Skoda Superb SE 2.0 TDI CR 4x4 DSG 5dr Car Review - March 2012

There is no doubt that the Superb is a large car, but for the most part it handles very well, with steering accurate, but occasionally needing to be pushed into the corners. The body roll is almost undetectable, and the grip is plentiful. On the whole the ride is very comfortable, but on slower patchy surfaces things can get a little bit unsettled. The driving position is fine, with a driver’s seat and steering wheel that can both be adjusted, with the visibility to the front and rear both excellent.

The engine performance for the Superb may not be on a par with sports car standards, but they are still perfectly reasonable, with the 2.0 litre diesel engine able to propel the car from 0-62mph in 10.7 seconds. The top speed of 127mph is also more than enough for most motorway journeys, but the level of noise in the cabin is a little more than some of the Superb’s rivals.

The one question mark about the Skoda Superb is about how desirable it is, and this is largely down to the fact that there are so many more attractive cars out there. The Superb isn’t particularly ugly either, with the flared bonnet being fine, but the grille does seem a little small for the size of the car. The back end is also quite tidy, but the upright position of the cabin isn’t as aerodynamic as many of its rivals. Inside the cabin is very nice with the plastics being nice to the touch, and the dashboard being straightforward and easy to read.

The level of equipment is quite good, with the alloy wheels being included as standard, as is the CD stereo with a multi-disc changer. Climate control and cruise control are also both included with the car, as are the power folding mirrors. A rear parking sensor is also included, which is handy considering the size of the Superb.

The Skoda Superb is certainly a very safe car, having been awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test. The range of airbags is excellent, with a curtain airbag to look after passengers in the back, and a driver’s knee airbag too. It also comes with all of the usual driving aids that help to keep the car on the road.

The innovative boot layout means that it is also a very practical car, with plenty of space in the front and the back seats, and loads of luggage room too. Driver surveys of the Skoda Superb have also suggested that reliability for the car is also very good.

When you consider that rivals such as the Ford Mondeo and the Volkswagen Passat are more expensive, the list price of £24,080 for this version of the Skoda Superb is really quite impressive, particularly when you consider the level of equipment and trim that is included with the car.

Fuel efficiency for this large car is also quite good, with the 2.0 litre diesel engine able to deliver an average 45.6mpg. The insurance costs of the Superb are on a par with many of its rivals, but depreciation may be a problem when it comes to selling the car. The Skoda Superb is supplied with a three year or sixty thousand mile warranty, and also has a three year roadside breakdown assistance policy.