Skoda Superb

Czech firm continues to make the case for diesel estates with its stalwart family hauler Skoda has gone up in the world and within the Volkswagen Group. Where the Skoda Superb started as a stretched Volkswagen Passat, evolving to a stretched Passat with a weird boot and finally to nearly the Passat’s equal in the outgoing generation, the latest, fourth-generation Superb has turned the tables.The new Superb and Volkswagen Passat were developed side by side, but with the process led by Skoda. Mladá Boleslav has turned from follower to leader, not just taking an important role in the development of new cars but also taking the opportunity to tear off the shared-platform straitjacket, such as by introducing off-menu user interface concepts that increase user-friendliness through common sense.At the same time, the Superb has fewer estate-car rivals than ever. The premium German brands persist with large estates, but Jaguar has recently axed the XF, and entrants from Vauxhall, Ford or the Japanese brands are long gone. Instead, the Superb’s biggest challenge will be to convince buyers not to choose the ubiquitous SUV, and instead go for the classic estate.The range at a glanceModelsPowerFrom1.5 TSI e-TEC SE Technology148bhp£36,1752.0 TDI SE Technology148bhp£36,6902.0 TSI201bhptbc1.5 TSI iV SE Technology201bhp£41,4652.0 TDI 4x4 SE L190bhp£43,3202.0 TSI 4x4 L&K262bhp£47,655Skoda still offers an extensive range for the Superb in the UK. There are currently two petrol engines, two diesels and a plug-in hybrid to choose from, with a third petrol coming later this year.The most powerful petrol and diesel have four-wheel drive. There are three trim levels: SE Technology, SE L and Laurin & Klement, although not all engines can be combined with every trim level. All Superbs get a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.