Skoda Superb Hatchback (2015 -) Review

Spacious, comfortable, well-equipped and reasonably good value to run, the Skoda Superb has always had plenty of appeal – and now it’s sleek and sexy enough to worry the best from German rivals like the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series as well as offer strong competition against popular rivals like the Ford Mondeo.

Hatchback only

Until the estate arrives later in the year, the new Superb comes with a hatchback rear door only. Gone is the previous car’s innovative Twindoor system which allowed you to operate the boot as either a conventional saloon lid or gaping hatchback opening, all at the touch of a button. Innovative or not, the mechanics involved meant the rear of the previous Superb saloon was rather challenged in the looks department.

By moving to a super practical hatchback arrangement, the designers have been able to create a sleek – almost four-door coupe like – tail end for the current car. Mixed with the rest of the car’s sharp surfacing and delicate detailing it lends the Superb an elegant and expensive air.

Value for money

If there’s one thing this car isn’t, it’s expensive. Prices start from just under £19,000 and for that you get 16-inch alloy wheels, LED rear lights, leather steering wheel, Bluetooth, DAB radio, Front Assist, stop/start, 5-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system and auto lights.

Plus, the Superb is 4,861mm long, with a wheelbase 80mm longer than its already spacious predecessor. That means even the tallest adults can stretch out in the back, and if the owner has specified the right kit they can even operate the car’s infotainment system from their tablet too.

As you move up the range, all sorts of fancy technology becomes standard, including Adaptive Cruise Control, three-zone climate control, leather heated front and rear seats, automatic parking, wireless phone charging (from mid 2016), Bi-Xenon headlights, ten-speaker stereo, 8-inch colour touchscreen sat-nav, electrically operated handsfree tailgate, Drive Mode selection, keyless start and entry, heated windscreen, TV tuner and adaptive dampers. Opt for the top-spec Laurin & Klement model, and pretty much whatever your wish is its command.

Practical too

And if you wish for your Superb to mimic an estate car, it’ll do that too. With the rear seats in use it’ll still hold up to 625 litres of luggage, making it a perfect family car. Drop the rear bench, which can be done remotely from levers in the boot and that increases to a faintly ridiculous 1,760 litres.

It feels just as spacious up-front, with its Octavia-inspired cabin and wide transmission tunnel. Plenty of adjustment when sat behind the wheel ensures you’ll always get comfortable, while the Simply Clever solutions ensure daily-life isn’t too much of a grind; you’ll find umbrellas secreted away in the front doors, and the cup holder in the centre console have rubber grips on its bottom to allow for single-handed opening of bottles while on the move.

Engines and efficiency

You’ll be able to travel relatively far too, thanks to the Superb’s wide range of engine, transmission and drivetrain options. Four petrols, ranging from a 1.4-litre with 123bhp to the 2-litre 276bhp unit returning up to 57.7mpg, while three diesels, ranging from the 118bhp 1.6-litre TDI to the 187bhp 2-litre manage up to 68.9mpg and emit as little as 105g/km.

Four-wheel drive is an option on the 2-litre TDI with 148 and 187bhp, while you can let the Superb change gears itself when choosing the 1.4-litre TSI with 148bhp, both 2-litre TSI (217bhp and 276bhp) engines and all diesel options.

There was already plenty to like about this car’s predecessor but read the rest of the Parkers Skoda Superb review to discover just how much better this latest model is.