Skoda Superb running costs are impressive. It may be a big car, but it doesn’t incur big car costs.

Future values – on the diesels at least – look strong while insurance and servicing costs are both reasonable.

Only the V6 petrol falls into the highest tax band and all the diesels and the 1.4 TSI are competitive in terms of their road fund licence. Skoda dealers offer excellent customer care and servicing rates are very affordable.

Greenline – Skoda’s name for its most environmentally friendly models – was offered for the first time on the Superb in 2009. Thanks to this, Skoda Superb emissions are very low.

It originally used a 1.9-litre TDI diesel engine but was updated in 2011 – and badged Greenline II – with a more modern 1.6-litre diesel that offers a claimed average of 64mpg and low emissions of 114g/km of CO2. That’s the kind of output that you might expect from a Ford Focus.

This was improved again in 2013, when the face-lifted Superb Greenline got CO2 emissions down to 109g/km, bring tax down further for both private and company car drivers.

The rest of the range’s emissions are acceptable for a car of this size. The diesels return impressive fuel economy with up to 64mpg on offer while the 1.4-litre is the most economical petrol – you can expect 42mpg in everyday driving.

You should get many problems with Skoda Superb reliability. The previous generation had an enviable record and owners report few problems.

This new car is likely to continue that trend. It feels as though it’s been built to a standard – not a cost – and Skoda owners have been positive about recent models in Parker’s owners’ reviews section.