Skoda Superb Outdoor 4x4 2015 Review

I've always admired the modern-day Skoda. Think affordable, no-nonsense European cars based on Volkswagen architecture, fitted with VW engines, VW gearboxes and VW electrics. Most owners you talk to love their cars too.

Yet the Skoda brand has struggled to find a solid foothold in the Australian market since it was re-introduced in 2007.

Will the Skoda Superb Outdoor 4x4 change that? Not a hope in Hades.

Just 150 of the special edition Outdoor 4x4 models are coming to Australia and command a $6000 premium over the previous range-topping Elegance variant.

Although the European wagon is above average in many respects, it's 'Outdoor 4x4' moniker comes across as more of a gimmick than anything else. The ride height is unchanged at 141mm so it'll never be able to tackle even a remotely challenging trail. This is a snow covered road and gravel proposition only.

It's true that the '4x4' system works well on dirt roads and does give the vehicle slightly better road holding than front-wheel drive models in wet weather – able to transfer up to 45 per cent of torque to the rear axle – but it feels lethargic in terms of motivation.

Skoda reckons it weighs the same 1605kg as the Elegance variant it's based on, but I'm not buying it. It feels sluggish off the line, and average with roll on acceleration. The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine's 125kW and 350Nm barely cuts the mustard, even with a snappy six-speed dual-clutch transmission slicing and dicing its way through ratios.

Simply put, the powertrain feels like it's been left behind.

It's slow to respond and generates a low frequency rumble that I simply couldn't live with. I've never experienced this before and I expected more from a VW Group vehicle.

A modern two-tone take on the exterior bodywork the car is more striking than before, which was never going to be a challenge because the Superb is not supermodel. Nevertheless the grey body kit accents contrast well with the white paintjob the car is available with (Candy White or Moon White), which along with tastefully finished 18-inch wheels gives the car a premium aesthetic.

And it would want to look premium too, because it's the most expensive Skoda you can buy in Australia, asking for BMW 3 Series sort of money.

The interior continues the upmarket look and feel with cushy leather/Alcantara seats, conservative dash pad accents, thoughtfully organised and concise driver and infotainment controls which make navigating the cars systems a painless process.

The driving position is also effective at affording a good view in all directions.

There's a Kool Mint theme to the cars cockpit when the sun journey towards the horizon hastens, as green/white backlighting materialises. This works on several levels: it's easy on the eyes at night and highlights Skoda's primary brand colours too – something devotees will appreciate.

Back seat passengers get air vents which are a must these days, and although the Skoda is narrower than locally-made rivals like the Holden Commodore and its ilk, meaning rear seat passengers are closer, leg room is abundant for all occupants.

The boot in this wagon version is good but not great. It has plenty of tie-down hooks and good depth but like the passenger space it's not as wide as its rivals. This becomes abundantly clear when trying to load two large suitcases in side by side. There is 603 litres of cargo space to window height and with the rear seats in place.

Skoda is expert at providing a profusion of pragmatic storage solutions and the Superb doesn't disappoint, with cup and bottle holders galore, storage cubbies front, middle and rear. There's even an umbrella holder.

Much of the technology in the car is very useful but far from cutting edge, highlighting the Superb's grey hairs. The touch screen satellite navigation system is great, easy to use and I had no problems connecting my iPhone via Bluetooth first time.

There are electrically heated front seats – and heated rear seats – dual-zone climate control, a good 10-speaker stereo, a fatigue detection system, adaptive cornering headlights, rear side window sun blinds, keyless entry and engine start plus front and rear parking sensors.

And if you don't like parking, the car can slot itself into gaps via the parking assistant, and it's a pretty easy system to use once you get the hang of it. It also has the added benefit from surprising passengers as the steering wheel spinning of its volition.

Although Skoda sales grew overall in 2014, it was due to just one model, the new Octavia. Sales of that car were up almost 50 per cent, but every other Skoda model in Australia – Superb included – saw negative growth.

There's dozens of reasons as to why the Skoda brand is yet to show even a glimmer it's nearing its potential in terms of mainstream popularity but the current Superb is not one of them.

That a new-generation Skoda Superb has just been outed in Europe is probably good news for buyers looking at the current version, as it may help them drive a better deal with what will be a superseded model by early 2016.

Overall, the Skoda Superb is very functional, practical and safe, but even with its fancy body work and AWD there's nothing exciting about it. If you don't mind driving a dull car, this will fit the bill. But for a bit over $50K there are better options out there, the new Subaru Outback chief among them.

2015 Skoda Superb Outdoor 4x4 pricing and specifications:
Price: $52,690 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 125kW/350Nm
Transmission: Six-speed dual clutch automatic
Fuel: 5.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 154g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP