• Reasonable running costs on most models
• Superb iV ideal for company users
• Diesels and 1.5 TSI are frugal

What are the running costs?

If you’re covering long distances, then the diesel Superbs will be your best bet. Official figures are variable depending on trim level, gearbox and alloy wheel size, but the 2.0 TDI 150 achieves between 55-59mpg, while the more powerful TDI 200 manages 51-53mpg, or 47.9mpg for the 4×4 version. All diesels come with a 16.3-litre AdBlue tank, which will need to be filled up every few thousand miles, but the car’s trip computer will warn you when it’s needed.

The 1.5 TSI 150 petrol is worth a look, with Skoda claiming it’ll achieve up to 47mpg in manual form. We’ve found it’s possible to get more than this on a relaxed journey. The DSG version returns slightly less, at up to 42-46mpg, while the TSI 190 only comes in higher specs and is auto-only, so manages up to 42mpg. At the top of the range, the 280hp 2.0 TSI 4×4 packs a punch at the expense of fuel economy. Still, claimed figures of 34-35mpg are decent for a car that can accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds.

If you want to maximise your economy, then the plug-in hybrid Superb iV is the model to go for. This car has 218hp and costs around £3,000 more than the 200hp TDI diesel, but it has quoted fuel economy of up to 257mpg. That figure doesn’t mean much in reality; what you need to know is that the fully charged battery is rated at 35 miles of range before the engine cuts in, so if you do lots of short journeys, then it could save you hundreds of pounds, as long as you keep the battery fully charged.

CO2 emissions are reasonable across the Superb range. The hybrid comes with a company car tax-friendly 26-30g/km, while the 2.0 TDI produces 125g/km in manual form and 128g/km for the DSG auto. The 2.0 TDI 200 isn’t far behind with 140g/km, but the 4×4 emits more at 154g/km. The 1.5 TSI produces 136- and 141g/km in manual and auto guises respectively, while the 2.0 TSI 190 emits 153-158g/km and the 280 version weighs in at 185-190g/km, depending on trim level.

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Servicing and warranty

All Skoda Superbs are covered by a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, which is pretty much standard fare in the new-car market and is matched by most of the Superb’s rivals. Skoda does offer you the opportunity to purchase an extended warranty of up to five years or 100,000 miles when you buy the car.

Skoda also offers a two-year service package at extra cost for the Skoda Superb. This covers the first two services, which are scheduled for every 12 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first, and this will work out less than if you paid for them individually. After that, Skoda offers fixed-price servicing, which is the same rate at every official UK dealer or service centre in the UK.

Reliability

• Four recalls for the Superb
• None are too concerning
• Any remedial work will have been sorted

Underneath the Skoda Superb is a familiar MQB architecture and engine supply, so it’s likely that reliability will mirror that of its sister cars – which include models such as the Skoda Octavia Mk3, VW Golf Mk7, SEAT Leon Mk3, Audi TT Mk3 and VW Tiguan, among many others. That means engines and electrics will likely be dependable – with little to worry about for buyers. Of course, that does depend on the Skoda being serviced and maintained to schedule.

Inside, the cabin manages to tread a fine line between utilitarian toughness and a premium feel, so we’d expect it’ll stand up well to the extremes of family life, something many Superbs will surely be used for. At least its vast wheelbase and lengthy rear legroom will make it difficult for children to kick the rear of the front seats and scuffing them in the process.

The Superb has been the subject of a few recalls, including ones related to the airbags, the sunroof and the seatbelts. However, any work to fix the problems will likely have been carried out.