Overview

The Skoda Superb hatchback is an extremely capable machine which tops its class in many different respects. It’s practical, cheap to run, comfortable and even has some features usually reserved for much higher-priced machinery.

Wide range of petrol and diesel engines

Powering the Superb is a selection of petrol and diesel engines which cater for most requirements. Petrol power comes in the shape of an impressive 1.4-litre with 125bhp, a 1.8-litre with 160bhp and a huge 3.6-litre V6 with 260bhp.

Although powerful, we don’t expect too many of the V6 models to sell in the UK thanks to high running costs. Our pick is the clever 1.4, which actually produces performance similar to many 1.6- or 1.8-litre engines.

Diesel engines include the 1.9-litre TDI, a 2.0-litre TDI in two power levels, and in 2011 a 1.6-litre was introduced under the Greenline II range offering extremely high fuel economy of 64mpg and CO2 emissions of 114g/km which means low road tax.

Gearbox options include five- or six-speed manual gearboxes and of course the excellent DSG twin-clutch semi-automatic gearboxes found in other Volkswagen-Audi Group products.

Well-equipped and practical

The Superb hatchback has limousine levels of legroom inside and is very well equipped, but it’s the innovations – the ‘magic moments’ throughout the car – that are most impressive.

The biggest of those is at the back, because the Superb is both a saloon and a hatchback. Push one button and the bootlid opens, push another and the whole tailgate raises up – just as you’d expect a hatchback to.

There’s also an umbrella concealed in the door, which is usually the reserve of six-figure ultra-luxury cars. Furthermore you get hard drive storage for MP3 music files and the option of Park Assist – a function for making the Superb park itself.

Comfortable and refined on the move, it’s also great value with generous levels of standard equipment.

Facelift in 2013

In 2013 the Superb was face-lifted. A revised front and rear appeared featuring LED lighting, while two new colours were also introduced.

Inside, you’re now allowed a new brown trim on top-spec Laurin and Klement models.

Engine-wise, the Superb sees improvements of up to 19% depending on the configuration you go for. The Greenline now offers fuel economy of 63.7mpg but CO2 emissions drop to 109g/km.

Read on for the full Parkers Skoda Superb hatchback review for a comprehensive evaluation.