Skoda superb? I’ll say, says Chris

It’s the biggest car the Czech firm has ever built– and our man loves it. But first he has a confession to make...

Ibelieve it’s referred to as mandatory disclosure and there’s a fair old chunk of it coming your way in a moment. But first I’m going to do something I know I’ll live to regret. I am going to reveal the name of our new favourite restaurant, thus reducing the chances of securing a table there again any time soon. This all stems from a conversation I had with my fellow columnist Tom Parker Bowles, he of the God-given palate and poetic prose. As an avid fan of Tom’s culinary musings, my wife and I recently decided to embark upon our very own Parker Bowles tribute tour, following in the calorific footsteps of Britain’s best foodie writer. Here’s the solid-gold top five Tom came up with: ‘All new openings. And like you with cars, my favourites change with the tides. But at this moment: Som Saa (London), Menu Gordon Jones (Bath), El Pastor (London), Joro (Sheffield) and Farmer, Butcher, Chef (Goodwood).’

I thought it only fair I give him at least one back in return. And so here goes. It’s called The Hut in Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight, an old concrete prefab that has been transformed by three cool cats from Chelsea into the most laid-back, shabby-chic beach restaurant this side of Barbados.

Sounds too good to be true? I promise you, it’s the king’s coconuts – you will not want to leave. The fish is as fresh as the youthful dudes who work there, the kind of groovy bright young things who make the world sparkle. And as for the location, it simply doesn’t get any better. Looking over the Solent towards the mainland, Colwell Bay catches the best of the afternoon sun, right through till dusk when it disappears behind the sleepy Dorset horizon. We were there just last week, it really is stunning. Now here comes the confession. The best way to access this slice of heaven on earth is by boat, preferably a high-speed Rib from Lymington. This of course necessitates leaving one’s car back on the mainland, which in our case was our new Skoda Superb Sportline Estate. It is, without doubt, the best modern car I have ever owned. I love it, my kids love it, my wife loves it, my friends and colleagues love it – even the guy I know who drives rock stars for a living in his Lexus LS600HL limousine loves it. ‘Skodas, best cars around,’ he gushed.

But here’s the thing. I haven’t physically parted with any cash yet, as the Superb Sportline we are currently enjoying is an interim loan car until mine is ready. Which means I could technically be perceived to be in hock to Skoda, leaving me open to accusations of bias should another of its models turn up to be reviewed.

No prizes for guessing what happened next. My editor here at More thought it would be hilarious to put my moral compass to the test courtesy of the new Skoda Kodiaq. Gee, thanks. If I really don’t like it and say so, I may never get to see the car I have been the most excited about since the Mini my mum bought me when I was 17 – as well as having my current loan car revoked. Whereas if I genuinely do love it and say so, I risk getting lambasted for being a fully paid-up member of the Skoda massive. What to do, then? I know, how about I ask my mechanic pal Tim to tell you what he thinks instead?

First off, the good bits, all of which I agree with, of course.

This is a big car, a seven-seater in fact, with plenty of traction and poke, loads of room for luggage, storage everywhere you look, excellent economy and an extremely stable ride. The automatic gearbox is smooth, the connectivity is the best Skoda has served up thus far, and it’s got an all-glass capacitive touchscreen (like your smartphone). The driving position is A1, as is all-round visibility, and the finishes, while coming up just shy of luxurious, are chunky and firm (accepted spec speak for decent quality and durable). There’s an umbrella each for the driver and shotgun secreted – Rolls-Royce style – in each of the front doors, as well as a handy ice-scraper cheekily affixed to the inside of the petrol flap.

And now for the less positive points, my thoughts to which are in brackets. From an otherwise ambitious stable of design, the Kodiaq’s lines are a little underwhelming (no comment).

HAVE I GONE SKODA DOOLALLY? YES I HAVE

The third row of seats is only realistically suitable for small people (no comment). The auto stop/start is a little slow on the uptake (no comment).

All right, that’s enough negativity. The point is you can get into an entry-level five-seater Kodiaq for €28,795 and a seven-seater from €35,495, which is spectacular value. The Edition version Tim and I drove represents the top of the range and includes the much more powerful and responsive 2.0litre diesel engine, seven-speed DSG 4x4 transmission, electric and heated front seats as well as futuristic wireless phone-charging.

But wait for it, there’s an even swankier Kodiaq on the way. The breaking news is that a Sportline version is due early next year, the prospect of which already has me fizzing with expectation. Have I gone Skoda doolally? Yes, I have. Did I honestly ask for an ‘I my Skoda’ mug for my birthday a few weeks ago? Yes I did. Do I care? No.

Let’s Sko!