| 323 | 2024-08-19 | First Drive: Skoda Superb Hatch Review – Big, Bold and Brilliant I’ve always had a soft spot for the Skoda Superb, right from the first generation which looked like an Octavia that had been run through a photocopier at 110%. This new, fourth-generation model returns to its safe and sensible roots of 2001, although I’d argue that it looks a little too similar to the outgoing model. That’s pretty much where the criticism ends, though. The estate version of the car has already been driven, and my colleague Maxine Ashford said it was “ultimate proof that the estate car, especially in diesel guise, is still a winner.” We’ve had to wait a little longer for the hatchback, probably as Skoda recognises it’ll be a less popular option than the estate, which, in turn, is less popular than the large Kodiaq SUV. Follow the money, you see. It’s been worth the wait, though. Owned by the Volkswagen Group, the manufacturing behemoth’s platform-sharing has reduced costs but led to the group’s smaller members — Skoda and Seat, particularly — taking whatever was given to them. This time around, Skoda led the development of the car directly, and handed over its work to Volkswagen which used it as the basis for the new Passat. The sheer bulk of the car — it’s 1cm longer than the estate — means its rivals are the likes of the BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class, but the price point puts it up against smaller options like the 3 Series and C-Class. The huge boot will even appeal to buyers looking at SUVs like the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai. It has acres of room inside, with the front seats providing more than even the tallest of people could possibly need, although those with particularly short legs might feel somewhat closer to the wheel than they might like. There’s more space in the rear with enough legroom to sit comfortably and slide a squashy bag in the footwell. You won’t need to, though, as the boot is enormous. It swallows 645 litres, which is barely any less than the estate, with boot dividers to keep my Jack Wolfskin Traveltopia luggage secure, plenty of cubby holes, and a false floor aiding practicality. Skoda has, after a few false starts under Volkswagen, also nailed how to do infotainment systems. The large 13.0-inch screen in my SE Technology spec car was crisp, clear, precise and intuitive to use. It’s so good that I didn’t even connect Android Auto (which you can do wirelessly), which I tend to do in every car. It’s a little overwhelming at first, but spend 20 minutes with it on your driveway to set up the front screen as you like and it’s a piece of cake to operate. There are real buttons in the dashboard, too, with a trio of rotary controls that change what they do. By default, they’ll work as heater controls, but a quick press turns them into a drive mode selector. They’re configurable, too, so you can have swift, physical access to a system you need regularly. It just works, and is so much better than stabbing at a screen when driving. A 10.25-inch screen operates as the instrument panel for the driver. Again, it’s clear, but it’s housed in a surround that looks very much like an afterthought, as if somebody had designed a dashboard cowling for traditional dials but then swapped it all out for an iPad at the last moment. Happily, you don’t see the clunky design from the driver’s seat. That’s the best seat, too, as it’s where you’ll enjoy the 2.0-litre diesel engine under the bonnet — petrol and hybrid options are also available. Granted, with just 150hp, it’s no ball of fire, but the 360Nm of torque lets the car work with the eight-speed automatic gearbox, creating a sensation of being in an unstoppable force. Our car had the Dynamic Chassis Control option fitted, which uses innovative dampers to control the car. It’s not quite got the “perfect handling” a Skoda spokesperson suggested, but it’s very good. There’s grip everywhere, with a well-balanced chassis and impressive steering feel for such a large and comfortable saloon. Slide the drive mode to comfort, and it wafts along beautifully, while Sport mode stiffens the car and inspires more confidence in spirited cornering. Honestly, though, keep it in comfort; it’s where the car is at its best. Cruise along, and the car promises economy as high as 56.9mpg. I ended my time in the high 40s, which is a good result considering both the terrain and the aforementioned spirited driving. You’ll be able to do better, especially with the incredible aerodynamic gains Skoda has made. It’s a shame that the world is demonising diesel and that marketing teams spend a fortune getting buyers into heavier, less efficient, but more profitable SUVs. Those who take the time to discover the Superb, whether in hatchback or estate form, will find that this is likely all the car they’ll ever need. Ok, maybe in the slightly plusher SE L spec, but that’s just being picky. Model Tested: Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI SE Technology Average Joes Rating: ★★★★★ |
