Skoda Superb Estate
OUR PICK 2.0 TDI SE L Executive (2017/17, 41k miles, £15,195)
IF you’re looking to come out on top in the space race, then you should take a giant leap towards the Skoda Superb Estate. With its cavernous boot and vast interior, which is packed with family-friendly features, the big Skoda offers more carrying capacity for your cash than almost any other used buy.
Better still, you won’t have to dig deep into your bank balance to get your hands on the spacious Czech model, with prices for the stylish third-generation machine starting from as little as £6,500 for early 2015 cars. Double this figure and you’ll have the pick of the bunch, with later, low-mileage models powered by the gutsy 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine and in lavishly equipped SE L trim.
Whatever your budget, you’ll get the same large and well shaped boot which, at 660 litres, is 20 litres more than in a Mercedes E-Class. Handy levers in the load area allow you to quickly fold the rear seats for a van-like 1,950 litres. Passengers are just as well catered for, with those in the back getting limousine-like levels of head and legroom.
The driver isn’t left out, thanks to the MQB underpinnings that deliver precise and agile handling, plus a cushioned ride and low noise levels that take the strain out of longhaul trips. And while diesel power isn’t as fashionable these days, the muscular and refined 148bhp TDI is perfectly suited to the car’s versatile character, plus it gives an easy 50mpg and is dependable and durable.
Factor in a lengthy list of standard equipment that includes an intuitive touchscreen infotainment system featuring USB, Bluetooth and smartphone mirroring, and the large Skoda estate’s appeal is easy to see. In fact, when it comes to used cars, rarely has a model ever deserved its name as much as the Superb.