A Very Logical Option

As Holden and Ford prepare to introduce low-emissions drivetrains to Commodore and Falcon, and Toyota puts the finishing touches on its hybrid Camry, another family-sized sedan has arrived which emphatically demonstrates that, with the right technology, a big car does not have to be a thirsty one.

It's the Škoda Superb 2.0 TDi turbo-diesel, priced at $45,990 in Ambition specification, or $48,990 for the more generously equipped Elegance variant.

Like other Škodas, the Superb is based on VW architecture, however its dimensions are unusual. While it is quite narrow - three adults will be cramped in the back seat - the Superb also sits on a long wheelbase, so rear seat legroom is greater than Commodore or Falcon, and comparable with the limousine-like space of a Holden Statesman.

The Superb TDi uses the most powerful version of VW's 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine, with 125kW of power, and 350Nm of torque from 1750 to 2500rpm. Combine this with a relatively modest 1655kg weight, plus the efficiency of a six-speed automated manual transmission, and you have one of the best real-world performance/refinement/economy drivetrains on the market.

The Superb delivers its performance in an easy, unfussed manner, and it is certainly quicker, quieter and smoother than a 3.6-litre petrol V6 Commodore. It also averages 5.4L/100km on the highway and 8.9L/100km in town, while producing CO2 emissions of 182g/km. We recorded an impressive 5.1L/100km on a 400km highway drive.

The Superb is a front-wheel driver, so dynamics are competent rather than inspired. It feels surprisingly light and agile for its size, but the suspension is a touch too firmly sprung, so the ride isn't as absorbent or as quiet as it should be.

Although it's only been back in Australia for two years, the Škoda brand has been in the top five placegetters in the industry benchmark JD Power Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction survey in the UK for the past 14 years, and its cars enjoy an excellent reputation in Europe for their quality and reliability.

The Superb has a conventional sedan profile, is nicely proportioned, and represents a refreshing change from current fashion, because at least it's not trying to look like a coupe. The cavernous boot, though, opens from the roof, like a coupe, or the base of the rear window, like a sedan. I'm not quite sure what the point of this is, other than the fact that it's unique (until BMW's 5-series GT arrives)

Inside, the Superb is also unashamedly traditional in its use of luxury sedan design cues, albeit with 21st century features like a touch screen for the audio controls, six stack CD player, nine airbags, rear parking sensors and automatic air. Elegance specification adds bi-xenon headlights, power adjustable front seats and an alarm.

If you're after big car comfort, space and long distance ability, without the usual accompanying big fuel bills, the Škoda Superb TDi, while not quite as impressive as its nameplate implies, is certainly good enough to be a definite for your test drive list.

Future Forecast

The versatile Škoda Superb is the size of Falcon, Commodore and Aurion, but delivers the fuel economy of a Corolla. While not the best-looking car on the road, it has plenty to tempt buyers. Resale values should hold, albeit at slightly lower levels than its VW counterparts.

Škoda Superb TDi Ambition

Skoda

Fast Facts:

Škoda Superb TDi

ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo-diesel
POWER: 125kW@4200rpm
TORQUE: 350Nm@1750-2500Nm
TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed DSG auto
KERB WEIGHT: 1655kg
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 6.9L / 100km
CO2 EMISSIONS: 182g/km
GVG RATING: n/a
CRASH TEST RESULTS: 5 stars (ANCAP)
PROS: Style upgrade, equipment level, refinement, space, economy value
CONS: No rear parking sensor, modest engine torque, overbearing front grille
PRICE: from $42,990