Road Test: New Skoda Superb builds on a winning formula

The Skoda Superb formula hasn’t actually changed all that much down the years. It all about executive-style space with family-style pricing. That’s what we’ve come to expect.

Now in its third generation, the Superb has the system down to a tee.

In the same way that Toyota built up its reputation in no small part by luring taxi-drivers to become brand evangelists, Skoda has won an ardent fan base on the taxi ranks.

Top of their wish list is the Superb and those who have one can’t stop raving about the rear-seat legroom, the practicality and their pleasant surprise at the build quality.

The downside is that a low-mileage used Superb is about as common as an All-Ireland winner’s medal in Co Mayo – and just as sought after.

The good news for those opting to buy new is that this third-generation model is even better than the last.

For a start it’s better looking and by opting to abandon the “twindoor” system that configured the car as a kind of cross between a saloon and a five-door, the car is much better in looks.

It seemed like a good idea on paper but it didn’t really matter in everyday life. Its opening mechanism was often awkward and it made the rear look awfully bloated. This more simple hatchback format in the new model allows for a much sleeker look and, combined with the electrically operated opening and closing system, it’s arguably more practical.

Added features include a removable LED and a parcel shelf that slides neatly behind the rear seats when they are folded down.

Spaciousness

In terms of scale it’s a real star with a whopping 635 litres on offer even before you fold down the back row. That’s 30 litres more than the outgoing model and, as a point of reference, more than 300 litres bigger than the sizable Ford Mondeo.

For premium buyers, that translates into a boot that’s bigger than the Mercedes E-Class or BMW 5-Series. Most families could move house with a Superb – and some could even move in quite comfortably.

The impressive spaciousness continues in the rear, with legroom that would make a Rolls-Royce owner envious.

Up front you can opt for a 1.6-litre 120bhp, but the best all-rounder is the 2-litre diesel, a well-established powertrain in the Volkswagen family. The Superb is offered in both 150bhp and 190bhp. The test car was the 150bhp variant and frankly it’s able to cope with the typical variety of driving conditions on Irish roads. Better to take the money saved on the lower-powered option and spend it on the DSG automatic transmission.

With the manual version we didn’t manage to hit the claimed 4.1-litre/100km (68.9mpg) fuel economy based on the on-board computer but it did hit 5.2 l/100km (54.3mpg) for some time.

The Superb boasts another boon courtesy of its German parent: one of the best platforms on the market. The so-called MQB platform underpins several new models in the VW Group, including the current award-winning Golf. It’s remarkable how versatile this platform is while retaining its on-road ability and poise.That said the car isn’t perhaps as nimble as you might want in the city centre.

Back inside, the fit and finish are on a par with anything you can find on the mainstream model and even some of the premium models. The connectivity through the central console is simple but intuitive, with much of the switchgear the same as you would find in a Passat. There’s nothing too flash about the trim but it’s tasteful and comfortable, a trait well-established rivals could take their cue from.

Nicer drive

So the Superb is better looking, smarter inside and nicer to drive. Starting at €27,795 for a rather basic 1.6-litre diesel – the better-equipped 2-litre at €32,195 – it’s a lot of car for the price.

The weak link for Skoda for many years was a brand perception that regarded it as a value proposition rather than a desirable one. This has changed over the years, thanks in no small part to the advocacy of the Superb owners, many of them in the taxi ranks.

This car arguably deserves to move from the ranks to the management car parks. It would also make you wonder whether you should bother with the VW Passat.

It’s early to start choosing a car of the year 2016 but the Superb would make my shortlist right now.

Lowdown: Skoda Superb 2-litre TDi 150bhp Style
Engine: 2-litre 150bhp
Emissions: 108g/km (€190)
0-100km/h: 8.8 sec
Price: €35,895
Claimed fuel economy: 4.1l/100km (68.9mpg)