New Skoda Superb lives up to its name

Czech carmakers Skoda are taking on the big German marques with their new Superb recently launched in Ireland, even bettering them in terms of spaciousness and value. The Superb has been the standard-bearer of Skoda’s range for more than 20 years.

This fourth generation of their flagship model, available in Combi (estate) and large hatchback guises, comes with a new design, even more space and comfort than before and state-of-the-art technology.

Skoda are keeping to the tried and trusted with this saloon-type car and Combi estate when many competitors have abandoned the large saloon and estate segment. And sticking with diesel. Skoda is a market leader when it comes to diesel passenger car sales with around a 22% share of the diesel car market so this is important to them.

While Octavia remains the brand’s best-seller by a distance, around 878 Superbs have been registered here this year against the 1,273 for the whole of 2023. There’s time yet for the new model to rectify that shortfall by year-end.

Both versions are longer and taller than their predecessors while wheelbases remain unchanged. This is a beautifully proportioned and practical car that will appeal to families for the huge interior space it offers for all five occupants and what they need to bring with them.

Trims are Selection, the Selection Plus (my car) for those who appreciate maximum comfort and practicality, and the more luxurious L&K top trim.

My review car was what I’d call a liftback with its high-reaching power tailgate. The exterior was in a lovely Pebble Silver Metallic which suited it to perfection (€782 extra). I found the styling to be more of a sleek and modern design with crisp lines, narrow headlights, dark matte chrome accessories and 19-inch silver alloy wheels. I liked the Skoda lettering across the rear.

Two extra packs were the Infotainment Pack Plus with the 13-inch display, navigation, Head Up Display at €1,868, and a ‘Light and View pack’ which added Matrix LED headlights, including variable light distribution, and LED tail lights which included dynamic indicators. This pack costs €2,318.

The interior has an uncluttered look to it with a swervy lower dash line. The free-standing infotainment display, with navigation, measures up to 13 inches. Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are included. This screen and the Head Up Display are part of an infotainment pack. Below the screen are knobs for temperature controls and a large Phone Box for wirelessly charging your mobile phone. The big driver’s instrumentation cluster also comes with beautiful graphics and can be customised to suit your preference.

There are four USB-C ports and a fifth in the rear-view mirror for charging a dash cam.

The gear selector lever has now been moved to the steering column to give a clean, tidy and roomier centre console. The leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel comes with manual paddles. Steering is nicely balanced - more heavy than light.

Ergonomically certified front seats, in leather upholstery, held me in snugly; could be heated and ventilated, had power adjustments and a massage function. My driver’s seat also had three memory seat settings. Cubbies include a huge area below the front armrest, good-sized door bins and a decent glovebox.

While there’s big room up front for driver and passenger, an American basketball player would feel at home in the rear with all the head and legroom available, but there’s a high transmission tunnel in the rear.

My golfer hubby reckons the enormous 625-litre boot was especially designed to fit a complete set of men’s golf clubs in sideways. There is a long hammock-type holder for additional ‘stuff’, as well as levers to lower the back seats and a skinny spare.

Key equipment includes ‘Laura’ voice control, a very good rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, hill start assist, driver knee airbag, Traffic sign recognition, excellent blind spot alerts and an anti-theft alarm. Safety assist systems include front/side assist, Rear cross assist, Emergency Assist, Forward Collision warning, and Multi Collision Brake Assist. The turning circle is 1.1 metres; the tanks hold 66 litres.

The engine was a 4-cylinder 2.0TDI diesel with 150hp and a possible range of around 1,200kms, which was a welcome change from driving electric cars and worrying about range. The diesel is compatible with the use of HVO biofuel to reduce emissions by up to 90%.

The engine had plenty of power for everyday use as I found with four passengers who travelled in great comfort, but had no luggage with them. The engine is matched to a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. Max torque is 360Nm; fuel consumption a claimed 5.1 L/100kms. I achieved a return of 5.3 over normal driving which was really good for a car this size. From 0-100km/h is 9.2 secs. Road tax is €210.

There is also a 1.5TSI mild hybrid petrol outputting 202hp and a new Plug-in hybrid with a 124km range on pure electric drive. A sports line version is due early next year.

PRICES: Model price: €51,325; my car with extras €56,292.