The Skoda Superb Wagon is fully loaded, classy and can stand toe-to-toe against European rivals like Ford’s Mondeo Wagon, the Alfa 159 Sportwagon, Renault’s Laguna Wagon, Volvo’s V50 and its Volkswagen stablemate the Passat Wagon.
In fact, priced from $40,990, the Skoda Superb Wagon – from the Czech Republic – is a great buy.
Skoda Superb Overview
The Skoda Superb Wagon is available in three model grades with the choice of two petrol engines – a turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder and a naturally aspirated 3.6-litre V6 - or a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. You can choose from the entry level ‘Ambition’ specification or the more luxurious ‘Elegance’ (the V6 is the range-topper and it’s all-wheel-drive).
Car Showroom has just spent a week behind the wheel of a Skoda Superb Elegance Wagon with the TDI turbo-diesel engine. Priced at $49,990 and featuring extensive luxury throughout - including leather seats and wood grain trim - plus technology like the standard Park Assist system, the Skoda Superb Wagon was a revelation.
Volkswagen owns Skoda and the German company’s influences were obvious throughout the Skoda Superb Wagon – not least in the driving dynamics which were precise and sporty.
Skoda Superb Engine
Our Skoda Superb Wagon was powered by the 2.0-litre TDI turbo-diesel engine and drove the front wheels via Volkswagen’s six-speed twin-clutch DSG automatic transmission – the very latest high-tech combination.
Skoda Superb Wagon provides 125kW of power at 4200 rpm and peak torque of 350Nm is available from as low as 1750 rpm. Volvo’s V50 delivers 100kW/320Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo while the Renault Laguna is good for 125kW/270Nm.
Skoda Superb Wagon returns fuel consumption of 6.6l/100kms and exhaust emissions are rated at 175g/km.
The 2.0-litre TDI engine comes from Volkswagen (parent company of Skoda). It’s a double overhead camshaft design and uses the latest common rail high-pressure direct injection.
Skoda Superb Interior
Skoda Superb Wagon excels inside, the Elegance version as tested features beautiful leather seats and wood grain trim. It’s all finished to a very high standard and includes thoughtful features like a lined holder for wet umbrellas in the passenger door and electric tailgate operation.
For the driver, Skoda Superb Wagon provides the expected top-shelf driving position thanks to electric seat adjustment and rake/reach adjustment for the stylish leather-wrapped, four-spoke steering wheel. The dashboard is straight from Volkswagen – the usual slick and stylish look with chrome trim around the gauges and air outlets.
Skoda Superb Wagon runs the usual classy twin-dial Volkswagen gauges with white illumination. In between is the screen for the multi-function trip computer which includes distance to empty for the fuel tank and speed warnings (both very handy).
To the left, Skoda Superb Wagon features an eight-speaker audio system with MP3 compatibility and a 30GB hard drive which incorporates the satellite navigation system.
Skoda Superb Wagon doesn’t short change rear seat passengers who enjoy nicely sculptured seats and plenty of legroom. The luggage area is 1058mm long (rear seat in place) and provides 633 litres of capacity (rear seat upright) or 1865-litres with the seat folded.
Thoughtful features abound, including an automatically opening tonneau cover in the rear and even an LED torch in the cargo area, which is automatically charged when stored in its recess near the tailgate.
Skoda Superb Exterior & Styling
The all-new Skoda Superb was a head-turner at its Frankfurt Motor Show debut (instantly terminating jokes about some of Skoda’s early questionable styling efforts) and designers at the Czech Republic manufacturer have done a commendable job crafting an elegant European-style Wagon.
Skoda Superb is a large wagon – 4,838mm long, 1,817mm wide and (including the roof rails) 1,510mm high. But at the rear, its low loading lip is only 600mm high – making for easy cargo maneuvering.
At the front, Skoda Superb Wagon replicates the Skoda Superb sedan with its three-dimensional grille, fine chrome trim and contoured bonnet lines. The modern clear lens headlights are cleverly shaped and wrap onto the broad front fenders – the combination giving the front end a low, purposeful look.
Skoda Superb Wagon scores rear doors different to the sedan and the wagon rear end is very stylishly executed with curvy, forward sloping D-pillars. The tailgate features the hallmark Skoda C-shaped lights, which look great when illuminated at night.
The Skoda Superb Wagon Elegance model as tested runs 17-inch, five twin-spoke alloy wheels.
Skoda Superb On The Road
As expected with Volkswagen’s 2.0-litre TDI engine and six-speed DSG transmission, the Skoda Superb Wagon was a slick, refined performer. Acceleration zero to 100km/h takes 8.9 seconds (10.4 seconds for the Renault Laguna Wagon) and is accompanied by the smooth, rapid shifts of the DSG.
Like most European turbo-diesels, noise levels in the Skoda Superb Wagon were extremely low (you wouldn’t know you’re driving a diesel). Combine that with the sumptuous interior and the conclusion is this Skoda is a legitimate European luxo wagon.
Around town you are aware of the substantial size of the Skoda Superb Wagon but the ingenious Park Assist system and front/rear sensors eased the task of parking.
Over our mountain road test loop some suspension noise did intrude on poor road surfaces but the driving dynamics of the Skoda Superb Wagon were typical Volkswagen – firm, sporty ride, crisp turn-in and nice mid-corner balance. Acceleration was instantaneous on the open road but a bit of turbo lag was noticeable in the city.
Skoda Superb Challenges
We only deduct marks from the Skoda Superb Wagon for the suspension noise (from the rear end) on secondary roads and when traversing Melbourne’s tram/train track crossings.
Skoda Superb Verdict
‘Sophisticated’ is the word to summarize the Skoda Superb Wagon. That shouldn’t surprise - with Volkswagen running Skoda, the Czech brand is really going places and its products are world standard.
By any measure the Skoda Superb Wagon is a classy European at a surprisingly affordable price.
Skoda Superb Competition
The Skoda Superb Wagon stands out with its abundance of luxury inclusions but squares-off against some credentialed rivals.
Ford’s German-sourced Mondeo wagon is brilliant and now includes a diesel engine in its lineup. Volvo’s V50 doesn’t match the load capacity of the Skoda Superb Wagon but is a high performance European wagon with great looks, while the Renault Laguna Wagon should be on anybody’s list shopping in this segment.
Skoda Superb Likes:
Good size; lots of kit; handily priced; a great steer
Skoda Superb Dislikes:
Rear suspension noise over bumps
