Superb for Space and Economy

Skoda is the first to admit it doesn’t see the sizeable Superb as a racy drive but rather, a very comfortable and reliable one. It is fait to say it lives up to the Czech badge’s aspirations on the comfort side, and there’s a long list of surveys and warranty providers that can attest to the reliability bit.

Even better, Skoda has managed to balance premier-marque plushness and fittings against a smaller eco-footprint in the diesel GreenLine version. This is a solid, hard working quality motor that is spearheading Skoda’s aim to make a real impact in this sector, given the not-so-premium makers more than a little harm.

In short the Superb GreenLine means you dont have to give up space and all the trappings for a little extra mpg.

The 1,896cc oil-burner has a 105 bhp output and employs just five manual gears to produce a rewarding 55.4mpg on the combined fuel cycle, with – this data for company user-chppsers – the 136g/km CO2 emissions attracting a reasonably low 20 per cent benefit-in-kind tax levy. On most Journeys, the Superb can actually better that, especially if you keep an eye on the trip computers ongoing mpg read-out while driving along. It will often edge towards 70mpg, and only, even when fully laden and pushed, it refused to budge below an overall 49.5mpg.

Performance is perky, too – top speed is 120mph, while the 0-62mph sprint time of 12.5 seconds is good for a 1.9litre diesel car that’s close to five meters in length.

And this Skoda, like all its smaller siblings, uses its dimentions well, you will have noted that no mention has this far been made of the Superbs body configuration – look at it and you expect a saloon. Thats what you get, but the boot lid can join with the rear section and frame to turn it into a hatchback.

This is what the Skoda is listed as, although you’ll seldom use this “twin-door” facility as the lengthy boot can hold 565 litres of luggage with the rear seat in place.

Theres no spare wheel, only a tyre-repair kit, which helps. GreenLine specification adds fewer than a dozen items to the basic S trim, which, like the car’s proportions, is generous: economy does’nt mean austerity in Skoda’s book.

Unique 16-inch alloys, a four spoke leather steering wheel, cruise control, rear privacy glass and a little extra chrome and metallic detailing form the main additions.

The standard stuff includes an eight speaker audio, air conditioned glovebox, fog lights, fully adjustable front seats, all the latest warning and safety, systems, pollen filter, and powered windows and door mirrors. So now we come to the sales pitch – and prepare to be amazed. You get all this, and more, for £17,120.

SKODA SUPERB Green Line 1.9TDi
Engine: 1896cc
Power: 105bhp
0-62: 12.5secs
Top Speed: 120mph
Combined mpg: 55.4mpg
OTR Price: £17,120

SKODA SUPERB GREENLINE