Car Test
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R0235 | |
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May 2002 |
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| First Drive | Skoda Superb | |
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CONTRARY TO WHAT OTHERS MAY HAVE TOLD YOU, THE Octavia was never really an upper-medium Mondeo/Vectra-sized rival, but a Golf with an extended boot.
Now that the Superb has arrived, with its 481cm overall length (10cm more than the Passat's), the Skoda knack of straddling established market sectors is repeated; this time it's as bulky as a large/executive model, like the Audi A6, but has a price that competes with the Mondeo and Passat. But can lowly Skoda really produce the quality and sophistication that these upper-crust executive models exude? After a day out and a close look at its credentials, we can report that, in most respects, we're convinced that the Superb makes the grade. When you look at the Classic version, you may feel that it's not quite plush enough; yet its inventory of standard equipment is extremely impressive and the lovely 1.8 turbo-petrol version is as rapid as it is smooth and refined; just a brittle-sounding exhaust note past 60mph spoilt the delights of this remarkably frugal engine. Move up to Comfort trim and you've landed in the lap of luxury, however. It costs a not insignificant £1700 extra, but with the Superb in this guise, we defy anyone to tell it apart from an Audi, in terms of fit and finish. Furthermore, all those wickedly expensive executive-brand options (including metallic paintwork) come as standard on the Superb at this level. Yet the price undercuts even some more ordinary non-executive rivals, when you consider the power units and performance on offer. The 2.5 V6 diesel comes from Audi, and when you drive it, you'll be hard pressed to tell it's not a petrol engine; apart from fuel thirst it has better manners than any four-cylinder diesel, particularly at low speed. Interior accommodation is truly comfortable and spacious for four, with ample legroom at the rear, although there's a prominent centre tunnel. Fixed back seats, but a ski-flap (and bag) in the folding armrest, ensure good luggage security, with a novel folding "Cargo-flex" system, soon to be included in the boot, to stop smaller items fallng about. Another feature you won't get on any posh rival is a standard umbrella, with a storage cubby in the rear armrest box, complete with drainage to the outside! Superb engines, equipment that's generous to a fault, impeccable furnishings, it's all there - the only real reservations we harbour concern the Superb's ride, steering and general poise. Although the car is grippy and responsive once into the turn, the steering feels rather dead from straight-ahead, while sharp-edged road faults on secondary roads aren't sufficiently absorbed, despite the model's soft damping. |
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