Skoda Superb 2014 Review

Given the amount of rear seat space, particularly legroom, it's surprising hire car companies haven't latched onto the Skoda Superb.

This is the big Czech-made sedan you occasionally see driving around that looks like an overgrown Skoda Octavia. That's even more pronounced now after a recent refresh which sees common styling themes between the smaller and larger cars inside and out.

Superb has been available here for some time in sedan and wagon variants and with a choice of 1.8-litre turbo petrol power or 2.0-litre turbodiesel, in Ambition and Elegance spec. Opt for the huge wagon and it's an extra $1700.

We drove the top of the range Elegance 125TDI sedan that sells for $44,990, but $31,990 will get you into a Superb petrol base model.

The test vehicle was in boring white but was surprisingly good to drive on a number of fronts.

DESIGN

The Superb is ultra conservative to look at and the rear styling doesn't do it for us. The front is OK in a familiar Skoda sort of way. Superb's recent revision sees a new bumper, guards, grille, logo, lights and bonnet fitted. You wouldn't know unless you are a Superb disciple.

The boot operates as either a conventional lift boot or push a button and it's a tailgate - like a hatchback. That adds a measure of practicality to the big Czech sedan.

So does the interior which is among the best thought out and most practical we have seen in a while - at least for this sort of money. They even have a designated mobile device connection box for the sundry plugs and cards that prevail these days.

FEATURES

As the flagship of Skoda's fleet, the Superb Elegance score big on the features front with leather upholstery, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, auto stop/start (on TDi), electric sunroof, climatronic dual zone aircon, premium satnav, Columbus audio, 6.5-inch info screen Bluetooth audio and phone (relatively easy to sync) 30gig hard drive, pollen filter, multi function trip computer and auto wipers and headlights among the generous kit inventory.

Spec up any other car this size to the same level and the price wouldn't be near $44,000.

It scores a five-star Euro NCAP crash rating and passes EU5 emissions regulations.

ENGINE / TRANSMISSION

The 2.0-litre diesel engine - seen in numerous other products from Volkswagen/Audi/Skoda, does a great job of propelling this 1585kg sedan thanks in part to a variable vane turbo and the DSG gearbox that efficiently harnesses available power.

It drives the front wheels through a six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. The petrol gets a seven-speed DSG. No manual transmission is offered.

The Superb TDi can sip fuel at an astonishing 5.5L/100km and offers strong performance across a wide operating range. Try getting that in your Commodore V6 or Falcon.

The test vehicle had an optional drivers pack that brought a clever keyless entry/starting system and some driver assist features - for an extra $700.

DRIVING

Wow, this is where the car really does make an impression because it's impressive on all fronts. Not a sports sedan by any stretch, Superb TDi offers strong acceleration across the entire engine speed range and gets off the mark sharpish while delivering strident mid range and on up to around 4000rpm top whack.

It behaves in a tidy fashion when pressed and gives quite a sporty account of itself in the tight stuff.

Minimal noise of vibrations intrude, though you can hear it when the right foot is exercised.

The boot is enormous and the rear seats fold for even more. Pity about the space-saver spare.

It is a comfortable and accomplished long distance sedan that you could easily drive from say Sydney to Brisbane or Melbourne on one tank. And you'd be able to take everyone's luggage without stressing.

Even the auto park assist is really handy.