Skoda Superb Hatchback | Video Review | CarsIreland.ie

Published on 27 March, 2017

Stylish, spacious and affordable - the Skoda Superb is one of the best no-compromise family cars on the market.

Overview

Overview

The latest Superb is a massive improvement on what was already one of the most outstanding value for money cars on the market. It is now not only the most spacious car in its class, it's also one of the best looking too. A longer wheelbase and wider stance equates to limousine-like legroom in the rear, and the 625 litre boot is larger than some premium models in the class above it.

Standard equipment  has been upgraded to include a new range of infotainment systems, and lots more 'simply clever' touches around the cabin such as umbrellas hidden in the front doors. There's a wide range of engine options, and most models will also be available in four-wheel drive. Claimed fuel economy figures are incredible for a car of this size and low CO2 emissions mean you can enjoy limo-like comfort without hurting the planet, or your pocket. A 'Superb' package by all accounts.

Interior Gallery

The previous Superb got a bit of flack for the odd-looking rear, but that is gone now, as is the old 'Twindoor' system which allowed you to open the boot in both hatchback and saloon style. It's now strictly a hatchback and the silhouette looks all the better for it.

The improvements inside the cabin are just as impressive, and it feels as upmarket now as any premium saloon – with lots of high-quality, soft touch materials, and a simple, clever layout out.

In fact, being 'simply clever' is what Skoda prides itself on and there's loads of nice little features in the car that illustrate that further; for example the extra grip cupholder that allows you to open a bottle with a single hand, two umbrellas hidden neatly inside the front doors, an ice-scraper in the fuel cap, velcro boot dividers to stop your shopping from rolling around and a handy magnetic torch for any late night emergencies.

While they are some of the little things that make the Superb clever, there are a few more compelling reasons that make this car stand out - most noticeably the vast amount of space available in every direction. It offers more rear legroom than any other car in this market, and tops the class for headroom too, meaning backseat passengers will enjoy limousine like luxury.

The boot is also not only the largest in the class by quite some distance, but actually larger than some in the class above it at 625 litres. Dropping the rear seats will almost treble that again and leave you with enough space to rival a small van.

While there is a well-equipped entry level Active trim, the mid-high spec models are the best sellers and that makes perfect sense when you look at the amount of gadgets and luxury you can get for the same price as some more expensive, yet smaller rivals.

Some of the standard features on these models are usually reserved as optional extras even in the premium market and include bi-xenon headlights, heated seats, and some very impressive infotainment systems.

There is a touchscreen as standard on the ambition model upwards and the quality of the infotainment improves as you move up the trim levels. The high-spec Style model comes with the top of the line 8 inch Columbus system which also acts as a reversing camera, a feature that will definitely come in handy as it is quite a substantial car.

Safety is also predictable well-covered with seven airbags and emergency brake assist as standard, helping it to earn the full five stars on the NCAP safety test.

While you do feel some of its bulk on the road, it's never heavy or awkward and on the plus side it's extremely comfortable, and extremely quiet.

You won't pay for the extra space in the running costs either – the claimed fuel economy for the 2.0l TDI with 190 BHP is 4.1l/100km, which even if you only get reasonably close to is astonishing for the size of the car. The environment won't pay either thanks to low carbon emissions of just 106g/km, placing in motor tax band A at just €190 a year.

Other engine options include an entry level 1.6 diesel and a slightly lower-powered 2.0l model with 150 bhp, as well as two petrol options in the 1.4 and 2.0 TSIs.

If Skoda had any slight trace of that budget brand image remaining, the Superb is surely the car that wiped it out once and for all.

Since being taken over by the Volkswagen Group, reliability is now one of Skoda's strongest points, and depreciation should be gentle as a result.

It's rare to find a car that stands out and leads the class in so many key areas, at a price point that should rightfully have buyers in the premium segment wondering exactly what it is they're paying all that extra money for.

Facts & Figures

Sinead McCann

Sinéad is our resident car tester who has the unenviable (-ok, slightly enviable) task of reviewing all the latest new cars to hit the market. You can follow her on Twitter @smcani and on Instagram @whatshedrives