Test Car Specifications
Model: 2024 Skoda Superb Hatch SE L 1.5 TSI e-Tec 150PS DSG
Price: Superb Hatch from £34,875; £41,010 as tested
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol with mild-hybrid technology
Transmission: seven-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Emissions: 124-126g/km
Economy: 50.9-52.1mpg
0-62mph: 9.2 seconds
Top speed: 139mph
Boot space: 645 litres
Styling
Although we often refer to the Superb as a saloon, the base model is actually a five-door hatchback, with a rakish rear window that opens with the boot lid to reveal an enormous luggage space (more on that later). But from the outside, it looks like every other executive saloon, albeit with a slightly odd back end. That's a compliment, though, because the Superb still looks like a premium product, even though its price tag is a little more mainstream. Perhaps the red in these pictures doesn't show it in its best light, but the Skoda looks the part in the company car park, despite the less desirable logo on the nose. It's true we aren't convinced by the latest-generation car's grille, but the sharp lines and proportions are all exactly right.
Interior
Although Skoda hasn't made massive changes to the Superb's exterior design, the interior has been altered noticeably. The centrepiece of the new design is a massive touchscreen that uses Skoda's latest operating system, and feels nice and modern. As part of the VW Group, Skoda's tech has come under fire in recent years, but this feels like the first step forward in a while, with menus that are more intuitive and customisable displays that make it easier to navigate.
Better still, Skoda has fitted the Superb with a customisable instrument display, which is really clear and self-explanatory, and proper heater controls as part of the 'smart dial' arrangement lower down on the dash. It's a neat integration of digital and physical tech, and it works really well. Volkswagen and Cupra, take note.
Other updates include a two-spoke steering wheel that still looks a bit odd to us, but otherwise it's pretty much as you expect from Skoda. Build quality is exemplary, and though some of the materials feel a little on the cheap side, most are easily worthy of use in a VW or Audi.
Practicality
This is where the Superb has historically shone, and the new version continues the trend. Rear cabin space is frankly enormous, with heaps of legroom and adequate headroom for four relatively tall adults to sit in comfort. Those over about 6ft 3in might feel happier in the Estate, which has a fractionally higher roofline, but most will be pretty happy in the Hatch. And there's plenty of luggage space in the hatchback, too, with a 645-litre luggage bay. That's about the same space you get from a BMW X5, which is a significantly bigger and bulkier car. Only those who regularly carry bulky objects that threaten the Hatch's rear window will really need the Estate.
Performance
As before, the Superb’s engine range is pretty varied, with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options available. But the engine we’re testing here is one of the less powerful, less expensive options: the 1.5-litre TSI e-Tec 150. Like every other version of the Superb, it comes with an automatic gearbox, but unlike some others, it uses mild-hybrid technology to assist the four-cylinder petrol engine.
That means the system sends an adequate 150hp to the front wheels, but despite the car’s size and weight, it still allows it to return more than 50mpg on the official economy test. And though we didn’t quite manage that kind of average on our test, we were getting there on a long motorway drive. For a petrol engine, it’s pretty impressive.
However, though the performance is adequate, it’s no better than that. We’d really prefer the grunt of a 2.0-litre diesel engine, and it’s diesel power that remains our preference in the Superb – preferably with all-wheel-drive traction for maximum everyday usability. But the truth is that the diesel engines are a luxury, rather than a necessity, and for those with an aversion to diesel or a very low annual mileage, the petrol option makes a bit more sense.
Ride & Handling
As before, the Superb puts the emphasis on comfort, rather than handling, and we have absolutely no problem with that. The suspension is supple and absorbent, which makes the Superb a fabulous motorway cruiser, and though the ride isn’t perfect at lower speeds — the odd pothole is a bit too jagged for it — the Skoda still performs admirably.
Naturally, that comfort comes at the cost of handling, but though the Superb feels blunt and inert, they aren’t necessarily bad qualities. The steering is a bit too light and numb, but otherwise the Skoda feels safe, predictable and easy to drive. Unless, of course, you get it into a tight spot in a car park, when the length begins to tell. Even then, however, decent visibility, parking sensors and a reversing camera ensure it isn’t too much bother.
Value
The Superb was once a very cheap alternative to the established executive saloons, but times have changed and it isn't as cheap as it once was. Prices now start at just under £35,000 for the cheapest SE Technology trim, which is a fair chunk of cash. That said, you get a fair chunk of kit, including a reversing camera, heated front seats and alloy wheels. You get the 13-inch touchscreen, too. But we'd go for the SE L tested here, which adds leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and an electrically operated tailgate to the equation, along with a few other goodies. And it only costs an extra £3,000 or so.
Verdict
We have marked this particular version of the Superb down very slightly for its 1.5-litre engine, which feels a bit too puny for a car of this size, but it's still a great family car. Roomy, comfortable and nicely made, it carries on exactly where its predecessor left off. And with an even half-decent 2.0-litre diesel engine under the bonnet, we've no doubt it would be a four-and-a-half-star car. Maybe even a five, in Estate form.
