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Nadine Armstrong22 Dec 2014
REVIEW

Skoda Superb 2014 Review

Move beyond the badge and watch Skoda close the gap on its more expensive rivals
Review Type
Road Test

Stylish and well equipped, the Skoda Superb has the credentials to shake off some history and edge its way closer to the competition. With an eager 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine at play, generous equipment and priced from $31,990 (plus on-road costs), what’s not to like?

Players gonna play. Haters gonna hate. And if you’re gonna call it ‘Superb’, then it really needs to hit the spot; and the updated Skoda Superb is not far off. So if you can get past the badge, chances are you’ll like what’s in store with this latest update from the Czech Republic.

It’s no great surprise, given Skoda’s good genetic heritage, stemming from the VW Group; and with sharp pricing, the Skoda Superb proves itself a worthy rival to the usual, more expensive, German suspects.

The new Superb offers two engine variants – a 1.8-litre turbo-petrol or 2.0-litre turbo-diesel – each matched to a dual-clutch transmission – a six-speed for the diesels and a seven-speed for the petrol. It’s offered in sedan or wagon bodystyles, the latter attracting a $1700 premium across the range.

You’ve got two specification levels to consider, the entry-level Ambition or step-up to the high-grade Elegance.

Our test vehicle is the Superb Wagon in Elegance guise – it’s top of the pops for this line-up, and brings all the bells and whistles with it. While it may not be first on your shopping list, it’s about to pull rank.

From the outside, there’s enough personality (and chrome) to give a subtle hint of the pomp contained within. And while the exterior lines may fall short of some more well-shaped rivals, the Superb is beautifully spacious on the inside – and we all know that’s what matters, right?

The leather is soft and inviting, the centre stack and console is bursting with interesting buttons and dials, the materials are thoughtful and feature just the right amount of bling so as to not appear to be trying too hard. The doors close with a familiar reassuring thud, and the seating position is nice, offering good outward visibility.

The buffet of buttons suggest you’re in the top-spec vehicle, too, and there’s much adjusting to be done before you set off – all electric of course.

The large panoramic sunroof screams ‘expensive option’, but it’s quite the crowd pleaser at $1890.

On paper, the Superb reads as mature and well equipped – and in the flesh, it’s just that. The diesel engine sampled here delivers 125kW at 4500rpm and 350Nm from 1750rpm – that’s just shy of the 130kW and 380Nm you’ll see from Audi’s A6 TDI.

The Superb is a tidy arrangement and you never feel anything other than safe and sound, riding on 18-inch alloys, inside the comfortable and well insulated cabin.

It’s dimensionally large and weighs in at 1605kg, so pace starts are not its thing – but nonetheless our turbocharged diesel is lively and eager to please once on the open road.

Put your foot down from standstill and there’s only the slightest delay, before the torquey oiler takes hold. Its agility is impressive and its handling surprisingly obedient for a large vehicle. It stops well, too.

The six-speed dual-clutch (automatic) transmission delivers a smooth track through the gears and the sequential shift was quick to respond, which made flipping through the gears at your pace a nice option.

The Superb's cornering was a surprise too, the l-o-n-g wagon maintaining composure fitting of its size with consistent body control and reasonable feedback. That said, a little more feel through the steering wheel wouldn't go astray.

In-car technology can make or break a value proposition, and inside the Superb it’s laid on thick, including a 6.5-inch touch screen, sat-nav, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio streaming, electric heated front seats with seat memory, dual-zone climate control, heated second row seats, automatic parking assist with front and rear sensors, cruise control, auto dimming rear-view and wing mirrors and 10-speaker sound system.

The touch screen is home to most of your in-car functions and it’s well positioned and clearly labelled. There’s no fuss or guesswork involved.

Cabin space is a highlight – the Superb’s vast interior makes for very happy and comfortable passengers – particularly in the second row, where you also get heated seats. Its voluminous proportions make it incredibly practical in dealing with the family load – it just made everything feel easier. The boot takes 603 litres of cargo with the seats in place.

The diesel features idle stop-start technology for increased fuel efficiency, and boasts a claimed combined consumption figure of 5.5L/100km. On test, and through mostly urban running, we achieved 8.6.

The Superb features a five-star ANCAP safety rating and offers a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and capped-price servicing program.

At the end of the day, the Skoda Superb offers buyers a valid alternative to the considerably more expensive Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz line up. It’s Euro flair without the hefty price tag and I’m gonna say it, brings Skoda one step closer to shaking-off the haters – and deservedly so.

2014 Skoda Superb Elegance 125TDI Estate pricing and specifications:
Price:
$44,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 125kW/350Nm
Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 5.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 146g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star (ANCAP)

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Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Expert rating
78/100
Engine, Drivetrain & Chassis
15/20
Price, Packaging & Practicality
17/20
Safety & Technology
17/20
Behind the Wheel
16/20
X-Factor
13/20
Pros
  • Composed handling
  • Generous equipment
  • Abundant space
Cons
  • Step-off lag
  • Pricey options
  • Steering lacks feel
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