First Drive: Skoda Superb 2.0 TSI 280 SE L Executive 4X4 5dr DSG

What’s this?

The estate version of the third-generation Skoda Superb. Which means you get an even more colossal amount of space for your cash.

Really? How big is it?

It’s ginormous. The rear seating commands at least 157mm of legroom – in plain terms, that means four basketball players could probably all sit in the Superb Estate with few complaints.

Out back, as you might have guessed, is a cavern of a cargo area, with 660 litres capacity seats up, and 1,950 litres with them folded away. That’s more than an E-Class Estate. You can even carry 3.1-metre long items if you fold the front passenger seat down, so unless you’re some sort of fairy-tale giant, you’re unlikely to criticise the Skoda’s roominess.

Is load-lugging the only reason to buy one, though?

Not at all. The new Superb is a cracking looking car, all crisp lines and neat styling. This elegant estate is by far the best-looking iteration yet of Skoda’s largest machine; it even works well in white, despite the acreage of bodywork.

How about inside?

The interior is not just capacious but also of high quality, with plenty of toys on offer in base-spec S models and a 10-speaker Canton sound system and TV tuner further up the range. Prices start at £19,840 and climb to £35,940, though the bulk of models are in the mid 20s bracket.

What are the engine choices?

Some familiar Volkswagen Group fare, but intriguingly – despite tiny sales likely in the UK – there are two ‘performance’ petrol models on offer.

Why have you put the word performance in inverted commas?

Because they’re not badged or styled in any way that makes them stand out from the rest of the range. The first uses the 217bhp 2.0-litre engine from the Octavia vRS, driving the front wheels through a six-speed DSG gearbox dual-clutch gearbox, but there’s a 4x4 model with the 276bhp 2.0 you’ll find in a Seat Leon Cupra, which also has DSG.

Does it drive in an exciting manner?

Ah. Not really. It’s definitely quick, the 0-62mph time of 5.8 seconds entirely believable even in a car this size. And even though it gets Dynamic Chassis Control as standard, switching it between Comfort, Normal and Sport settings doesn’t really hugely affect the way it drives; you’re unlikely to be grinning behind the wheel. However, it’s supremely refined, has excellent body control and a comfortable ride no matter what speed you’re going, so think of it as a Czech sleeper version of an S-model Audi Avant and it makes a huge amount of sense.

So would you recommend a Superb Estate?

Without question. It’s a Ford Mondeo/Volkswagen Passat rival in essence, but it feels capable of elevating itself into the BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz category. You’re probably best off picking one of the excellent diesel models, though, say the 148bhp 2.0 TDI with a manual gearbox and front-wheel drive, and then you’ll have a classy, serene motor that could just as easily cruise across Europe on a family holiday as it could take a shedload of rubbish to the local tip. We like it a lot.