ROAD TEST/Skoda Superb 1.8t Comfort: Before fascism and, then, communism destroyed its world, the Skoda Superb was the favourite mode of transport of the Bohemian nobility. Now, under VW's guiding hand, the Superb is back. Andrew Hamilton found the new car from the revived Czech marque lives up to its name
When a car is called Superb, you might just be inclined to feel the manufacturer is labouring the point a little too much, that the whole business of automotive nomenclature is getting overdone. But Skoda's new flagship car has history on its side.
Nearly 70 years ago the first Skoda Superb appeared and it was said at the time to be "the very pinnacle of automotive achievement". Sporting up to eight cylinders, delivering 90 brake horse power, this was apparently an exceptionally advanced vehicle, equipped with wonderfully luxurious fittings.
This all happened before the second World War and Skoda's decline and fall under Czech communism. Today the marque is thriving again: it's part of the Volkswagen empire and there's a quality and refinement around that is a match for the products of its parent. The joking has all but stopped, and there are more and more satisfied customers realising that Skoda is offering more for less.
The Superb is based on a stretched VW Passat platform and it scores its first hit by proving cheaper, yet bigger, than the machine that provides its underpinnings. Ex-works prices here start at €27,700, for the Classic 2.0 litre 115 bhp model.
A peek into the VW Passat list shows that the equivalent 2.0 litre is €29,425 ex-works. Also in the firing line are other family car rivals such as the Opel Vectra, the Toyota Avensis and the Ford Mondeo.
The Superb line-up comes with three levels of specification: Classic, Comfort and Elegance. Our test model had the Comfort specification with a 1.8 litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine. It delivers 150 bhp and is meant to offer a top speed of 134 mph and a 0 to 62 mph (100 kph) time of 9.5 seconds. The ex-works price is €31,500.
In lower Classic form, it comes in at €29,500 while the Elegance outfit means €36,300. Even in the basic Classic guise, equipment levels are generous with automatic climate control, trip computer and symphony-style stereo system all standard.
Safety equipment is first class too. It includes driver, passenger and side airbags, as well as three-point seatbelts for all. The side airbags are actually fitted into the car seats.
Styling is a blend of VW Passat and its junior Octavia sibling, mixed in with a hint of Audi A6. The result is conservative, yet elegant. When we first slid behind the wheel, we noticed the well-weighted feel of the doors and how they glided open with the merest tug.
Thanks to the 2,803 mm wheelbase - that's 100 mm more than the Passat - there's masses of room inside, particularly for passengers in the back. Indeed the Superb is probably the only car in the price league which offers cross-the-legs comfort for rear occupants.
When we fired the engine, it was obvious that Skoda had paid just as much attention to the quality of the Superb's sound-proofing. The turbocharging lift-off is stimulating yet unobtrusive and at all times the cabin remains hushed. The five-speed manual gearbox transmitted the power effortlessly to the road with ratios that were neatly stacked.
The Superb was at its best on our limited motorway system. Though there was some wind whistle at 70 mph, the Superb generated very little road noise. On everyday roads, the suspension rode effortlessly over the bumps and sharp cambers. Demanding surfaces were no problem. Steering is sharp and precise so that the driver is never short of control.
Fuel consumption worked out at 32 mpg on a long drive. Those seeking real economy would probably opt for a turbodiesel. The 1.9TDi with either 100 or 130 bhp, is likely to be the biggest favourite with the customers. The Superb, by the way, has just gone on Irish sale. Around 150 cars are expected to be sold during the rest of this year. Sales manager Colin Sheridan says he could sell more, but that's the allocation and he has to live with it.
We aren't surprised given that the Superb offers a lot for the money. There are all kinds of clever and thoughtful ideas, some of which we haven't come across in other cars. How about a wet case umbrella compartment that comes complete with an umbrella?
It being the summer of 2002, the wipers were busy during our test and they automatically activated. Cooled storage space is in a folding armrest between the front seats, while the glove compartment can be used for chilling purposes via the air con system.
Superb, in its 21st century manifestation, is hugely appealing, a spacious package that's close enough to family car pricing but with executive car appointments. It's a combination that some formidable rivals will find difficult to match. For those lucky enough to be considering a new car in the bigger family sector, Superb makes the choice superb!