ELEGANT design, a spacious interior, sophisticated details and an excellent standard of workmanship, all mean the Skoda Superb lives up to its name.
Originally launched in the Czech republic, the Superb has received outstanding reviews across Europe and has broadened Skoda's appeal and status in the upper medium class market.
It's attractive to look at, (bearing a more than passing resemblance to the VW Passat) with neat lines offering excellent streamlining to enhance performance.
Inside, the Superb is geared to driver and passenger comfort, safety and, of course, an element of luxury with the high specification features.
The elegant dashboard merges smoothly into the wide central console which contains the sound system controls, satellite navigation system and climate control.
The lower part of the console contains the air conditioning controls and leads to the adjustable armrest.
One of the really noticeable things about the Superb is how spacious it is. There is plenty of legroom front and rear and it can comfortably carry five occupants. On the downside, the row of three rear headrests does obscure the view somewhat in the rear view mirror.
When Skoda says it caters for all needs it means it - there is even an umbrella holder in the rear door, and the storage compartment even drains to the outside of the car so the brolly can be stored wet.
The boot size is plentiful and ably deals with all those extra war-time bulk buys at the supermarket! It even contains two tilting hooks for hanging shopping bags inside the boot to keep them upright. There is also an opening into the rear armrest so longer items can be stored safely.
The Superb is available with three diesel and three petrol engines and in a variety of trims and equipment levels.
The model supplied for the test drive was the TDI 130 top-of-the-range Elegance which boasted excellent power but great economy too.
Illumination both inside and out is excellent, with door handles and the instrument panels clearly lit. It is fitted with bi-xenon headlights which clearly light up the road ahead and there is a Coming Home function which, when activated, will keep the headlights dipped for 30 seconds after leaving and locking the vehicle.
And for real customer care there are even boarding lamps under the front door sills which illuminate the ground making puddles and obstacles clearly visible.
As with most manufacturers in recent years, safety has become a top priority and Skoda has pulled out all the stops with the Superb.
Designers have looked at providing the highest safety standards possible for occupants. It has a rigid body which is designed with progressive crumple zones in the front and rear, the doors have triple reinforcement and foam filling to absorb the energy of a side impact, and it has four airbags to add protection, along with pre-tensioner seatbelts which are height adjustable in the front.
In the Superb, Skoda has come up trumps once again. It has top notch specifications, handles beautifully and is on the market for a little over £20,000, which should prove attractive to the performance-conscious company car driver on a budget.
FAST FACTS
Skoda Superb Elegance TDI 130
Price: £20,600
Mechanial: 130bhp, 1,896cc 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 127mph
0-62mph: 10.4 secs
Combined mpg: 48.7
Insurance group: 11E
CO2 emissions: 154g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 11yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint