With a slightly stretched body shape when compared to the Hatch model, the Superb Estate
promises to offer everything that makes the hatchback desirable, but with some extra closet
space.
It even has the same wheelbase and rakish looks as the Hatch – and in fact, I think
it is the best-looking Skoda ever made.
So, as the Estate is expected to outsell the Hatch in the UK, it is absolutely crucial
for Skoda to get this one right.
So have they?
Let’s find out.
The Superb gives you exactly what you would expect from a Skoda, which is a simplified
layout that is executed in a very up-market way, with this touchscreen system being the
centre of attention, and thankfully this comes available with a built-in satnav, unlike the
new Fabia which relies solely on MirrorLink, which we are not really a fan of.
There is also ample adjustment in the front seat, but like many other estates, it can
be quite difficult to see out the rear window.
Even base models get some decent gadgets like DAB radio and Bluetooth, but it’s the next
trim up, called SE, that most will go for, as it comes with the likes of dual-zone climate
control, rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control.
And what would a Skoda be without its Simply Clever features – and these are scattered
all around the car…
For example, there is an extra-grip cup holder that allows you to open a bottle with one
hand, stepping out there are hidden compartments in the front doors for umbrellas, walking
to the boot there’s a foot activated boot opening called ‘Virtual pedal’, magnetic
48 hour rechargeable battery torch, velcro luggage organisers…
you get the idea.
But if those weren’t practical enough, the Superb’s boot is absolutely massive, offering
660 litres with the seats up – almost 200 litres more than the Superb hatch and 170
litres more than the VW Passat Estate.
This extends to just under 2,000 litres with the seats down.
So surely, leg room in the rear must lose out…
Actually, the best way to describe leg room here is chauffeur-like as there is a huge
amount of it.
Head room impresses as well.
I’ve actually had passengers fighting over who wanted to sit in the back… hopefully
it wasn’t just to avoid sitting next to me.
Just like the last-generation, there are loads of engines on offer in the Superb, there’s
even a 123bhp 1.4-litre petrol that has a decent amount of punch.
But let’s face it, most will be after a diesel.
Now, there are several 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesels to choose from, but if you go down
the middle of the range for the 148bhp 2.0-litre mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, which
is expected to be the bestselling, then you will get pretty much everything you are ever
going to need in an engine.
Not only does it have plenty of pull on tap, which is great for overtaking, but it boats
CO2 from just 109g/km and will realistically return an average of around 55mpg.
A fair bit off the predicted high 60s, but still pretty good.
The Superb isn’t what you would call fun to drive though, certainly not as entertaining
as the Ford Mondeo or Mazda6 as the steering lacks feedback, but its comfortable character
makes up for this with a supple suspension and well-insulated cabin that makes long journeys
a doddle.
There is even an individual driving mode available, allowing you to choose your own ideal settings
when it comes to dynamics and comfort.
But why not just go for the Hatch?
Surely not everyone needs that much space in the boot?
Well, the Estate is just £1,200 more than the Hatch, so it’s pretty tempting not to
fork up a bit more on the off chance that you may suddenly become obsessed with buying
IKEA furniture.
The Superb Estate is also over £4,000 less than the rivalling VW Passat.
Ok fine I'll say it… its Superb, but I really do mean that, Skoda has absolutely nailed
it with this one.
And yes it may not be as fun to drive as some of its rivals, but come on, who buys a Skoda
Estate looking for thrills with driving dynamics.
But would you rather go the German route with a VW?
Let us know in the comments section below and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube
channel.
To research your next car and find great deals, visit carkeys.co.uk and to watch more videos
click on the links at the end of the video.
The Jaguar XF is entering its second-generation and although the latest range has yet to gain
an adrenaline-crazed replacement for the XF R-S, there is still something to whet the
appetite of petrolheads.
It comes in the form of the new XF S, which houses a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol
mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and it produces 375bhp.
That makes for a 0-62mph sprint time of just 5.1 seconds.
We took it to the Navarra circuit in Spain to see what it can do.