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First Drive Review: Skoda Superb 2016

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Author: | Updated: 27 May 2015 10:28

The Superb competes in a tough market and, while it’s not a class-leader in many areas, the overall package should prove persuasive especially if cabin space is important.

You certainly have to have a great deal of confidence in a product to name it ‘Superb’, but it’s a mark of just how much belief Czech carmaker Skoda has in its cars that it is about to launch the third generation of a car so audaciously designated.

The previous two iterations of the family/executive saloon have both been good cars, making a virtue of their spaciousness and practicality.

However, the Czech brand has pulled out all the stops with this new car, aiming itself firmly at the diminishing (in terms of sales volumes) segment of the market that contains saloon titans such as the Mondeo and Insignia – and even (whisper it) the likes of the 5 Series, A6 and E-Class.

Skoda Superb 2016 front three quarters

Eye-opener for the beholder

First impressions of the new Superb are certainly positive. The two previous generations haven’t exactly lived up to their name. In styling terms, the first was a fairly bland Passat-alike, while the last one looked pretty good until you hit the C-pillar at the rear and it all went badly wrong.

Thankfully, there’s no such disappointment with the new car: the design team has created a sleek and modern saloon, with crisp lines and smooth surfaces adding an air of sophistication. This will be a car that will certainly catch the eye.

Skoda Superb 2016 rear three quarters in the countryside

Engines galore

Prospective buyers have four petrol engines and three diesels to choose from at launch.

The petrols are likely to comprise around 6% of the cars bought in the UK, but there are some interesting options, including two versions of the 1.4 TSI engine (122bhp and 147bhp) and two 2.0-litre units (216bhp and 276bhp).

The higher-powered 1.4 features the VW Group’s active cylinder technology that helps return a low CO2 figure of 115g/km and combined fuel consumption of 57.7mpg. Not unexpectedly, the 1.4-litre engine does struggle in a car as big as the Superb but once up to cruising speed, it feels fine but pit it against a twisting mountain road and maintaining momentum is difficult.

That’s not true of the 276bhp 2.0 TFSI shared with Skoda’s VW Group stablemate, the Seat Leon Cupra: 0-62mph comes up in just 5.8 seconds. It’s fun to drive, but don’t expect to see many on UK roads.

The sensible choices

Diesel engine-wise, the base 1.6 TDI is the natural choice for fleets and company car users, offering CO2 emissions of 105 or 108g/km, depending on automatic of manual gearbox, plus fuel consumption of 68.9mpg. The 118bhp is fine for long-distance cruising, but it’s not quick from a standing start (0-62mph takes 10.9 seconds).

The 147bhp 2.0 litre engine will be, by far, the most popular option, offering as it does a good blend of economy and performance: 68.9mpg and 108g/km again, but trimming two seconds on the 0-62mph time. It should prove to be a sensible choice and will cope well with most circumstances, thanks to decent engine refinement.

The range-topping 187bhp 2.0 TDI definitely feels more powerful and won’t unduly penalise owners on emissions and fuel consumption, but it’s only available in the two most expensive trim levels and is £2,200 pricier than 147bhp models.

Skoda Superb 2016 interior cabin

Good, but not great

The Superb is capable on the road but it can’t match some of its rivals – especially the premium models.

There’s lots of grip and shedding 75kg compared to the last generation aids agility. However, the steering lacks any real feedback, with only the Sport setting on cars fitted with the dynamic chassis control (DCC) offering any response. The ride is compliant, but optioning the DCC can help with some fine tuning: it’s certainly good enough to be a comfortable daily driver.

Space: the final frontier

But the Superb does have one area in which it can’t be beaten by rivals – its spaciousness.

All Superbs have felt cavernous for the class, an aspect that continues in the new generation. Greater width, length and wheelbase make for a vast expanse of rear space (relatively speaking), making it comfortable for adult passengers.

The boot is also huge, with an extra 30 litres making an available 625-litre volume, increasing to 1,760 litres when the 60/40 split seats are folded.

High-quality materials, a wide choice of equipment (a choice of three different touchscreens, plus DAB, Bluetooth and Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity) and five trim levels – S, SE, SE Business, SE L Executive and Laurin & Klement – provide plenty of choices.

Skoda Superb 2016 hatchback boot

More info on trim and pricing here

Verdict

OTR prices start at £18,640, rising to £33,840: prices are competitive at certain points in the range and while some of the top-spec Laurin & Klement models are definitely in premium territory, they lose out because they don’t have the requisite badge. Cruel world but business leasing prices average out at £323 (or £393 for personal users).

The Superb enters a competitive market and, while it’s not a class-leader in many areas, the overall package should prove persuasive, especially if cabin space is important.

Skoda Superb 2016 white

Skoda Superb at a glance:

Length: 4861mm
Width: 1864mm
Height: 1468mm
Wheelbase: 2841mm
Kerb weight: 1375-1615kg
Boot space: 625 / 1760 litres
Petrol engines: 1.4 TSI 125/150PS, 2.0 TSI 220PS/280PS 4x4
Diesel engines: 1.6 TDI 120PS, 2.0 TDI 150/190PS
Trims: S, SE, SE Business, SE L Executive and Laurin & Klement
Cheapest: 1.4 TSI - £18,640
Priciest: 2.0 TDI 190PS 4x4 DSG - £33,840
Fastest: 2.0 TSI 280PS – 0-62mph 5.8 secs, 155mph
Best fuel economy: 68.9mpg (1.6 TDI)
Lowest CO2 emissions: 105-165g/km
Average monthly leasing rate: £323 (business) £393 (personal)

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