Car Test
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R0277 | |
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November 2002 |
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| Skoda Superb | ||
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: 1.8 T Comfort Saloon | |
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Contrary to what others may have told you, the Octavia was never really an upper-medium, Mondeo/Passat-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 establishes 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 week with the car 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. 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. Despite this, the price undercuts even some more ordinary non-executive rivals, when you consider the power units and performance on offer. Which engine to choose in the Superb is a poser because there’s a very strong line-up. At around our test car’s price, there’s a 48mpg/130bhp-diesel option, while a further £2700 will secure the fabulous Audi-sourced six-speed V6 diesel that provides sublime 40mpg motoring. Nevertheless, this light-pressure-turbo petrol (also seen in the Octavia as well as the Golf GTi and several others) is one of our favourite VW Group power plants. The rivals table shows just how convincing are its performance and economy, compared with illustrious rivals – especially when you remember that the Superb is ‘a big motor’. Apart from a thrummy note that sets in past 60mph, it’s also such a sweet-running, undemanding unit at lower speed; we guarantee you’ll change gear less in this Superb, unless you’re in a real hurry. There’s little to criticise in terms of its cornering attitude, either – except that the steering is a shade woolly and inert from straight ahead. Likewise, the Superb’s bump-absorbing ability is good without being remarkable, although excellent seat support, with plenty of adjusters up front leave few complaints about comfort. The rear is spacious for two, but the seat is fixed, so adaptability is poor, though boot security is even more assured, for the same reason. There are practical touches, however, such as an umbrella, complete with a drainer, in the rear door and substantial shopping bag hooks in the boot, that hinge down when needed. And you can also take your skis with you, inside the car. |
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