed to find a comfortable cruiser packing impressive amounts of space and real practicality.
Drive
Smooth, comfortable and confidence inspiring
Thanks to an excellent chassis the Superb has plenty of grip as well as precise steering and a very comfortable ride. All the engines provide plenty of pace, especially the 3.5-litre V6 which can sprint from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds. The optional seven-speed semi-automatic gearbox is incredibly smooth and can change gears without the driver even noticing. Alternatively, the six-speed manual is easy to use.
Comfort
Bumpy roads are smoothed out by excellent suspension
Even on the bumpiest of roads the Skoda's excellent suspension copes well and makes it one of the most relaxing and comfortable cruisers on the road. Even better is the quiet cabin which is well isolated from wind, road and engine noise, even at motorway speeds. The diesel engines are quiet, but the petrol engines are the right choice for people looking for noise-free motoring.
Reliability
Quality feel and incredible reliability
Impeccable build quality and top-grade materials give the Superb a real quality feel in the cabin. Buyers won't be disappointed when it comes to dealer service or reliability either, as Skoda consistently performs well in driver surveys. Thanks to its impressive airbag count and standard electronic stability control, the Superb also managed to achieve a full five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test.
Practicality
Comfortable and incredibly spacious
The back seats are incredibly spacious, allowing three adults to sit with plenty of head, shoulder and legroom. The 565-litre boot will be enough for most people's needs, but on the occasion more is needed, the rear seats can be folded to liberate an incredible 1,670 litres of space. Plus, there's the option to open the bootlid as a hatch or a saloon.
Value for money
Cheaper and better equipped compared to rivals
Base S models are incredibly cheap, but you'll find that they are also well-equipped. Electric windows front and rear, air-conditioning and 16-inch alloy wheels all come as standard. SE models add suede-effect Alcantara fabric on the seats as well as cruise control and dual-zone air-conditioning. Top-spec Elegance models are still cheap compared to rivals, but nearly everything comes as standard, including full-leather upholstery and sat-nav.
Running costs
A range of frugal engines and impressive residual values
Skodas hold their value incredibly well, so buying a Superb is actually a very smart choice. All the engines in the range offer a good blend of performance and low running costs depending on your needs. The 140bhp 2.0 TDI diesel is the best choices for inexpensive motoring, boasting 52.3mpg and emissions of 143g/km, which means Road Tax costs £125 a year. Even the 1.4-litre petrol engine manages 41.5mpg and provides enough straight line speed for most buyers.
*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.
