The Superb sits comfortably at the top of the Skoda product range and is actually one of the most luxurious cars they’ve ever built.

It has also been crowned car of the year (2009) in both the Czech Republic and Austria and locally it was named as Towcar of the Year.

There are three petrol and three diesel engines and all six employ direct fuel injection for optimum fuel efficiency and low emissions. Four-wheel drive is available on the 1.8 TSI petrol, 3.6 petrol and 2.0 TDI CR 170bhp diesel models – along with two DSG twin-clutch automatic gearboxes.

The range consists of three trim levels, S, SE, Elegance as well as GreenLine).

All models feature air-conditioning as standard, ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), seven airbags, including the driver’s knee airbag.

Its most interesting feature, however, is its ‘Twindoor’ boot facility – a function that gives the Superb a hatch and saloon opening in one car.

Initially the boot lid opens in the usual way by pressing a button at the bottom of the boot lid. To make it into a hatchback there are more buttons on the edge of the tailgate which allow this to lift like tailgates on normal hatchbacks.

The advantages of the Twindoor system are numerous. For example, when the boot is opened on very hot or very cold days, the passenger compartment is effectively insulated from the sudden change in temperature.

This means the Superb’s ventilation system uses less energy to keep the cabin temperature constant.

This system was created by Skoda’s in-house engineers and was driven by the desire to create a classic premium saloon with the practicality of a family hatchback. The overall styling of the Skoda Superb won’t exactly turn heads, but it is solidly built and uses very good quality components to create a real luxurious feel.

Factfile

Car: Skoda Superb

Engine: 1.9 TDI PD 105bhp

On the road: £18,290

Top speed: 118mph

0-62mph: 12.5 seconds

Fuel: 49.6mpg (combined)

CO2 emissions: 150g/km

Insurance group: 7E