Skoda Superb review

We’ve spent most time in the 1.5 mild hybrid petrol so far, and it’s a good’un. Sure, with just 148bhp and 184lb ft of torque to play with it’s not exactly fast – 0-62mph takes 9.2 seconds – but you’re hardly going to be flooring this, are you?

No, tread gently and it’s quiet and refined, with the 48V starter generator providing some handy electrical assistance when creeping about town and under acceleration. The engine's keen to shut down (be it two or all cylinders) whenever possible. The seven-speed auto tidily goes about its job too: we didn’t miss a manual ‘box.

Of the 2.0-litre TSIs, the 204bhp variant manages the zero to 62mph sprint in 8.0s, and the 265bhp in 5.6s. The 2.0-litre heartland diesels, in 150 and 193bhp guise, manage the same sprint in 9.2s and 7.5s respectively.

How does it handle the twisty stuff?

The Superb isn't really about that, but you'll find that it sticks round bends better than you might expect. It’s likely you’ll lose confidence before it does.

Most of the time, though, you'll be cruising about town with the kids in tow, or schlepping up and down motorways when work calls. And it’s the latter where the Superb really thrives, just as ably as any of its so-called premium German rivals. It wafts along with supreme ease, with little wind noise creeping in and only minimal road roar. It simply eats up long distances.

It's worth noting that DCC adaptive suspension is optional, or standard on top-spec models. If our experience in the Kodiaq is anything to go by, it provides a bit more body composure. But we didn't miss it here.

Will it require regular trips to the petrol station?

Judge for yourself: we saw 49.9mpg over a 50-mile route, just shy of Skoda’s claimed figure. You’ll need a toilet break before it needs a drink.

As ever it all comes down to usage – if you’re going to be spending a lot of time pootling around town then the petrol mild hybrid is probably your best bet because you can take advantage of that helping hand of electric power.

If you’re going to be cruising up and down the motorway all week long, then one of the diesels is likely a better bet, where you should see high 50s to the gallon.