Skoda’s hot 4x4 Superb proves how far the brand has come

Skoda’s hot 4x4 Superb proves how far the brand has come,

We’re huge fans of the Skoda Superb. The last version we tested was a two-litre diesel model in executive-aimed SE-L trim and, recently, we’ve had the chance to spend some time driving the same car, but underpinned by a 4x4 system and powered by a 276bhp petrol engine.

That engine outstrips the Skoda Octavia VRS in terms of power output and beats it to 60 by almost a full second, making the dash in 5.6 seconds.

But there are none of the loutish design cues or attempts to win the visual game of car park Top Trumps. This is a car designed to be refined and understated and in its sober dark blue paint job the only sign there’s anything special about this Superb is the tiny chrome 4x4 lettering on the boot lid.

Eight months and countless cars on from my last drive of a Skoda and I’m still impressed by the robustly-built, minimalist cabin of the Superb. It manages at the same time to feel well appointed and airy. Material choice is top notch, as one would expect from Volkswagen Group and, clueless as to the heritage of the respective VW brands, you’d be forgiven for thinking Skoda was the premium proposition.

Externally this generation of Superb is the most elegant looking iteration of Skoda’s top model yet. Low, long and wide it’s everything you’d expect an

In terms of driving experience, this Superb has been tuned with its prime market in mind. Sure, it can embarrass many hot hatches in a drag race, but realistically who is going to buy this car with that kind of driving in mind?

As a supremely comfortable, smooth-driving motorway cruiser the Superb is just that. The instant response and acceleration on demand — thanks to the abundant power from the engine and the excellent six-speed DSG automatic to which it’s mated — means drivers have enough grunt to overtake at any speed without feeling like the car is being worked hard.

The fifth-generation Haldex 4x4 system underpinning this Superb ensures a sure-footedness that reassures rather than excites and it’s a perfectly enjoyable drive when taken onto roads where mile after straight mile isn’t punctuated by service stations and the next average speed camera.

That said, the ride is geared more toward comfort than stiffness and while the steering is nimble you’re still acutely aware that this is a big car. It might be faster than the Octavia VRS, but I’m not convinced it’s as fun to drive.

Objectively though, in almost every other way, it’s a better car. That doesn’t just apply to its little brother. You’d be hardpressed to find another car in this class that’s as good as the Superb anywhere close to this price bracket.

Since its rebirth in the minds of the consumer Skoda have built a reputation for quality by doing the simple things well. With the Superb they’ve proven that that’s not all they can do.

“it can embarrass many hot hatches in a drag race, but realistically who is going to buy this car with that kind of driving in mind?