Skoda Superb an understated performer

What say you on the issue below?
When I began developing a keen interest in cars decades ago, names like Skoda, Trabant and Yugo were associated with cheap, inefficient and ugly automobiles from the then-Eastern European bloc.

Some of these marques have vanished, others trudge on but few have undergone the degree of transformation Skoda has, thanks to its acquisition by the Volkswagen group some years ago.

Skoda now forms a sort of “entry-level” segment to the cars from this conglomerate, but with the benefit of some technological goodies from the costlier Audi and VW marques.


When I took delivery of the Skoda Superb, I was told, perhaps only half-jestingly, to “shut your eyes when you’re driving it and you can almost believe you’re in an Audi!” I did no such foolhardy thing, of course, but I get the point, especially as my Audi A6 experience last year is still fresh in my mind.

The Superb is somewhere between the D and E segments, and this is important, as you will see later on, given its price.

It isn’t a flashy set of wheels, and in terms of space, creature comforts and ride, would appeal more to the grown-up driver seeking not to attract attention.

Oh, all right, the “uncle” factor is high-ish on this one.

Appearances, though, can be deceptive, and in the case of the Superb, in stark contrast to what lurks under the long and sleek hood with its sober and distinctive grille – a robust 1.8-litre turbocharged engine bristling with 158 horses and 250Nm of torque mated to a seven-speed DSG (direct shift gear) automatic transmission.

What this means is that the Superb is spirited of foot, and can deliver a muscular performance the moment you push the pedal. Yet, it has a ride tailored to appeal to those who prefer to be ferried comfortably rather than embark on an edge-of-the-seat adventure.

Certainly, there’s no nail-biting experience to be had taking the Superb around bends or over uneven roads. It is a safe and solid performer in any sensible situation, the slight roll only in line with its size and “family” trappings.

The family man (or woman) who opts for the Superb because of its roominess will be relieved to know it carries a powertrain that can deliver, even with a full load. The Sports mode on the transmission puts further control in the driver’s hands.

The cabin is neatly designed and finished in a sober black/grey, the monotony only interrupted by the faux wood inlay across the length of the dashboard, chrome trim on various parts of the centre console, instrument panel and steering wheel, and light grey (almost white) covering of the A pillars.

One interesting feature of the Superb is its boot. You can open the lid as you would in a conventional sedan – however, for bigger items that won’t fit through, the lid opens up further, as in a liftback.

This way, you probably can fit in a mattress and turn the Superb into an overnight camper, if you’re so inclined!

There is no lack of features onboard, in terms of technology and creature comforts – electrically-operated front seats (with three position memory settings), multi-function steering wheel, multi-info display, leather seats (leather on the gear knob and steering as well), bi-xenon headlights, rain sensor for the front wiper, dual zone air-con (with back row vents), six-disc in-dash player, cruise control, immobiliser, the complete stability package, dual front and side airbags, and a choice of six colours in finishes.

The Skoda Superb is priced at RM206,520.10 (with insurance, individual), and therein is the crux of the matter. You can help yourself to a Ford Mondeo, Volvo or Lexus hybrid for less, or pay a bit more for an Audi A4 or VW Passat CC.

Of course, you may get less cabin space, and certainly different experiences, not necessarily better or worse. Still, these are the challengers for your money, and pretty impressive ones.

Those opting for the Skoda Superb can be assured of a generally pleasurable experience, always knowing that under this sedate-looking sedan or liftback, or whatever, lies a speedy steed waiting to be unleashed.

Two ways to open the rear end.