Skoda Superb review

The Skoda Superb has for ages now been a byword for practicality, quality and value – a package that’s very hard to beat, even with the current model knocking on six years old.

Being mechanically similar to the Volkswagen Passat gives it a great starting point, and as a traditional large family car (that is to say, not an SUV) direct competition is dwindling, with only a few stragglers such as the Ford Mondeo, Peugeot 508 and Mazda 6 left fighting for those buyers who don’t want to sit up high.

But as a popular company car choice and with finance agreements making premium models affordable, the Superb also has to see off cars like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.

Despite all the old Skoda jokes, the Superb lives up to its name and puts forward a solid case for itself with a wide range of engines, a vast interior and a relaxed, comfortable driving experience.

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Sleek styling hides vast interior

The Superb is a large five-door hatchback, with the alternative of the even larger Skoda Superb Estate that comes with a simply gargantuan boot. Skoda has done well to disguise the Superb's huge dimensions. It's almost five metres long which translates to a huge amount of space inside that rivals luxury chauffeur-style cars.

If you wish for your Superb Hatch to mimic the Estate, it’ll do that too. With the rear seats in use it’ll still hold up to 625 litres of luggage, making it a perfect family car. Drop the rear bench, which can be done remotely from levers in the boot and that increases to a faintly ridiculous 1,760 litres - more than many estate cars.

It feels just as spacious up-front, with its Octavia-inspired cabin and wide transmission tunnel. Plenty of adjustment when sat behind the wheel ensures you’ll always get comfortable, while the 'Simply Clever' solutions ensure daily-life isn’t too much of a grind with neat storage solutions and some useful touches, such as a small waste bin that slots onto the door bin.

You’ll find umbrellas secreted away in the front doors, and the cupholders in the centre console have rubber grips on the bottom to allow for single-handed opening of bottles while on the move.

Wide range of engines and trim levels

Almost everyone will be able to find something they like within the Superb’s range. Five trim levels range from the plain-but-pleasant SE right up to the bells-and-whistles Laurin & Klement, with prices starting at just a little over £25,000 and topping out just north of £40,000.

The engine range is similarly wide. You can choose from three petrol engines with 150hp, 200hp or 280hp, three diesels with 122hp, 150hp or 200hp or a plug-in hybrid model with 218hp and an official fuel economy figure of 212.4mpg.

Feels high-quality and well-built

Skoda may be the budget rung of the Volkswagen Group ladder but don’t go thinking this is a bargain-basement car. The Superb’s interior in particular is a lovely place to be, with a modern yet eminently sensible design and layout, high-quality materials and comfortable seats.

Skoda’s loaded it up with all the tech you’re likely to need, and every Superb comes with a touchscreen infotainment system that’s slick and easy to use. Top-end models are glitzier, with huge screens, fully digital instruments and Matrix LED headlights.

Click through the next few pages to read everything you need to know about the Skoda Superb including its practicality, how much it costs to run, what it's like to drive – and whether we recommend buying one.