CZECH ESTATEMENT (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Skoda's largest model, the Superb, has always been particularly popular in cavernous estate guise. There's no reason to think that things will be any different when it comes to this fourth generation range. Jonathan Crouch analyses this Czech load-lugger.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 61

If you want a really big estate car that doesn't come with the kind of premium pricing you'd get with station wagons from the top German brands, then here's not much to touch Skoda's Superb. This fourth generation version is even larger than its predecessor, yet more efficient and better equipped. If you're looking in this segment, you'd probably like one.

Backgroundword count: 189

Skoda's Superb has always traded on being big. The standard hatch model's key showroom attribute has always been the astonishing levels of rear seat legroom it offers - plus its big boot. The car's always been the perfect starting point then, for the creation of a really huge estate model, something the Czech brand introduced with the second generation version, embellished with the MK3 and continues with here in this much improved MK4 model. This design uses the Volkswagen Group's new MQB EVO platform, which allows it to be bigger, yet still lighter than its predecessor. Sure enough, there's a big 645-litre boot with the seats up and nearly 2,000-litres of space with the rear bench folded down. We're almost into large MPV territory here. Al this from a smart executive-style estate with no frumpy People Carrying connotations. As before, it's priced at the level of a Volkswagen Passat-style 'D-segment' estate, yet offers even more room than you could expect from a much pricier large Executive class station wagon - say a BMW 5 Series Touring or an Audi A6 Avant. In other words, there's plenty to like here.

Engines and Tech Specword count: 326

As you'd expect, this updated Superb Estate has been fitted out with the latest suite of Volkswagen Group engines and these are all mated to DSG auto transmission, demand for manual gearboxes in cars of this size having petered out somewhat. The petrol range kicks off with a 150PS 1.5-litre TSI EVO unit. Next up is a revised version of the 2.0-litre TSI powerplant with 204PS; and the top petrol powerplant is a 2.0-litre TSI engine developing 265PS, which comes with all-wheel drive as standard. In the diesel line-up, the starting point is a 150PS version of the usual 2.0 TDI unit. Beyond that is the 2.0 TDI 193PS unit, which can optionally be ordered with all-wheel drive. You can also now have a Superb iV plug-in hybrid model, powered by a 1.4 TSI petrol engine that is boosted by an 85kW electric motor. The combined maximum power output of the two power sources is 204PS - which promises to deliver exceptional performance along with significantly reduced fuel consumption and emissions. There's up to 62 miles of EV range. On the move, as ever in a Superb, the ride and refinement are exemplary and the dynamic demeanour of the car is sharper than you might expect, thanks to its light, stiff MQB chassis. As a result, the car feels surprisingly agile through bends you'll be able to attack with reasonable gusto thanks to feelsome steering and a standard XDS+ Electronic Differential Lock that reduces understeer and improves stability as you turn. Previous Superb Estates appealed particularly to long distance drivers, offering a solid feel, refinement and journeying comfort - and this one will be no different. Damping can be further improved by the new 'Dynamic Chassis Control Pro' adaptive system, which can provide an almost limo-like ride when set in 'Comfort'. Refinement will be enhanced by the sleeker body which is 10-15% more slippery (a Cd of 0.23 for the hatch and 0.25 for the estate).

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