HERE is a car name that speaks of heritage – the Skoda Superb. It’s the title of the Czech Republic manufacturer’s large, comfortable hatchback or estate, and the car of today references a model from the company’s history.
The original Superb, a luxury motor, started life in the mid 1930s, and the name was revived in 2001. Our road-test car, a Superb Sportline Plus 2.0 TSi 280PS 4x4 DSG estate certainly lived up to the luxury appeal of the original while adding some zesty performance.
With imposing looks and some sporty trim, the car - which is the flagship model of the range - certainly has eye-appeal, boasting dynamic and elegant lines.
Being a SportLine, there is a sporty finish for the front grille, side-strip, window surrounds door mirrors and rear spoiler, plus SportLine badging.
The inside story is also one of style, with chrome highlights and ambient lighting helping give a premium feel to the spacious cabin - on opening the doors, puddle-lights spell out ‘Skoda’ on the ground. High quality surfaces are a tactile treat while strong ergonomics are to the fore for all controls. The sports seats, upholstered in Alcantara with diamond stitching, are both comfortable and supportive.
The Superb is a true five-seater with bags of rear legroom and shoulder-space.
The car has a wealth of top equipment, including 3D satnav, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, privacy glass, cornering front foglights, driver fatigue sensor, dynamic indicators and lighting animations, electric auxiliary air heater, power-adjust driver’s seat with memory function, heated and power-folding door mirrors, also with memory function, front and rear paring sensors, LED headlights with adaptive front light system and daytime running lights, heated front seats, light assistant (coming home, leaving home and tunnel light), connectivity suite, two USB ports and dual-zone climate control.
A host of hi-tech safety features includes front assist (including automatic braking function) and multi-collision brake plus seven airbags.
Our car also had several options fitted including a rear-view parking camera and a temporary space-saver spare wheel, something now rarely seen in modern cars, with an inflator kit often supplied instead.
On the practicality front, the load-carrying capacity is truly impressive (660 litres with the rear seat-backs in position and 1,950 litres with them folded down), the space accessed by a powered tailgate. And the car has plenty of clever storage areas, plus that neat Skoda touch, umbrella holders in the doors – with an umbrella supplied.
The behind-the-wheel experience is a pleasure. The big car feels smooth and self-assured with bags of power from the two-litre, 278bhp petrol engine, delivered in slick fashion by the seven-speed automatic (DSG) gearbox. Progressive dynamic steering, drive mode selection and a sport chassis all add to the experience.
Performance figures are 0-52mph in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 155mph, while delivering combined fuel consumption of 33.2-31-4mpg, with a CO2 figure of 194-204g/km (manufacturer’s figures).
With pace, power and presence, the Superb lives up to its name.
Price: £45,875 (inc options)
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