Skoda Superb Saloon 2002 - 2008

Since it’s launch in 2002 the Skoda Superb has proven itself as a reliable and sturdy car. Something of a cab drivers favourite the Superb offers lots of legroom good handling and a great level of extras as standard. They’ve even added an umbrella holder that while isn’t a deal clincher is a nice touch.

Skoda have benefited greatly from their association with Volkswagen. The Superb is a lot of the best parts of the Passat with some unique parts thrown in to boot. There are other parts that can also be found on Audis and high end Seats, but the mechanical parts are from VW and are therefore known to be reliable. Inside the car the quality of materials is extremely high, with good fabrics and on some models blue backlit door handles. The seats are extremely comfortable and ensure that all of the occupants will be comfortable for long and short journeys alike.

The sheer size of the Superb means that it is most at home on the motorway. On the open road it devours the miles like hundreds and thousands on the top of an ice lolly. In town it is a capable animal but nothing much more. It’s a bit too heavy to be considered nimble and the lower spec engines can feel a little out of their depth.

The 1.8 petrol engine is a gutsy motor and really should be considered the entry point for the petrol range. As ever the diesel engines shine with the 1.9 TDI coming in three different levels of tune; 100,105 and 130 bhp. All offer good economy, in the high 40 mpg mark, and there’s not a huge amount to choose between them in acceleration or top speed. Choice will be a personal preference. There is a 2.8 V6 petrol option which while more refined than it’s diesel brothers offers pretty greedy fuel figures with the automatic box weighing in with 26 mpg. The 2.0 diesel pretty well matches it’s sub ten second 0-60 and mid 130s mph top speed but does so at 44 mpg.

The handling of the Superb is accomplished without being too polished. There is an element of body roll if pushed too hard at a corner, but that is surely to be expected from such a heavy car. The suspension is set for a good balance of comfort and road holding but fares better for the passengers than the driver. The big Skoda feels more cushioned than lithe and has a tendency to pad it’s way round a corner rather than feel supportive.

Skodas do have quite a big drop in value after their first year but this is essentially irrelevant as they are very rarely sold at that age. They offer decent value cars that hold a good three year price and will offer lots of trouble free miles in that time. The turn around that Skoda have managed in the last ten years is an inspiration to any car maker. Their buyer image has also changed from the man with little money to the driver who likes to get a lot for their money.

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