Skoda Skoda Superb Estate 1.5 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr

superb_estate_112002.jpg - 1.5 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr
superb_estate_112002.jpg - 1.5 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr
superb_estate_112002.jpg - 1.5 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr
superb_estate_112002.jpg - 1.5 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr
superb_estate_112002.jpg - 1.5 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr
superb_estate_112002.jpg - 1.5 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr
superb_estate_112002.jpg - 1.5 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr
superb_estate_112002.jpg - 1.5 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr
superb_estate_112002.jpg - 1.5 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr
superb_estate_112002.jpg - 1.5 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr
superb_estate_112002.jpg - 1.5 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr
superb_estate_112002.jpg - 1.5 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr
superb_estate_112002.jpg - 1.5 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr
superb_estate_112002.jpg - 1.5 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr
superb_estate_112002.jpg - 1.5 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr
superb_estate_112002.jpg - 1.5 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr
superb_estate_112002.jpg - 1.5 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr
superb_estate_112002.jpg - 1.5 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr
superb_estate_112002.jpg - 1.5 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr
superb_estate_112002.jpg - 1.5 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr
1.5 TSI iV SE L DSG 5dr play_arrow
  • Petrol/Plugin Electric Hybrid
  • 572 Kg
  • 4902 mm
  • 1849 mm
Power assisted steering
Voice control system
Bluetooth system
Traffic sign recognition
Rear view camera with washer
CareConnect and Emergency Call
Front cross traffic assist
Virtual Cockpit - 10.25" digital display
Driver fatigue sensor
Wireless smartlink apple carplay, SmartLink+ android auto
Adaptive cruise control with speed assist,lane assist plus and traffic tram assist
Blind spot detection with door exit warning
Turn assist with evasive assistance
Front assist with extended predictive pedestrian protection
Stop/start engine system
Wireless charging for one smartphone (15W) with cooling function
4x USB-C ports (2x in front centre console and 2x in rear) (45W)
Electrically operated boot with virtual pedal
13" touchscreen display with satellite navigation
Drive mode selection
ChatGPT functionality
Quick start all heating software functionality
DAB Digital radio
FM radio connection
Web radio connection
Display cleaner
Rear spoiler
Privacy glass
Body colour door handles
Body coloured door mirrors
Chrome roof rails
Chrome window surround
Light assistant (coming/leaving home/tunnel light)
Light assist with High beam control
Rear windscreen wiper
3rd brake light
Rear side wing doors
Tow bar preparation
Acoustic side windows and interior noise suppression
Front windscreen with heat-insulating glass
Windscreen wipers with rain sensor
Electrically adjustable, heated, folding and driver side auto-dimming door mirrors with memory function, integrated indicators and logo projection
Frameless auto-dimming rear view mirror with USB-C
Backdrop lighting
Rear fog lights (x2)
Unique dark chrome grille surround with dark chrome rib elements
Dynamic range control with poor weather light and integrated fog light
Ice scraper in fuel tank cap
Illuminated glovebox
Front armrest with storage box
Heated and ventilated front seats
Tri zone climate control
3 seat bench in 2nd row
Ice scraper
Ticket holder on A Pillar
Front and rear footwell illumination
Height adjustable front and rear head restraints
LED front and rear reading lights
Interior lights with control switches
Isofix child seat fittings on outer rear seats
Height adjustable front passenger seat
Multi colour ambient lighting
Umbrella in driver's door
Isofix child seat fittings in outer rear and front passenger seats
Storage pockets on back of front seats
Front sports comfort seats
Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors
Single front passenger seat
12V socket 1x centre console 1x boot
12V socket and 2x cargo elements in boot
4x foldable bag hooks in boot
Cup holder in front with easy open mat
Advanced massage function for front seats
60:40 Split folding rear seats
14-way electrically adjustable, memory, front seats with 4-way pneumatic lumbar support, and extendable thigh support with smart comfort entry aid
Bottle holders in the front doors 1.5 litre bottle and rear 1.5 litre bottle
2 spoke multifunction steering wheel with DSG paddles
Light and view package - Superb
Transport package - Superb Estate
3 rear seatbelts
Electronic parking brake
Driver and passenger seatbelts with warning light
Hill hold assist
ESC including ABS, EBV, MSR, ASR, EDS, HBA, DSR, RBS, CBC, multi-collision brake (MKB) and Auto hold
Power operated child lock in rear doors
Crew protect assist
8 Airbags - Front driver and passenger,front side driver and passenger,centre,curtain front and rear,drivers knee
Electronic engine immobiliser
Remote central locking with SAFE system
Keyless start/stop
Alarm with interior monitoring tilt sensor and back up horn
Third key
Walk away locking
Backrest remote release from trunk
Decorative front door sills
Tyre repair kit
CO2 9
Euro Emissions
NOX N/A
CC 1498
Compression Ratio 2090
Cylinder Layout In - Line
Cylinders 4 Cylinder
Fuel Delivery Turbo
Number of Valves 572
Gears 6
Transmission Automatic
Combined 0.00
Urban 0.00
Extra Urban 0.00
Badge Engine CC 1498
Badge Power 204.00
NCAP Rating
Vehicle Homologation Class N/A
0 to 60 mph (Sec) 7.84
0 to 62 mph (Sec) 8.10
Engine BHP 204.00
Engine KW
Engine PS 1778
Engine Torque 250.00
Top Speed 136
Front Tyres 235/45 R18
Rear Tyres 235/45 R18
Spare Tyre TYRE REPAIR KIT
Height 0
Length 4902
Wheel Base 2841
Width 1849
Fuel Tank Size 45.00
Weight 2350
Roof Load Limit
Towing Weight Braked 1778
Towing Weight Unbraked 750
Number Of Seats 5

Ten Second Review

If you want a really big estate car that doesn't come with the kind of premium pricing you'd get with station wagons from the top German brands, then there's not much to touch Skoda's Superb. This fourth generation version is even larger than its predecessor, yet more efficient and better equipped. If you're looking in this segment, you'd probably like one.

Background

Skoda's Superb has always traded on being big. The standard hatch model's key showroom attribute has always been the astonishing levels of rear seat legroom it offers - plus its big boot. The car's always been the perfect starting point then, for the creation of a really huge estate model, something the Czech brand introduced with the second generation version, embellished with the MK3 and continues with here in this much improved MK4 model. This design uses the Volkswagen Group's new MQB EVO platform, which allows it to be bigger, yet still lighter than its predecessor. Sure enough, there's a big 645-litre boot with the seats up and nearly 2,000-litres of space with the rear bench folded down. We're almost into large MPV territory here. Al this from a smart executive-style estate with no frumpy People Carrying connotations. As before, it's priced at the level of a Volkswagen Passat-style 'D-segment' estate, yet offers even more room than you could expect from a much pricier large Executive class station wagon - say a BMW 5 Series Touring or an Audi A6 Avant. In other words, there's plenty to like here.

Driving Experience

As you'd expect, this MK4 Superb Estate has been fitted out with the latest suite of Volkswagen Group engines and these are all mated to DSG auto transmission. The mainstream powertrain options both develop 150PS and make 62mph in 9.2s en route to 139mph but are quite different. There's the mild hybrid 1.5 e-TEC petrol unit we tried, which has the VW Group's latest 48V mild hybrid tech; or, if you're more old school, the 2.0 TDI diesel, which in volume 150PS form has nearly 50% more pulling power (360Nm of it), hence a 2,200kg braked towing weight figure that's 300kgs more than the petrol model and will be of particular interest to many customers of the estate variant. This diesel can also be had in uprated 193PS form, in which guise it's mated to a 4WD system and for many, would in this guise make a more sensible alternative to a mid-sized SUV. Talking of sensible alternatives, probably the biggest news on the engine front is the massively improved PHEV drivetrain. The previous generation Superb iV PHEV generally got a thumbs-down from British buyers (understandably so, with a relatively small 13kWh battery yielding just 35 miles of rarely-achieved range). So Skoda's had another go, this time equipping the iV Plug-in Hybrid with a sizeable 25.7kWh battery pack which is supposed to be able to offer driving range of up to 84 miles. The engine that cuts in at the end of all that is broadly the same 1.5-litre TSI four cylinder unit we're trying today but with the PHEV, this 150PS powerplant is mated to six rather than seven-speed auto transmission and works in concert with a 118PS electric motor, contributing to a total system output of 204PS. Those rare folk who stretch right to 'Laurin & Klement' trim at the very top of the range get the option of the fastest available Superb engine, a 265PS 2.0 TSI petrol unit, which has to be had with 4WD and seems rather pointless given the sort of car this is.

Design and Build

At first glance, this fourth generation Superb Estate looks merely a mild evolution over its predecessor. Closer inspection though, reveals some significant changes. For a start, the new MQB Evo platform allows it to become an even bigger car, around 40mm longer and 10mm taller than before (though it's also 15mm narrower). You'll notice changes at the front too, where slimmer LED headlamps (which deliver 40% more light) flank an octagonal grille which dips in the centre to allow a larger Skoda badge to sit at the end of the more sharply creased long bonnet. There's also a shallower windscreen rake and slimmer tail lamps. Wheel sizes vary from 17 to 19-inches. Inside, the cabin redesign is much the same as the one featuring in the second generation Kodiaq SUV. Which means a large 12.9-inch centre screen and a 10-inch 'Virtual Cockpit' instrument display. Prominent at the base of the centre stack are three so-called 'Smart Dials' that control climate and can be programmed to work all kinds of other things, from audio volume to driving modes. All the cabin textiles are 100% recycled; and there are the usual Skoda 'Simply Clever' touches - like a cooling device built into the 'Phone Box' wireless charging pad, a USB port built into the rear view mirror and storage for high-viz vests in the doors. To provide more stowage space, the gear shifter has been moved to the steering column. The Superb has always been known for vast amounts of rear seat legroom and this MK4 model is just as good in that regard - and offers 6mm more headroom. Rear passengers now get a fold-down centre armrest that can extend and slide forwards - which is useful when using the integrated tablet holder. Boot space is rated at 690 litres in the Estate, 45-litres more than the hatchback version and 30-litres more than the previous generation model. That figure grows to 1,920-litres with everything folded. So yes, it's all very practical.

Market and Model

Britain's the third biggest global market for the Superb and as before, over half of sales will be to fleets. At the time of launch and of our test in Autumn 2024, Skoda was asking from around £36,500 for this fourth generation Superb Estate; that's for the base 1.5 TSI e-TEC 150PS version. It's around £1,500 more if you want the alternative 2.0 TDI 150PS diesel. This estate body style requires a £1,300 premium over the equivalent Superb hatch. This station wagon by the way, is the body shape you have to have if you want a Plug-in Hybrid drivetrain in your Superb, which as compiled this review, was priced from around £41,500 and uses a 6-speed auto. All other Superb models have the usual DSG 7-speed auto set-up. With the previous generation Superb, there was a reasonable uptake on the 4WD versions from people fed up with the idea of an equivalent SUV, so further up the range, Skoda's continued that option here. Either with a more powerful version of the 2.0 TDI diesel (with 193PS); or with a top 2.0 TSI petrol model, which offers 265PS, only comes with 4WD and which hardly anyone will buy. To be able to choose either of these 4x4 variants, you have to ignore base 'SE Technology'-spec and choose either mid-range 'SE L'-spec (which is what we tried) or top plush 'Laurin & Klement' trim - the name references Skoda's founders, in case you're wondering. Safety provision is a strongpoint. The improved autonomous emergency braking system can now detect cyclists. Plus there's a new 'Crossroad Assist' function that uses radar sensors in the bumper to monitor traffic at blind junctions and issue you a warning if you're about to pull out into the path of another vehicle. You can also now specify up to ten airbags in this car (including two side bags in the back).

Cost of Ownership

Like its Volkswagen Passat close cousin, the Superb suffers from the VW Group's rather baffling decision not to have developed a self-charging full-Hybrid engine. As we told you in our 'Driving' section, for customers of mainstream Superbs seeking some sort of electrification, there's only a choice of either the somewhat ineffectual 48V mild hybrid tech we tried; or the pricey option of the Superb iV Plug-in Hybrid. Which is why there's likely to continue to be a strong take-up for the powertrain that still probably suits this Skoda best, the 2.0 TDI 150PS diesel. This manages up to 58.0mpg on the combined cycle (usefully better than the 1.5 e-TEC 150PS model's 54.2mpg showing). But as usual, the diesel lets itself down a bit on CO2 emissions (a best of 128g/km, compared to the mild hybrid petrol's 119g/km best possible showing). For real frugality though, you've to turn to the iV Plug-in Hybrid model which, as we told you in our 'Driving' section, now has a much larger 25.7kWh battery pack which is supposed to be able to offer driving range of up to 84 miles. As usual with PHEVs, this skews the combined cycle fuel figure well into fantasy land (here, it's quoted at up to 784.3mpg); in reality, you probably wouldn't do much better than would be the case with a frugally-driven diesel variant (and with the PHEV, you'd have to put up with a smaller fuel tank 45-litres as opposed to the usual 66-litres). But the important thing is that the HMRC believes the iV model's quoted CO2 figure - up to 8g/km - so a low Benefit-in-Kind taxation rating is guaranteed. The PHEV battery now supports DC charging at up to 50kW - which is much faster than the old-shape Superb iV, which was limited to just 3.6kW AC charging. That means a 10 to 80% battery top up will take around 25 minutes, while the new 11kW on-board charger allows full home battery replenishment to take as little as 2 hours. A more typical 7.4kW garage wallbox would need around four hours.

Summary

There are lots of SUVs and still a few MPVs to tempt family car buyers at the moment, but there's life in the traditional estate car yet. Skoda's Superb Estate might not be the trendiest option your family could choose but its luggage-carrying potential is vast and the rest of the package stacks up very well too. This fourth generation version offers useful steps forward in technology, efficiency and style and for most family customers really would make a more sensible alternative to a much smaller but similarly-priced mid-sized SUV. So there you have it. If you've £30,000 to £40,000 to spend on something spacious but not too frumpy, you'd probably quite like one of these. Your Czech mate? Quite possibly.

Monthly Rental inc. VAT excl. VAT
£{{ mainPrice }} £370.76
Initial Rental inc. VAT excl. VAT
£{{ (mainPrice * upfront).toLocaleString() }} £3,336.84

Lease Type

Contract Length

Annual Mileage

Initial Rental (Months)

Head up Display £441.67 (ex. VAT)
Front and rear parking sensors Standard (ex. VAT)
Mode 3 charging cable Standard (ex. VAT)
Mode 2 charging cable £145.83 (ex. VAT)
Dynamic chassis control plus with progressive dynamic steering £1050.00 (ex. VAT)
8 speakers Standard (ex. VAT)
Canton sound system - 14+1 speaker £633.33 (ex. VAT)
Metallic paint £566.67 (ex. VAT)
Special paint £566.67 (ex. VAT)
Solid paint Standard (ex. VAT)
Electrically adjustable tilt/slide panoramic glass sunroof £1104.17 (ex. VAT)
Electric tow bar with adaptor £920.83 (ex. VAT)
Electric tow bar with trailer assist £1008.33 (ex. VAT)
Boot net partition £137.50 (ex. VAT)
Parking package - Superb £600.00 (ex. VAT)
Winter package - Superb £500.00 (ex. VAT)
Simply clever family package - Superb Estate £470.83 (ex. VAT)
Suite cognac design selection package - Superb Standard (ex. VAT)
Suite black design selection package - Superb Standard (ex. VAT)
Suite black design selection pack - Superb Standard (ex. VAT)
Suite cognac design selection pack - Superb Standard (ex. VAT)
Metallic - Cobalt blue £566.67 (ex. VAT)
Metallic - Graphite grey £566.67 (ex. VAT)
Metallic - Midnight black £566.67 (ex. VAT)
Solid - Energy blue Standard (ex. VAT)
Metallic - Carmine red £566.67 (ex. VAT)
Metallic - Ice tea yellow £566.67 (ex. VAT)
Metallic - Pebble silver £566.67 (ex. VAT)
Special paint - Pure white £566.67 (ex. VAT)
Tyre pressure monitor Standard (ex. VAT)
Active tyre pressure monitoring system £120.83 (ex. VAT)
Extended warranty (4 years or 80000 miles) £250.00 (ex. VAT)
Extended warranty (4 years or 100000 miles) £283.33 (ex. VAT)
Extended warranty (5 years or 100000 miles) £525.00 (ex. VAT)
Service plan (Your first two services) £400.00 (ex. VAT)
Suite design selection pack - Leather - Black with grey stitching Standard (ex. VAT)
Suite design selection pack - Leather - Cognac with cognac stitching Standard (ex. VAT)
Suite design selection pack - Leather/Artificial - Black with grey stitching Standard (ex. VAT)
Suite design selection pack - Leather/Artifical - Cognac with cognac stitching Standard (ex. VAT)
18" Dofida silver alloy wheels with anti theft wheel bolts Standard (ex. VAT)
19" Aniara aero silver alloy wheels and anti-theft wheel bolts £608.33 (ex. VAT)
19" Veritate silver alloy wheels and anti-theft wheel bolts £608.33 (ex. VAT)
18" Steel space saving spare wheel £154.17 (ex. VAT)

Deal Summary

Monthly Rental inc. VAT excl. VAT
£{{ mainPrice }} £370.76
Initial Rental inc. VAT excl. VAT
£{{ (mainPrice * upfront).toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}) }} £3,336.84
Processing Fee inc. VAT excl. VAT
£{{ (Number(deal.docs_fee) * 1.2).toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}) }} £299.99 £{{ (Number(deal.docs_fee)).toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}) }} £299.99
Options inc. VAT excl. VAT
£{{ extraPrice.toFixed(2) }}
Contract Type
{{ `${(leaseType == 2) ? 'Personal Lease' : 'Business Lease'}`}}
Contract Term
{{ leaseTerm}} months
Annual Mileage
{{ mileage }} miles
Maintenance

Important Information

  • Excess mileage charges will apply if you go over the stated contract mileage
  • Vehicle damage charges may occur if the vehicle is returned outside BVRLA's Fair Wear and Tear guidelines
  • All rentals are subject to the necessary finance acceptance criteria
  • Prices shown are indicative and subject to change.
  • No ownership option is available on this lease
  • Manufacturer's maintenance schedule must be observed and addiitional charges (to mileage) may apply for failure to maintain servicing and any non fair wear and tear damage to the vehicle

WLTP (with effect from April 2020) - Your quote also contains indicative CO2 or MPG values. The data could not be retreived while producing the quote, so we have based it on the lowest possible cost.

The quote will need to be updated with the accurate information before we can proceed to order. Written quotation upon request.

  • Petrol/Plugin Electric Hybrid
  • 572 Kg
  • 4902 mm
  • 1849 mm
Power assisted steering
Voice control system
Bluetooth system
Traffic sign recognition
Rear view camera with washer
CareConnect and Emergency Call
Front cross traffic assist
Virtual Cockpit - 10.25" digital display
Driver fatigue sensor
Wireless smartlink apple carplay, SmartLink+ android auto
Adaptive cruise control with speed assist,lane assist plus and traffic tram assist
Blind spot detection with door exit warning
Turn assist with evasive assistance
Front assist with extended predictive pedestrian protection
Stop/start engine system
Wireless charging for one smartphone (15W) with cooling function
4x USB-C ports (2x in front centre console and 2x in rear) (45W)
Electrically operated boot with virtual pedal
13" touchscreen display with satellite navigation
Drive mode selection
ChatGPT functionality
Quick start all heating software functionality
DAB Digital radio
FM radio connection
Web radio connection
Display cleaner
Rear spoiler
Privacy glass
Body colour door handles
Body coloured door mirrors
Chrome roof rails
Chrome window surround
Light assistant (coming/leaving home/tunnel light)
Light assist with High beam control
Rear windscreen wiper
3rd brake light
Rear side wing doors
Tow bar preparation
Acoustic side windows and interior noise suppression
Front windscreen with heat-insulating glass
Windscreen wipers with rain sensor
Electrically adjustable, heated, folding and driver side auto-dimming door mirrors with memory function, integrated indicators and logo projection
Frameless auto-dimming rear view mirror with USB-C
Backdrop lighting
Rear fog lights (x2)
Unique dark chrome grille surround with dark chrome rib elements
Dynamic range control with poor weather light and integrated fog light
Ice scraper in fuel tank cap
Illuminated glovebox
Front armrest with storage box
Heated and ventilated front seats
Tri zone climate control
3 seat bench in 2nd row
Ice scraper
Ticket holder on A Pillar
Front and rear footwell illumination
Height adjustable front and rear head restraints
LED front and rear reading lights
Interior lights with control switches
Isofix child seat fittings on outer rear seats
Height adjustable front passenger seat
Multi colour ambient lighting
Umbrella in driver's door
Isofix child seat fittings in outer rear and front passenger seats
Storage pockets on back of front seats
Front sports comfort seats
Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors
Single front passenger seat
12V socket 1x centre console 1x boot
12V socket and 2x cargo elements in boot
4x foldable bag hooks in boot
Cup holder in front with easy open mat
Advanced massage function for front seats
60:40 Split folding rear seats
14-way electrically adjustable, memory, front seats with 4-way pneumatic lumbar support, and extendable thigh support with smart comfort entry aid
Bottle holders in the front doors 1.5 litre bottle and rear 1.5 litre bottle
2 spoke multifunction steering wheel with DSG paddles
Light and view package - Superb
Transport package - Superb Estate
3 rear seatbelts
Electronic parking brake
Driver and passenger seatbelts with warning light
Hill hold assist
ESC including ABS, EBV, MSR, ASR, EDS, HBA, DSR, RBS, CBC, multi-collision brake (MKB) and Auto hold
Power operated child lock in rear doors
Crew protect assist
8 Airbags - Front driver and passenger,front side driver and passenger,centre,curtain front and rear,drivers knee
Electronic engine immobiliser
Remote central locking with SAFE system
Keyless start/stop
Alarm with interior monitoring tilt sensor and back up horn
Third key
Walk away locking
Backrest remote release from trunk
Decorative front door sills
Tyre repair kit
CO2 9
Euro Emissions
NOX N/A
CC 1498
Compression Ratio 2090
Cylinder Layout In - Line
Cylinders 4 Cylinder
Fuel Delivery Turbo
Number of Valves 572
Gears 6
Transmission Automatic
Combined 0.00
Urban 0.00
Extra Urban 0.00
Badge Engine CC 1498
Badge Power 204.00
NCAP Rating
Vehicle Homologation Class N/A
0 to 60 mph (Sec) 7.84
0 to 62 mph (Sec) 8.10
Engine BHP 204.00
Engine KW
Engine PS 1778
Engine Torque 250.00
Top Speed 136
Front Tyres 235/45 R18
Rear Tyres 235/45 R18
Spare Tyre TYRE REPAIR KIT
Height 0
Length 4902
Wheel Base 2841
Width 1849
Fuel Tank Size 45.00
Weight 2350
Roof Load Limit
Towing Weight Braked 1778
Towing Weight Unbraked 750
Number Of Seats 5

Ten Second Review

If you want a really big estate car that doesn't come with the kind of premium pricing you'd get with station wagons from the top German brands, then there's not much to touch Skoda's Superb. This fourth generation version is even larger than its predecessor, yet more efficient and better equipped. If you're looking in this segment, you'd probably like one.

Background

Skoda's Superb has always traded on being big. The standard hatch model's key showroom attribute has always been the astonishing levels of rear seat legroom it offers - plus its big boot. The car's always been the perfect starting point then, for the creation of a really huge estate model, something the Czech brand introduced with the second generation version, embellished with the MK3 and continues with here in this much improved MK4 model. This design uses the Volkswagen Group's new MQB EVO platform, which allows it to be bigger, yet still lighter than its predecessor. Sure enough, there's a big 645-litre boot with the seats up and nearly 2,000-litres of space with the rear bench folded down. We're almost into large MPV territory here. Al this from a smart executive-style estate with no frumpy People Carrying connotations. As before, it's priced at the level of a Volkswagen Passat-style 'D-segment' estate, yet offers even more room than you could expect from a much pricier large Executive class station wagon - say a BMW 5 Series Touring or an Audi A6 Avant. In other words, there's plenty to like here.

Driving Experience

As you'd expect, this MK4 Superb Estate has been fitted out with the latest suite of Volkswagen Group engines and these are all mated to DSG auto transmission. The mainstream powertrain options both develop 150PS and make 62mph in 9.2s en route to 139mph but are quite different. There's the mild hybrid 1.5 e-TEC petrol unit we tried, which has the VW Group's latest 48V mild hybrid tech; or, if you're more old school, the 2.0 TDI diesel, which in volume 150PS form has nearly 50% more pulling power (360Nm of it), hence a 2,200kg braked towing weight figure that's 300kgs more than the petrol model and will be of particular interest to many customers of the estate variant. This diesel can also be had in uprated 193PS form, in which guise it's mated to a 4WD system and for many, would in this guise make a more sensible alternative to a mid-sized SUV. Talking of sensible alternatives, probably the biggest news on the engine front is the massively improved PHEV drivetrain. The previous generation Superb iV PHEV generally got a thumbs-down from British buyers (understandably so, with a relatively small 13kWh battery yielding just 35 miles of rarely-achieved range). So Skoda's had another go, this time equipping the iV Plug-in Hybrid with a sizeable 25.7kWh battery pack which is supposed to be able to offer driving range of up to 84 miles. The engine that cuts in at the end of all that is broadly the same 1.5-litre TSI four cylinder unit we're trying today but with the PHEV, this 150PS powerplant is mated to six rather than seven-speed auto transmission and works in concert with a 118PS electric motor, contributing to a total system output of 204PS. Those rare folk who stretch right to 'Laurin & Klement' trim at the very top of the range get the option of the fastest available Superb engine, a 265PS 2.0 TSI petrol unit, which has to be had with 4WD and seems rather pointless given the sort of car this is.

Design and Build

At first glance, this fourth generation Superb Estate looks merely a mild evolution over its predecessor. Closer inspection though, reveals some significant changes. For a start, the new MQB Evo platform allows it to become an even bigger car, around 40mm longer and 10mm taller than before (though it's also 15mm narrower). You'll notice changes at the front too, where slimmer LED headlamps (which deliver 40% more light) flank an octagonal grille which dips in the centre to allow a larger Skoda badge to sit at the end of the more sharply creased long bonnet. There's also a shallower windscreen rake and slimmer tail lamps. Wheel sizes vary from 17 to 19-inches. Inside, the cabin redesign is much the same as the one featuring in the second generation Kodiaq SUV. Which means a large 12.9-inch centre screen and a 10-inch 'Virtual Cockpit' instrument display. Prominent at the base of the centre stack are three so-called 'Smart Dials' that control climate and can be programmed to work all kinds of other things, from audio volume to driving modes. All the cabin textiles are 100% recycled; and there are the usual Skoda 'Simply Clever' touches - like a cooling device built into the 'Phone Box' wireless charging pad, a USB port built into the rear view mirror and storage for high-viz vests in the doors. To provide more stowage space, the gear shifter has been moved to the steering column. The Superb has always been known for vast amounts of rear seat legroom and this MK4 model is just as good in that regard - and offers 6mm more headroom. Rear passengers now get a fold-down centre armrest that can extend and slide forwards - which is useful when using the integrated tablet holder. Boot space is rated at 690 litres in the Estate, 45-litres more than the hatchback version and 30-litres more than the previous generation model. That figure grows to 1,920-litres with everything folded. So yes, it's all very practical.

Market and Model

Britain's the third biggest global market for the Superb and as before, over half of sales will be to fleets. At the time of launch and of our test in Autumn 2024, Skoda was asking from around £36,500 for this fourth generation Superb Estate; that's for the base 1.5 TSI e-TEC 150PS version. It's around £1,500 more if you want the alternative 2.0 TDI 150PS diesel. This estate body style requires a £1,300 premium over the equivalent Superb hatch. This station wagon by the way, is the body shape you have to have if you want a Plug-in Hybrid drivetrain in your Superb, which as compiled this review, was priced from around £41,500 and uses a 6-speed auto. All other Superb models have the usual DSG 7-speed auto set-up. With the previous generation Superb, there was a reasonable uptake on the 4WD versions from people fed up with the idea of an equivalent SUV, so further up the range, Skoda's continued that option here. Either with a more powerful version of the 2.0 TDI diesel (with 193PS); or with a top 2.0 TSI petrol model, which offers 265PS, only comes with 4WD and which hardly anyone will buy. To be able to choose either of these 4x4 variants, you have to ignore base 'SE Technology'-spec and choose either mid-range 'SE L'-spec (which is what we tried) or top plush 'Laurin & Klement' trim - the name references Skoda's founders, in case you're wondering. Safety provision is a strongpoint. The improved autonomous emergency braking system can now detect cyclists. Plus there's a new 'Crossroad Assist' function that uses radar sensors in the bumper to monitor traffic at blind junctions and issue you a warning if you're about to pull out into the path of another vehicle. You can also now specify up to ten airbags in this car (including two side bags in the back).

Cost of Ownership

Like its Volkswagen Passat close cousin, the Superb suffers from the VW Group's rather baffling decision not to have developed a self-charging full-Hybrid engine. As we told you in our 'Driving' section, for customers of mainstream Superbs seeking some sort of electrification, there's only a choice of either the somewhat ineffectual 48V mild hybrid tech we tried; or the pricey option of the Superb iV Plug-in Hybrid. Which is why there's likely to continue to be a strong take-up for the powertrain that still probably suits this Skoda best, the 2.0 TDI 150PS diesel. This manages up to 58.0mpg on the combined cycle (usefully better than the 1.5 e-TEC 150PS model's 54.2mpg showing). But as usual, the diesel lets itself down a bit on CO2 emissions (a best of 128g/km, compared to the mild hybrid petrol's 119g/km best possible showing). For real frugality though, you've to turn to the iV Plug-in Hybrid model which, as we told you in our 'Driving' section, now has a much larger 25.7kWh battery pack which is supposed to be able to offer driving range of up to 84 miles. As usual with PHEVs, this skews the combined cycle fuel figure well into fantasy land (here, it's quoted at up to 784.3mpg); in reality, you probably wouldn't do much better than would be the case with a frugally-driven diesel variant (and with the PHEV, you'd have to put up with a smaller fuel tank 45-litres as opposed to the usual 66-litres). But the important thing is that the HMRC believes the iV model's quoted CO2 figure - up to 8g/km - so a low Benefit-in-Kind taxation rating is guaranteed. The PHEV battery now supports DC charging at up to 50kW - which is much faster than the old-shape Superb iV, which was limited to just 3.6kW AC charging. That means a 10 to 80% battery top up will take around 25 minutes, while the new 11kW on-board charger allows full home battery replenishment to take as little as 2 hours. A more typical 7.4kW garage wallbox would need around four hours.

Summary

There are lots of SUVs and still a few MPVs to tempt family car buyers at the moment, but there's life in the traditional estate car yet. Skoda's Superb Estate might not be the trendiest option your family could choose but its luggage-carrying potential is vast and the rest of the package stacks up very well too. This fourth generation version offers useful steps forward in technology, efficiency and style and for most family customers really would make a more sensible alternative to a much smaller but similarly-priced mid-sized SUV. So there you have it. If you've £30,000 to £40,000 to spend on something spacious but not too frumpy, you'd probably quite like one of these. Your Czech mate? Quite possibly.

All leased vehicles must be returned fully maintained within manufacturer's recommended guidelines. Below is an estimated cost comparison of what you might have to pay based on your requested contract terms.
  • Tyres £{{ smrValues.tyres }}
  • Other £{{ smrValues.other }}
  • Annual Service (total cost) £{{ smrValues.service }}
  • Brakes (total cost) £{{ smrValues.brakes }}
  • Total (Full Contract) £{{ Number(smrTotal).toLocaleString(undefined, { minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2 }) }}
Estimated monthly cost maintaining the vehicle yourself
£{{ (smrTotal / leaseTerm).toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}) }} {{ leaseType == 2 ? 'including' : 'excluding' }} VAT.
Actual Monthly Cost using our maintenance based on your contract terms
£{{ (monthlyWithMaintenance - monthly).toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}) }} {{ leaseType == 2 ? 'including' : 'excluding' }} VAT.
Approximate saving £{{ ((smrTotal/leaseTerm) - (monthlyWithMaintenance - monthly)).toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}) }} {{ leaseType == 2 ? 'including' : 'excluding' }} VAT, which gives you a total saving of
£{{ (smrTotal - ((monthlyWithMaintenance - monthly) * leaseTerm)).toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}) }} {{ leaseType == 2 ? 'including' : 'excluding' }} VAT.
To potentially save money, have peace of mind and ease of budgeting, choose add maintenance to proceed.

*Figures are a representative example and may vary depending on driving style and conditions please speak to a member of the sales team for more information

Blue Chilli Car Leasing believes all customers should have the opportunity to take advantage of fixed maintenance cover.

So what are the benefits?

  • Planned fixed cost budgeting
  • No unexpected maintenance costs
  • Protection from rising inflation costs

What’s included?

  • Mechanical and electrical repairs or replacements, including associated parts and labour due to fair wear and tear
  • Bulbs, Batteries, Exhausts, Cam belts, Wiper blades, Alternators, Starter Motors
  • MOT tests
  • Premium Branded tyre replacements including valve and balance*

*Some of our partner funders do not cover damage through punctures or vandalism/deliberate damage. Please ask if you require more details.