Skoda Superb SE 2.0 TDI PD

Nov 6 2008 Edward Stephens

WHEN Skoda christened its flagship car the Superb, it ran the risk of being accused of misnaming its creation - if it didn't live up to the name's implicit bold claim.

But it would be a brave man or woman who would criticise this Skoda's name because it's a claim that can be more than justified.

The first Superb model was launched in 2002 to critical acclaim. Here was a limousine-sized car with luxury features yet with a hatchback price tag.

But if you call a car Superb you have to make sure you stay ahead of the game and Skoda have just produced the Superb MkII

Like the original if offers more rear seat legroom than any other car in its class - a lot more.

If you sit in the rear you can stretch your legs out without touching the front seats. It's a big car and a comfortable one. You almost feel as if you should have someone with a uniform and peaked hat sitting in the driver's seat.

Externally the latest model is not dissimilar to the original but the design is now far sharper.

It certainly looks like a luxury limousine with a hefty price tag - yet the range starts from just £15,490. That's £1,390 more than the entry level model of 2002.

The Superb's main rivals are cars like the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Vectra, Toyota Avensis and Peugeot 407. But for interior space there is nothing to touch it.

It's dimensions mean that not only do passengers have an abundance of extra inches but the luggage area too is extraordinary.

There is a relatively narrow boot opening but the space inside - 565 litres - is vast. And if that boot opening is causing difficulty there is no problem because at the touch of a button this booted car becomes a hatchback, with the whole of the rear opening up to give you a vast opening. It's a unique idea and it's brilliant.

If you need even more space the rear seat backs fold down to create a gargantuan 1,670 litres and a useful boot release on the key fob means you can open the spring loaded lid from a distance if your arms are full.

My SE model came with limousine-style leather and Alcantara upholstery and a very upmarket looking dashboard, as well as a centre console with touch screen operation for the radio as well as displaying the activation of switches like the rear screen demister.

Powered by the more than competent 2.0 TDI PD 140bhp engine it offers brisk acceleration - despite the car's size - and relaxed high speed motorway cruising at low revs.

My test car had the DSG gearbox which thanks to its two clutch operating system offers rapid automatic gear changes yet the economy of a manual gearbox.

In Sport setting I found the box impressively slick, and even using the gear shift manually allowed superb quick fire changes.

Standard kit on the car includes ESP, seven airbags and dual zone automatic climate control.

The Superb offers almost unparalleled value for money in the large car sector and continues to do justice to the name proudly displayed on its boot.

FAST FACTS

Skoda Superb SE 2.0 TDI PD auto

Price : £20,305

Mechanical : 140bhp, 1,968cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox.

Max speed : 127mph

0-62mph .: 10.2 secs

Combined mpg : 41.5

Insurance group : 9

C02 emissions : 177g/km

BiK rating : 25%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 10yrs anti-rust