The Skoda Superb | super speed cars 123bhp 1.4 TSI petrol engine isn’t as slovenly as it sounds, but it will struggle to pull a heavy load. The pokier 158bhp 1.8 TSI is better. Don’t go near the thirsty 256bhp 3.6 V6. The diesels will be popular, but we’d avoid the rattly 104bhp 1.9. The 138bhp 2.0 has punch, but delivers it in one ungainly lump. The 168bhp version is more linear with its delivery of power, but more expensive.
The Superb Estate has a soft suspension that makes it comfortable over poor road surfaces. It stays settled on the motorway, too, so it’s a great cruiser. The soft ride means it feels a little wallowy through bends, but there’s plenty of grip to make you feel secure in corners.
The Superb isolates wind- and road noise really well, and the suspension stays quiet over bumps. Choose your engine carefully, though. Only the range-topping diesel is the latest generation common-rail diesel engine, so the other two units are older and noisier – particularly the 1.9. The petrols are smooth and quiet, but you’ll have to push hard with the 1.4.