Skoda Superb Elegance 2.0TDi CR170 – on sale now

5 June 2009

Review

So far, its hard to fault AM’s long-term Skoda Superb.
It offers far more than its competitors – Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia to name two – and comes at a much reduced price.

Our Elegance version costs £23,235 and is full of kit, including sat-nav, parking assistant, which effectively parallel parks for you, front and rear (and oversensitive) parking sensors and leather seats.

The Skoda’s downfall will, as always, be its badge. The average
punter still sniffs at the thought of driving a Skoda, despite the fact it has for some time been the value brand of Volkswagen Group. It’s a shame because its D-segment contribution has a lot to offer.

It feels as if it should be a chauffeur- driven car, thanks to the vast space in the rear. And this doesn’t come to the detriment of the boot, which seems to go on forever.

Handling and steering is good on both motorways and rough and ready B-roads and the six-speed gearbox
is refined.

The touch screen info and entertainment system is fuss-free and adds to the luxury feel.

Its biggest blemish is its looks, which I still think appear dated and would only appeal to the older age range. And the burgundy colour of our model adds to the grandad feel.

It’s a tough time for the large saloon segment. Smaller models are most popular and this is only likely to increase with the introduction of the scrappage scheme.

But the Superb is in the best position for its segment.
There’s of a lot of metal for the money. This might persuade customers, notably fleet managers, to reassess their badge snobbery and give this excellent car a go.