Skoda Superb Estate Pre Model S 1.4 TSI 5dr Car Review - February 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £19,160
Tax Band: G
Insurance Group: 15
MPG: 40.9
CO2: 159
0-62 Mph: 10.6 secs
BHP: 123 BHP
Range: 540 miles
CarSite Verdict:  4.5/5
The Skoda Superb Estate S is certainly one of the most comprehensive family cars available today. It’s Skoda’s most expensive model, priced to take on the likes of Ford’s Mondeo and Citroen’s C5 Tourer, and you get a lot of car for what you pay. With modern engines, very generous interior space; and details such as a rechargeable torch located in the boot, a concealed umbrella in the door, and the fact that it can park itself (with Skoda’s Park Assist option), make it an appealing choice for those who need estate-sized capability.

PROS:  Excellent value for money, enormous boot space, refinement and comfort, good range of engines.

CONS:  Hampered rear visibility, its length makes tight spaces a challenge.

Behind the Wheel

You’ll easily find the ideal driving position thanks to the adjustment available on the driver’s seat and the steering wheel allows you to adjust for height and reach too. The whole interior has a nice upmarket look and feel to it – using quality materials throughout. Many more expensive cars wouldn’t give you such quality. Forward visibility is good, however rear visibility is hampered a little by the car’s long shape. Rear parking sensors, fitted on all but the entry level models, help solve this though.

This Superb Estate S model has the entry-level 1.4-litre TSI turbo-charged petrol engine. Producing 126bhp and a top speed of 124mph, it delivers decent performance and all round economy. Plenty of pulling power (148lb-ft of torque) and a 0-62mph time of 10.6 seconds means the Superb Estate is reasonably quick and has power in reserve for overtaking on motorways.

There’s also a turbo-charged 160bhp 1.8-litre TSI and a 260bhp 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine available. Diesel options include a 105bhp 1.9 TDI, and 140bhp and 170bhp 2.0 TDI versions. The most economical are the 1.9 TDI with an average of 50mpg and the frugal Greenline II model with an average of 64mpg.

The Superb is a big car and it can be a bit of a handful around town, especially when manoeuvring or parking. Out on the open road however, it gives a nicely composed and comfortable ride. Precise steering and well controlled body roll while cornering make it feel surefooted, and there’s plenty of grip. Noise levels are low and the comfy seats make it a perfect motorway cruiser.

Looks & Equipment

The Superb is well designed and has the elegant understated looks typical of some of the more expensive cars in this class.

The Superb S comes with a good level of equipment: power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, alarm, immobiliser, CD+MP3 connectivity, 16-inch alloy wheels, cargo hooks in the boot, black roof rails and front fog lights are all fitted as standard. The SE trim adds a leather steering wheel and gear knob, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, dual-zone air conditioning, upgraded stereo with six-CD auto-changer, electrically folding door mirrors, rear parking sensors and chrome roof rails.

Opting for the Elegance trim option gets you bigger 18-inch alloy wheels, full leather upholstery, electrically-adjustable and heated front seats, colour touch-screen satellite navigation system, xenon headlights, headlight washers and rain-sensing wipers.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

A more practical car is hard to find. Space in the boot is a massive 1,865-litres with the seats folded down, and it’s got easy access as the boot lip is quite low. Cargo hooks for securing loads, a rechargeable torch and an umbrella concealed in the door are all nice touches to make your life easier.

EuroNCAP awarded the Superb Estate an overall rating of five-stars in its crash-tests. It’s loaded with safety features: seven airbags come as standard and two more can be added as an option.

Isofix child seat mounting points, ABS, EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) and a tyre pressure monitor are also included along with an electronic stability programme (ESP) to prevent skidding.

It comes covered by Skoda’s three-year-60,000 mile warranty and regular service intervals of 10,000 miles.

The Skoda Superb has always had an enviable reputation for reliability, and this newer version won’t change that. Build quality is excellent throughout and most of the engines and mechanicals are well tried and tested components from within the VW group.

Value for Money

It’s hard to beat the Superb on value for money. Priced at £18,780 it has to be one of the most comfortable cars in its class and competes well with the likes of the BMW 7-series and Mercede-Benz S-class which cost considerably more. This S model is the entry-level model but it comes well equipped and is excellent value, however the 4x4 model isn’t worth paying the extra for.

With excellent reliability, reasonable running costs: group 15, VED band G for Road Tax (CO2 emissions 159g/km) and fuel economy of 40.9mpg – it makes a lot of sense for those needing a large family car and practicality of an estate.

Skoda Superb Estate Pre Model S 1.4 TSI 5dr Car Review - by 
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