Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Skoda Superb Review
FACTS AT A GLANCECAR: Skoda Superb range
PRICES: £13,900-£21,690 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 8-15
CO2 EMISSIONS: 151-250g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.8 V6] 0-60mph 8.0s / Max Speed 147mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.8 V6] (combined) 28mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm 4803/1765/1469mm
Few people know that the Superb is 10cm longer than the Passat chassis that its based on. Build quality is excellent and the suspension absorbs every blemish in the road. Its not the most agile of cars and doesnt like taking bends too sharply. The automatic gearbox is a bit hesitant and its not the quietest diesel on the market. If you need a car thatll carry the family then this is it.
Behind The Wheel
The standard Classic trim includes ‘Climatronic’ air conditioning with additional vents for rear passengers, electric windows, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, 12V outlet in luggage compartment, ‘CatVision’ diffused interior lighting around the door handles, trip computer, third rear three-point seat belt, front, side and curtain airbags, remote central locking, ABS and EDL, radio/ single CD player with eight speakers, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, and an alarm with interior monitoring.
Comfort specification adds 16-inch alloy wheels, multi-functional steering wheel, umbrella holder with full size umbrella in the left rear door, auto-dimming rear view mirror, rain sensor wipers, illuminated rear legroom, rear acoustic parking sensors, cruise control, cassette radio and six CD autochanger, door mirrors with lights illuminating the door area and a storage slot with removable ski sack behind the rear armrest. Range-topping Elegance models also feature bi-xenon headlights, colour satellite navigation, heated leather seats with individual controls, electrically adjustable front seats, memory function driver’s seat and door mirrors, folding door mirrors with automatic tilt when in reverse, headlamp washers, 17-inch alloy wheels and wood décor on door panels, centre console and gear lever handle.
Refinement
Levels of engine noise on the 1.8T and 130bhp diesel are low at cruising speeds, but the 130 makes itself heard under hard acceleration. Road rumble is well suppressed but wind noise is too noticeable around the side windows and pillars at national limits. The controls and gearshift are smooth, however.
Ride & handling
The Superb feels its size, due to a soft suspension set-up that’s geared towards comfort. While it soaks up small bumps well at low speeds and wafts along on smooth surfaces, body control is poor and the Superb wallows through corners. It also gets the wobbles over crests, and the uncommunicative steering doesn’t help matters.
Performance
Petrol power comes from 2.0, 1.8 turbo or 2.8 V6 engines. All three are smooth, although the lesser engines can struggle to pull along such a weighty car. Better choices are the 1.9-litre turbodiesel now with 105- or 130bhp or the 2.5 V6 TD, all of which provide much more grunt.
Safety & security
Standard anti-skid brakes and twin front, side and curtain airbags mean safety equipment levels are very good, if not quite up with the best in the class. Traction control is found on all but the 2.0 and 1.8 T models. Security features are plentiful and effective, however, and were able to keep our attack-testers out. Every model comes with an alarm.
Quality & reliability
Although it doesn’t quite match the VW Passat it’s based on, one of the Superb’s strengths is fine build quality, with good panel fit and a solid, sturdy interior that uses decent materials. Under the skin, most of the mechanicals are shared with the Volkswagen, so they should prove hardy and long-lasting.
Buying Used
A good car gets even more appealing once it has lost a chunk of its price thanks to depreciation. Durable enough to make a good purchase.
Buying New
Its a brave choice to throw big money at the Skoda badge but it is a genuinely good car. Dealers ought to be able to help make the purchase a bit easier, too.
TARGET PRICE: £12,762 - £22,641
PRICE: £13,900 - £24,505
