Superb? Not quite anymore

Nov 23 2009 Peter Hayward

THE last Skoda Superb was a gem of a car - every bit as good as any coming from sister company VW.

So great things were expected of the new model to bear the name and it is an excellent car in most ways.

But I have now driven two of these tardis-like limousines and both suffered with a fidgety ride under 30 miles an hour in town and at higher speeds over rougher surfaces,.

I hope the company can sort this quickly, because it lets the car down.

Otherwise, the Greenline economy special I drove is amazing. How does 55mpg sound from a car with so much room in the back you can cross your legs with ease.

The 1.9 diesel turbo is noisy by the best standards these days, but is well soundproofed, the handling and road-holding fit right there with the name and there is no lack of equipment. It has a light clutch, a lovely chunky gear change, a good left footrest and excellent progressive brakes.

Interior

There is a huge boot which can open as a boot or a hatch and it comes with a trip computer, aircon, four electric windows and remote locking with a button for the boot.

FAST FACTS

Skoda Superb Greenline

Price: £17,540

Mechanical: 105bhp, 1,896cc, 4 cylinder diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox.

Max speed: 120mph

0-62mph: 12.5 seconds

Combined mpg: 55

Insurance group: 7

CO2 emissions: 136g/km

BIK rating: 18%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles

Marks: 9/10

Main rival: Volvo S80 DRIVe