You’ll likely recall that PH is a big fan of the Superb - the estate especially. Most car people are. It started life as an exceptionally large and very affordable model that was conspicuous for doing what it said on the tin. It did without the airs and graces that a premium German manufacturer would deem necessary in a flagship, yet it was capable of fitting in virtually everywhere. It looked like a sage choice whether you were a barrister or barista. And if you bought the punchiest one, it was pretty nippy too.
The recently revealed fourth-generation model has continued the established trend - the wagon is 40mm longer than its predecessor despite sharing the same wheelbase, and luggage capacity has increased to 690 litres. Elsewhere Skoda has tweaked the exterior design for effect and while there is the inevitable 13-inch touchscreen installed inside, it is flanked by physical switchgear that is apparently the result of customer feedback. Fancy that. You still get a familiar engine lineup to choose from too: starting with the 1.5-litre TSI that can be had as a plug-in hybrid and extending to a choice of 2.0-litre petrol and diesel units.
Naturally it’s the chunkiest one we’re interested in, the now 265hp derivative carrying the Superb 280 torch. While its output has been repeatedly nibbled away by emission standards, the range-topping version does still come with 295lb ft of torque and standard-fit all-wheel drive, so it’s safe to assume it remains a sub-6-second-to-62mph car. Alternatively, you can still have a 2.0-litre diesel with the same peak twist figure (albeit with 193hp) which ought to make the most expensive oil burner a fairly brisk prospect too.
Precisely how expensive we can’t say for sure yet because the Skoda hasn’t broken the prices down by engine variant - but the three-trim lineup (no Sportline, sadly) starts at £34,865 for a hatch and £36,165 for the wagon. That’s for the SE Technology; the SE L (typically the one to go for) adds 18-inch wheels, nicer trim materials, upgraded seats and the button-operated boot with the new electric sliding parcel shelf for £38,220 and £39,520, respectively. Or you can still go the whole hog with a chintzy Laurin & Klement from £46,100 and £47,400. In terms of starting price, you’re looking at around a 10 per cent hike on the outgoing Superb, which is now only available from current stock. Skoda says its replacement can be ordered now with first deliveries expected in June.
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