SecondHandSense/Skoda Superb: Big cars do not sell in big numbers for fairly obvious reasons.
Nevertheless the lack of popularity of the Skoda Superb relative to the popularity of smaller Skoda cars does seem disproportionate. It has much to do with big names and status, it would appear. While the Superb would give a 5-Series BMW or a Mercedes E-Class a run for its money in terms of interior space and comfort, the same impact of ownership will never be made. Personally, I think anyone seeking a bigger car - particularly with very impressive diesel performance - should take a close look at the Superb with its very impressive list of standard equipment, even at the entry level.
The Superb is the biggest car in the Skoda family, a family that collectively punches far above its weight when it comes to reliability, performance and comfort. And the Superb has all three in bucket loads. It has begun to date - the current model has been around since 2002 and the next generation should be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next March - but if looks are not your top priority then this car is a good bet.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about the car is its interior space and comfort. Seats are big and supportive and the cabin is cleverly thought out and finished. Tall drivers or passengers will especially appreciate the extra room and height. Being a member of the Volkswagen group, Skoda is heavily influenced by VW style and design and everything about the Superb has a familiarity about it. Dials, switches, the backlighting on the dashboard, the steering wheel and gear lever are all as you might expect to find on a Passat.
The boot is also very big, but the seats do not fold down to accommodate more, which is a pity. However, you would need to have a fairly excessive load to find it seriously lacking.
The engine range starts with a 2.0-litre petrol producing 115bhp, but a turbo charged 1.8-litre delivers 150bhp. Diesel is probably the Superb's optimum match, with the 1.9-litre TDI producing 115 horse power and the 2.0-litre diesel producing 140bhp. There are also two V6 options, but these are a rare enough find and not of general interest.
There are three trim levels - Classic, Comfort and Elegance - but even the Classic has everything from multiple airbags to climate control to advanced electronic braking systems and lots more. As you move up the range, the list of standard extras increases and the top of the range Elegance leaves many luxury competitors in the shade when you consider the price. Ride and handling are very good and again one is reminded of the solid build of the car when in a tricky situation.
The car scored four out of a possible five stars in the EuroNCAP crash tests, which leaves it at a disadvantage when compared to other even smaller cars, which have scored five. Presumably the new model will more than make up for this result. The fact that only a small number of Superbs have ever been recalled (less than 5,000 for a fuel pump cover problem) says much about Skoda's rather enviable reliability record.
A 2005 car with all the extras, including leather upholstery, a 1.9-litre diesel engine and 66,000 km on the clock is on offer for €19,500.
A similar car without leather and with 126,000 kilometres on the clock is on offer for the same price.
FOR:Space, reliability and comfort AGAINST:Boot space could be better