A MAN OF LETTERS
What happens when you drop a big engine into Skoda’s big estate? Matt Allan finds out
It’s no secret that we at Scotsman Motors are big fans of the Skoda Superb. We awarded it our car of the year title in 2015 based on its unrivalled balance of practicality, equipment, quality and value.
We’ve driven a couple of variants with different engines and gearboxes before now but recently we were offered the chance to slip behind the wheel one of the higher-end versions – the Skoda Superb SE L Executive Estate 2.0 TSI 280PS 4x4 DSG.
It’s a bit of a mouthful, yes. In fact, in the time it takes you to say it out loud, the Skoda Superb SE L Executive Estate 2.0 TSI 280PS 4x4 DSG will be knocking on the door of 60mph. You see, this isn’t just a Superb with a fancier stereo and some extra gadgets. It’s also packing a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine putting out 276bhp (the 280PS of its title).
That makes it the most powerful Skoda on the market, outstripping the hottest Octavia VRS by nearly 50bhp.
As its ridiculous name suggests, this powerplant is linked to a fifth-generation Haldex four-wheel-drive system and comes with a six-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
Also, as the name suggests, this is a well-specced model. SE L Executive slots in just below the flagship Laurin & Klement. On the safety and convenience front that means seven airbags, an alphabet’s worth of traction, stability and braking functions, adaptive cruise control and front assist with auto braking.
The driver and passengers are further spoiled with the top-of-the-range Columbus eight-inch media and navigation screen incorporating DAB radio and Smartlink connectivity, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, leather seats and electrically operated boot. Plus two umbrellas secreted inside the front doors a la Rolls-royce.
Our test car also chucked in some special paint, a heated windscreen and keyless entry.
All that equipment is well and good but the 280’s party piece is that engine.
Our test route started out along a narrow, twisty private driveway that required us to potter gently along until we reached the open road. Here it behaved as any other Superb would: composed and quiet. Cruising around slowly lulls you into forgetting that this isn’t like other Superbs so when you finally get the chance to put the foot down it’s shockingly quick.
Skoda quote a 0-62mph time of 5.8 seconds and it feels every bit as quick as that. It seems ridiculous to pile on the mph in such a way in something that appears on the surface fairly staid and sensible.
Not being an outright sports model there’s none of the vrstype whoosing and fizzing but there’s a definite grumble of intent from the engine at high revs.
While the Superb 280 has the power to embarrass a fair few hot hatches in a straight line, it can’t quite match them dynamically. That’s not to say it’s bad to drive, far from it. But it’s capable and reassuring rather than thrilling. It maintains its composure in corners and grips well but the steering is not particularly communicative. It goes where you point it when asked but there’s not much in the way of feedback. It rides well, too, again avoiding the firmness of truly sporty cars without feeling soft either.
So it’s not going to be the car of choice for a weekend of thrill-a-minute driving but for those who want a seriously quick, capacious cruiser that won’t embarrass itself once off the motorway, the Superb 280 has a lot to recommend it.
If you want a sportier look to go with the sportier performance, or even if you want the look without the performance (and fuel bills) there is a new trim level offering just that.
The Superb Sportline sits on lowered sports suspension and offers unique body trim including sports design bumpers and a spoiler, gloss black highlights and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Inside it features a sports steering wheel, quilted Alcantara upholstery, carbon dashboard trim and LED lighting.
The Sportline is available with the top-whack 276bhp petrol as well as two more sensible petrol and two diesel engines. It’s also be offered with the option of the 4x4 driveline and DSG gearbox and comes with an XDS electronic differential lock to offer sportier handling.
Skoda flew a model in from the Czech Republic to show off to hacks recently and it’s a fantastic-looking machine. The body kit, big wheels and black highlights take the already handsome Superb and give it an edgier, more aggressive look. Expect to see plenty of them on the roads in the next year.