Reviews of the Skoda Superb

The new Skoda Superb represents an evolution of its predecessor, featuring a sleeker design, a more premium feel, and a range of petrol, diesel, and hybrid engines. It boasts improvements in aerodynamics, increased interior space, and a focus on maintaining physical controls alongside modern touchscreens for a balanced user experience. The Superb remains a top choice for those valuing space, comfort, and practicality, now with enhanced environmental considerations and advanced safety features.

Rivals to the Skoda Superb include the Peugeot 508, Volkswagen Arteon and Audi A8.

Our Skoda Superb review covers:

• Updated exterior with a sharper stance and the wider grille with sleek LED headlights
• Refined interior with sleeker aesthetics and premium touches
• 625-litre boot, expanding to 1,760 litres with rear seats down
• Range of petrol, diesel, and hybrid engines
• Four trim levels are available: SE Technology, SE L, SportLine Plus and L&K

Pros:

• Large boot
• Refined and efficient engines
• Spacious and comfortable interior

Cons:

• Higher trims can be expensive
• Not the most engaging to drive
• Some interior materials could be improved

Gone are the days of the slightly boxy Superb. The new model retains the familiar silhouette but injects it with a dose of urbane swagger. The lines are sharper, the stance is more athletic, and the wider grille with sleek LED headlights exudes newfound confidence.

Step inside, and you're greeted by a cabin that feels both spacious and premium. Skoda hasn't messed with the winning formula - acres of legroom, headroom, and shoulder room ensure everyone travels first class. Soft-touch plastics, tasteful chrome accents, and optional Alcantara upholstery elevate the ambience, while a digital instrument cluster and central touchscreen keep you informed and entertained. 

The Skoda Superb's boot has a cavernous appetite, devouring 625 litres of luggage – a figure that leaves rivals like the Peugeot 508 (487 litres) and VW Arteon (563 litres) feeling famished. Even the plug-in hybrid Superb, with its batteries snuggled under the floor, offers a competitive 485 litres.

Opening the wide rear hatch reveals a flat, feast-ready space equipped with hooks, straps, and cubbies to keep your cargo under control. While a slight lip might mean you need to lift heavier items, it's a small price to pay for such a capacious pantry. And if your appetite for space is truly insatiable, folding the rear seats unleashes a gargantuan 1,760 litres – enough to make some mid-sized SUVs blush. Even the hybrid's 1,610 litres would leave most rivals feeling empty.

Skoda Superb's Interior Holds its Own Against Pricier Rivals. The interior punches well above its weight, even edging close to its pricier cousin, the Volkswagen Passat. Sure, you might find a few rough plastic edges if you're a meticulous inspector, but for most folks, the ambience screams premium, not the price tag.

The latest upgrades have narrowed the gap between Superb and Passat even further. While the Passat might boast slightly swankier trim pieces here and there, the difference is subtle enough to easily miss in everyday use. Everything feels solid and built to last, from the base SE trim's durable cloth seats to the plush leather in higher trims. Sportline Plus adds a touch of sporty flair with quilted Alcantara and a racier steering wheel, while those seeking luxurious pampering can indulge in the L&K's opulent leather and ambient lighting. Just be careful – ticking too many options boxes can push you into Audi and BMW territory in terms of cost.

Tech-wise, even the entry-level Superb packs a punch. An 8-inch touchscreen comes standard, loaded with DAB radio, WiFi tethering, Bluetooth, and now, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SE Technology trim throws in sat nav, though your phone's built-in apps can handle that just fine. For those who like big screens, Sportline Plus and L&K get a 9.2-inch upgrade, but the functionality remains the same. Thankfully, both systems are responsive and intuitive, with handy shortcut buttons flanking the smaller screen and a single row for the larger. Voice control exists, but its reliability leaves something to be desired – it is best to stick to the touch and button combos.

Four trim levels are available: SE Technology, SE L, SportLine Plus and L&K.

The SE Technology trim for the Skoda Superb comes fully equipped with luxurious heated leather seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system featuring built-in navigation, monitoring for blind spots, sensors for both front and rear parking, adaptive cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, and standard LED headlights.

For the SE L model, the Skoda Superb is enhanced with 18-inch alloy wheels, tinted windows for privacy, and advanced Matrix LED headlights. It boasts leather heated front seats, standard blind spot detection, and selectable driving modes.

The SportLine Plus variant of the Superb showcases 19-inch wheels accented with glossy black exterior finishes and distinctive "SportLine" branding. The interior is appointed with Alcantara sports seats at the front that are heated, alongside ambient interior lighting. The entertainment and navigation system features a larger 9.2-inch display with 3D navigation capabilities.

The Laurin & Klement edition brings the pinnacle of technology to the Skoda Superb. It features an advanced 9.2-inch infotainment system that includes a digital virtual cockpit, 3D navigation, wireless connectivity, DVD player, lane-change and -keeping aids, assistance for parking, and a camera for rear-view parking. Additional luxuries include tri-zone climate control, 18-inch wheels, heated seating for both front and rear passengers, and extensive leather upholstery.

The Skoda Superb offers a smorgasbord of powertrains, from peppy petrol to efficient diesel and a fuel-sipping plug-in hybrid. Gearing options and drivetrains add further variety, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your driving needs.

Start off with the base 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol – think of it as the quiet achiever. This little gem puts out 150hp, zipping through town and cruising effortlessly on motorways. Its six-speed manual gearbox lets you savour the control, while the 47mpg average fuel economy and 136g/km CO2 emissions keep your wallet and the planet happy. Need a dash of adrenaline? The 190hp and 280hp 2.0-litre petrol answer the call, sprinting to 62mph in 7.7 and 5.3 seconds, respectively. Be prepared for slightly thirstier habits, though, averaging 40.3mpg and 33.2mpg, respectively. The 280hp version, paired with standard all-wheel drive, might tempt the speed demon within, but remember, great power comes with extra running costs.

For frequent motorway miles, the 150hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel shines. Matching the 150hp petrol's acceleration, it boasts stellar fuel economy of 59.3mpg and 125g/km CO2 with the manual – a touch less with the smooth seven-speed DSG auto. But the real magic lies in its range – over 800 miles on a single tank! Need more overtaking muscle? The 200hp diesel delivers, but fuel economy dips to 50.4mpg. If winter roads are your playground, opt for the all-wheel-drive version for extra grip.

Short commutes and easy access to charging? Meet the plug-in hybrid. This clever combo of a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine and electric motor dishes out 218hp, zipping you to 62mph in 7.7 seconds. Make the most of the 44-mile electric range, and you'll enjoy a mouthwatering 224.4mpg. On longer journeys, expect figures closer to 40mpg. However, keep in mind the automatic gearbox's occasional hiccups while switching between electric and petrol modes and the hybrid's availability only in the top trims.

Overall, the new Skoda Superb is a worthy successor to the previous model. It's still a great all-rounder that offers practicality, comfort, and a great leasing option.

The Skoda Superb is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £34,000.00*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £227.27.

If you're considering leasing a Skoda Superb, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).

Leasing a Skoda Superb can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.

It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.