Top value from Skoda's cavernous carrier

Nov 30 2009 Maurice Glover

Top value from Skoda's cavernous carrier

SKODA will maintain its high-value strategy when the biggest estate car in its class rolls into UK showrooms next year.

Officials of the Czech brand have decided that the Superb Estate, which has an unrivalled load volume of 1,865 litres, will have relatively modest premiums of between £1,150 and £1,350 over equivalent hatchback models.

Due to go on sale in February, the cavernous carrier is expected to account for a third of all Superb sales in 2010.

Business users look set to represent the biggest section of buyers for the most luxurious and most practical car ever to wear the company's winged arrow badge.

According to Skoda GB, trim levels and engine choices will mirror those of the Superb hatchback with S, SE and Elegance models available along with the same range of three petrol and three diesel engines.

All engines, from 1.4 TSI to 3.6 V6, will have direct fuel injection for optimum fuel efficiency, performance and low emissions and a choice of manual or twin-clutch DSG gearboxes will be linked to either two or four-wheel drive.

All models will come with a pair of lights built into the tailgate to illuminate not only the load bay but also the area around the rear of the car. A third light in the boot can be removed for use as a torch.

The tailgate itself has an optional power-operated function while the integrated luggage cover automatically retracts when the boot is opened.

Buyers will also be able to specify an extending boot floor that pulls out over the rear bumper to help with awkward loads. SE or Elegance models will have a load partition and tethering system provided in the boot as standard.

To make life even easier, the first keyless entry and starting system from Skoda is to be available as an option, as is a new two-piece electric panoramic sunroof.