WHEN a car company chooses to call its latest model by the name of Superb, it is simply asking for trouble.
When that company is Skoda, things begin to get even more tricky.
Tell anyone that you own a Superb, and their first question will automatically be ``well is it?''
The answer is that for a Skoda it certainly is, but stacked against the opposition to only makes half sense.
Opt for the least expensive two-litre petrol version, and at £14,200 no other family saloon offers as much metal for the money, or anything like it.
But go to the very top of the range at £24,500 for the lavishly equipped 2.5-litre diesel model, and it faces stiff competition.
For example, the Citroen C5 and Peugeot 607 diesels do a similar job for significantly less money, and even Audi's impressive 2.5-litre A6 diesel costs less.
Pricing apart, however, the Superb is a class act, being basically a stretched Volkswagen Passat.
Consider that the Passat is one of the roomiest saloons anyway, and in stretched format it is enough to induce agoraphobia in the rear.
There really is a fantastic amount of room in which to relax, with Skoda justifiably describing the car as offering a Club Class ride for an Economy Class fare.
In every other respect it feels and drives like a Volkswagen Passat, which is no bad thing.
There is the same attention to detail, inside and out, with high-grade trim and materials, solid switchgear, and attractive instrumentation.
Accepting that the two-litre petrol engine is the least powerful unit on offer, it does an adequate job. In normal use it offers a reasonable combination of performance and frugality, with acceleration to 60mph in around 11.5 seconds, and economy of about 30mpg. When fully laden the weight of the car begins to make its presence felt, however, and economy suffers as a result.
Next up is the 1.8-litre turbo version, which boosts power from 115bhp to 150bhp, and raises the price to £15,800. This is for the car in basic Classic rather than Comfort or Elegance trim, which means going without a sunroof, cruise control, alloy wheels or a CD multi-changer.
There is also a 2.8-litre V6 petrol version, plus a trio of diesels. Prices are £15,250 for the 100bhp 1.9-litre TD, £16,000 for the more powerful 130bhp version, and £20,400 for the 2.5V6, all in basic trim.
Best of the bunch is the 130bhp turbodiesel, which offers an impressive blend of 130mph performance and 45mpg economy, whilst falling into the lowest company car tax bracket.
Skoda realises only too well just how vulnerable it makes itself by introducing not only a new saloon with executive pretensions, but particularly one with such a boastful name.
It has gone to extraordinary lengths, therefore, to ensure that the product is up to the job, and above obvious criticism. Nonetheless, whilst the Superb may well be in the Volkswagen class for quality, all cars have an inherent character and personality.
In the case of BMWs, for example, it is sporting, whilst with Renaults it is cosseting.
The Superb leans more towards the latter, and is less sporting and involving than some might like. It does its job admirably, whilst making few demands of the driver, in a typically Teutonic, detached and efficient way.
Those in search of a satisfying driver's car should look elsewhere, as should those considering spending almost £25,000 on a well-equipped big-engined large family saloon.
At this end of the range the Superb will be a victim of relatively heavy depreciation, because its image is simply not as strong as those of Audi, BMW or indeed several of its other executive rivals.
It makes most sense in its cheaper and mid-range forms, where it makes a great deal of sense indeed.
FAST FACTS
Skoda Superb 2.0 Classic
Price: £14,200
Mechanical: 115bhp, 1,984cc 4cyl engine driving front wheels via 5spd gearbox
Max Speed: 125mph
0-62mph: 11.5secs
Combined mpg: 34
Insurance Group: 8
CO2 emissions: 206g/km
BiK rating: 23%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited miles; 10yrs antirust; 3yrs paint