Skoda Superb Elegance 2.0 TDi PD

Nov 20 2008 John Scantlebury

THE Skoda Superb is aimed at those with executive tastes but who have a middle-management pay packet...a family car with pretensions, if you like.

The previous version was really a Passat in cut-price disguise and I was always surprised that more people didn't cotton on to the fact. Anyway, that's passed into the used-car zone now, with a new Superb that is its own car, with its own platform.

Yet the Passat is still not far away. Skoda's newcomer still contains bits of its VW cousin and its profile has echoes as well, although bullish front end and revolutionary back end clearly establish the proper identity.

Neither is exactly pretty, but there's a very good excuse as far as the rear is concerned, for here we have a cunning plan to set the Superb apart from the rest - Twindoor.

A dual tailgate means the car is part saloon, part hatchback - one button press lifts a boot lid, but if you've a big load to carry another button will raise the whole back end, employing body strengths derived from the technology used in those retractable hard roofs. Very clever and a good sales point.

Load space is wonderfully generous - as is passenger space - because you get a lot of Superb for your money. It is 4,838mm long, making it the stretchiest family car in the business, around six cm longer than rivals the Ford Mondeo and the Citroen C5, and more space has been achieved by switching to a transverse engine lay-out, compensating for a shortening of the wheelbase.

That's been done in an effort to improve on the driving dynamics and the general balance of the previous model, with a modicum of success. Everything feels good through the hands, with an electro-mechanical steering system, but the suspension set-up, multi-link at the rear, sets cruising comfort as its major ambition and you are not going to get sporty thrills. Think limo and you'll get the general idea. However, away from quality motorway surfaces, the ride is not as settled as that and, incidentally, there's a little more noise than you would expect.

But use the car as it was designed and you'll be well satisfied. I took off down the motorway to London and it was all so easy and relaxing. The car was powered by a familiar VW Group unit, the 140bhp PD 2.0 turbo, a little old hat now as the VW Group switches to common rail diesel (employed in the 2.0-litre 170bhp version), but one that still delivers a bright, economic performance, delivering satisfying acceleration in the low and mid ranges. The use of weight-saving materials in the build is clearly rewarded.

Here the engine was teamed with a six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox for the smoothest of changes (you can choose between economy or sports mode) with tiptronic manual function, and other advanced technology is seen in the new electronic stability programme guiding a whole range of safety functions.

For passengers not involved in the drive experience, it is simply the amount of room that is so appealing. For back-seat occupiers, in particular, it is so impressive, considerably more than in many exec-class cars. But there's plenty more to keep the occupants happy, especially in this good-looking, top-grade Elegance trim.

Even in the entry S trim (prices start at £15,490 for a 1.4 TSi) the Superb delivers the likes of air conditioning, seven airbags (including driver's knee bag), height-adjusting front seats, electric front and rear windows and door mirrors, front fogs, 16in alloys and radio/CD player with MP3.

SE trim adds more, including, cruise control, Alcantara upholstery, parking sensors, multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone climate control and improved audio system, while among Elegance offerings are full-leather upholstery, heated front seats with electrical adjustment and memory, Bi-xenon and adaptive front lights, rain sensors, satnav, Bluetooth phone preparation and 18in alloys.

Of the options available, I must mention Park Assist, employing an array of sensors to carry out automatic parallel parking - the steering actually takes care of itself. Yep, I know what you mean, it requires a great leap of faith in technology, but there it is.

The 2008 Superb has plenty going for it without that, still super value for money and, with Skoda's top-class record for reliability and customer satisfaction, it certainly deserves your attention against some of the big brand names in this Mondeo-led section of the market.

FAST FACTS

Skoda Superb Elegance 2.0 TDi PD auto 4dr

Price : £22,775

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 : 10

CO2 emissions : 177g/km

BiK rating : 25%

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