Skoda Superb 280

Loads of power in an unassuming estate? Sign us up!

Let's not beat about the bush: the Skoda Superb 280 is a car with an incredibly niche appeal. When was the last time you saw a petrol Skoda Superb of any kind? Moreover, of the 165 Superbs for sale on PH, just 10 are petrol powered.

Fortunately enough, it has exactly the kind of appeal that we like. Namely by combining plentiful power with huge practicality and a level of visual modesty rarely seen in a world of M-Line Sport AMG 120hp diesels. Dare it be said, the Superb 280 is kind of cool.

Fast in a SEAT, still fast in a Skoda

As you may have guessed from the name, this Skoda uses the 280hp version of the 2.0-litre EA888 turbo that sees service in all manner of VW group hot hatches. As owners of those cars will know also, it's an eminently tuneable engine, with 350hp merely a software tweak away. But let's not get carried away just yet; as standard the Superb 280 will hit 62mph in 5.8 seconds and 155mph, aided in those efforts by standard DSG and all-wheel drive. Quick by any standards, and indeed the fastest Skoda ever produced. To demonstrate (and celebrate) the fact, Skoda has pitched the Superb against a few old supercar icons in a drag race - see the video here.

Elsewhere, the 280 is regular Superb. It carries no vRS or similar branding, instead offered with a choice of SE L Executive, Laurin & Klement or Sportline specifications and either the hatch or estate body. All models come as standard with leather, sat-nav and heated seats. Oh yes, and a 660-litre boot in the estate.

Officially the Superb 280 costs from £31,445 for the hatch or £32,745 for the wagon. When an A4 S Line TDI with 150hp costs £32,000, that looks even better value. Plus, as is so often the way with large, petrol engined cars, the Superb is already depreciating. This white estate with 3,500 miles is £28,999. Long live the mainstream fast estate!