On the road in latest Superb
Changes on the surface and underneath enhance an already great car
SKODA has updated its Superb flagship hatchback for 2020. The facelift has added new bumpers, a different grille and LED headlights, and there’s also new Skoda lettering on the boot as the Czech brand continues the roll-out of a new branding approach that was given its first airing on the recent Scala hatchback.
There are a few specification changes in the line-up too, but of course, the basic recipe hasn’t changed that much – so the Superb remains a rival for the Mazda 6 and Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport, plus the Volkswagen Passat, which was also recently facelifted. Indeed, the Skoda and VW share an engine range, thanks to their common MQB architecture.
To check the Superb’s credentials, we’ve driven a 1.5-litre petrol model with 148bhp and a manual gearbox – a combination also available in the Passat. With CO2 emissions of 120g/km, this engine is a good option for fleet buyers, who make up a sizeable proportion of Superb owners.
However, if you’re considering a company car, be aware that a tax-busting plug-in hybrid version will arrive in 2020, with CO2 emissions of just 40g/km and the ability to travel up to 34 miles on electricity alone. And big-mileage drivers may still be better served by the super-frugal diesel, which is a great option if you want to complete longer journeys with fewer fuel stops.
In any case, the 1.5-litre petrol engine is smooth and very quiet in the Superb, and goes together well with the light, satisfying manual gearshift. However, the long gear ratios that help to deliver that low CO2 emissions figure do hurt the performance a little. You have to get used to being in a lower gear, which puts the engine in the right rev range to deliver its power.
Performance is fine, although we reckon the 2.0-litre diesel engine is a much better fit for such a large car. Having to rev the engine this hard just doesn’t feel right, and it detracts from the car’s relaxed character.
That comforting feeling is down to the plush suspension, which smooths out lumps and bumps very well, just as it did in the previous Superb. There’s very little vibration over badly surfaced roads, and even big ridges don’t upset it. Supportive and nicely cushioned leather seats are standard on this SE L model, too.
It’s no driver’s car, but the Superb is still enjoyable to drive, thanks to its tight body control. It means you can drive as quickly as you like on country roads without fear of a
“The plush suspension smooths out bumps extremely well, just as it did in the old Superb”
nasty pothole – and the accurate steering means it’s easy to place on the road, too.
As with the previous model, rear legroom is excellent; even the tallest passengers won’t complain about space. And neither does this legroom compromise the boot, which is a cavernous 625 litres. As has been the case pretty much through the modern Superb’s life, not much in the class or at this price can match it for practicality.
Should you need even more load space, of course, the Estate version offers greater practicality – although again, we’d suggest looking hard at the 2.0 diesel if you’re going to be travelling regularly with the back seats lowered and the cavernous load bay filled.
The cabin finish is at the top of what Skoda can do – and that means it’s more than a match for the likes of the Insignia and pretty much on par with the Mazda. Whether you prefer the slightly different finishes on the Passat could come down to nothing more than personal taste, but the Skoda certainly doesn’t disgrace itself with too many shiny, hard finishes.
The Superb’s low cost also means it’s excellent value. Even the entry-level S edition gets LED headlights and tail-lights, and a touchscreen display system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Mid-spec SEs offer front and rear parking sensors and dual-zone air-conditioning, while the company car-focused SE Business adds leather upholstery, heated front seats and an upgraded infotainment system.
An SE L model like the car we’ve driven here steps up to 18-inch alloy wheels and includes blind spot detection and Matrix LED headlights as standard.
Despite these tweaks to the specs and the revised engine line-up, this facelift really doesn’t change anything about the Superb’s position in the market. But then that’s not necessarily a bad thing; it’s been among the best cars in its class since it was launched, and that’s still true now.