David Linklater.

A Skoda Superb: this is really just a Volkswagen Passat dressed in sackcloth, right?

Once upon a time that might have been true. But Skoda isn’t really a VW sub-brand any more. Sure, there’s plenty shared between the Superb and Passat, including the MQB platform and some powertrains, but the Skoda has its own personality and design/ engineering agenda.

Case in point: this Superb TDI 4x4 wagon doesn’t have a direct equivalent in the local Passat range, nor is it particularly cheap. At $57,900 it’s slightly more expensive than the top-specification Passat wagon with the same engine. There’s no direct comparison because there are specification differences between the two and you can’t have the Passat TDI 140kW with the allwheel drive system of the Superb unless you opt for the full-on Alltrack crossover; but the point is that you don’t buy the Skoda simply because you want to walk away with a pocketful of change compared with its VW sibling.

Okay, okay. What’s so good about the Superb, then?

This is going to sound awfully intangible, but character is a big thing with Skoda. You could argue there’s a certain level of pretension in making a car look a little old-fashioned, but the Superb’s old-school grille and selfconsciously crisp lines do appeal. That goes for the inside as well, which has the ergonomic excellence and quality you’d expect of a VW Group product, but executed with extreme simplicity.

You also have to admire the Superb’s focus on comfort, when so many brands pursue sportiness at all costs.

The performance is striking, with a mountain of torque and a slick dual-clutch gearbox. But the steering is light, the suspension rather squishy.

There’s a touch of luxury in the way the Superb lopes along and it really doesn’t care if that means a bit of extra body roll in the corners. Just sit back and enjoy the three-zone climate control. None of this comes at the opportunity cost of technology or sophistication.

The Superb is based on the VW Group’s latest MQB platform, so it’s right up to date in terms of strength and driver-assistance equipment.

The TDI 4x4 model’s forwardfacing camera enables such technology as forward collision alert with autonomous braking in an emergency and lane-keeping with steering assistance.

The optional $950 adaptive