2016 Skoda Superb Estate Review

Carzone drives Skoda’s incredibly spacious estate on Irish roads

Review

There are few estate cars on the market which can match the new Skoda Superb Combi when it comes to room. Leading the way in terms of passenger and boot space, the new Superb Combi is longer and wider than the model it replaces, while its pricing remains competitive when compared to established models in the segment such as the Ford Mondeo Estate and Volkswagen Passat. With improved interior quality and styling, can the Superb Combi take on more luxurious offerings from BMW and Mercedes-Benz?

What is it like?

The Skoda Superb is arguably better looking in Estate guise than it is as a saloon, with its long and low-slung appearance. The sharply angled front LED daytime running lights are striking, while the chrome lining in the front grille and windows give it a premium feel. The Superb Combi’s rear lights are also now full LED and wider than before for more presence, while the 18-inch ‘Pegasus’ alloy wheels fitted as an option to our test car give it a sportier presence. 

The key selling point of the Superb’s interior is space, and it has that in droves. The driver’s area is roomy with an uncluttered dashboard layout, although the touch screen infotainment system can take getting used to. In the rear, the Superb is still the class leader offering more leg room than other cars in the segment such as the Volkswagen Passat and Hyundai i40, and we sampled this by comfortably seating three adults in the rear. The Superb Combi’s boot offers a huge 660 litres of space in the rear which is larger than most other new cars on the market and makes for excellent load carrying capabilities.

As is the case with the Skoda Superb Saloon, there is an extensive range of petrol and diesel engines to choose from in the Superb Combi. The sole petrol offering is Skoda’s 1.4 TSI 125bhp, however we’d recommend the diesel versions which are better suited to the Superb’s bulk. The diesel range is made up of a 120bhp 1.6-litre diesel and a larger 2.0-litre diesel available in two states of tune; 150bhp or 190bhp. We drove the 150bhp 2.0-litre diesel which pulls strongly from low in the rev range and sits comfortably at motorway speeds. There is a choice of a six speed manual gearbox or Skoda’s automatic DSG transmission, which we sampled.

In terms of driving, the Superb Combi handles well and is comfortable. It is not as engaging or fun as more premium offerings in the segment such as the BMW 5 Series Touring or Mercedes E-Class estate, but most buyers will be satisfied with its all rounding capabilities. Driving modes can be changed between Normal, Comfort and Sport, altering the suspension and feel of the Superb Combi on the road.

There are five different specification choices with Active, Ambition, Style, Sportline and the range-topping L&K version. In base Active trim, the Superb Combi gets a tyre pressure monitor, electric handbrake with hill hold, cruise control with speed limiter, electric and heated mirrors and a 5-inch touch screen infotainment system to name a few. Our mid-range Style model is much better equipped with a larger 8-inch touch screen Sat Nav system, electrically adjustable seats, a reversing camera, optional leather upholstery and heated washer nozzles. Prices for the entry level 1.4 TSI Active start from €28,750, but the entry style is considerably more expensive at €36,350.

The Superb Combi is priced similarly to its main rivals such as the Ford Mondeo Estate and Opel Insignia Tourer, and we found it to be quite economical for the duration of our test. Annual road tax for the 2.0-litre TDI diesel with DSG that we drove comes in at €200, while we averaged under 6.0-litres per 100 kilometres over a mixture of city and motorway-based driving.

Carzone verdict: 4/5

We were impressed with just how refined, practical and spacious the new Skoda Superb Combi truly is. When pitched against other best selling cars in the Estate segment, it makes for an enticing proposition. It isn’t quite on par with more luxurious rivals such as the BMW 5 Series Tourer and Jaguar SXF Sportbrake when it comes to driving ergonomics and finish, but that’s to be expected considering the Superb’s price point. We’d recommend the 1.6-litre diesel at a minimum and opting for a DSG gearbox is a worthwhile investment.  

Test Car Details:

Model driven: Skoda Superb Combi

Prices from: €28,750

Price as tested: €40,455

Annual Road Tax: €200

Engine: 1968cc four-cylinder diesel

Power/Torque: 150hp, 340Nm

Top Speed: 215 km/h

0-100km/h: 8.8 seconds

Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic

Body style: Estate

Boot Space: 660 litres