Since its first generation, the Superb Skoda it has been a frequent option in the fleets of European governments. There are plenty of arguments for this institutional mission, from its vast external dimensions, to the sober look that has always marked it, or even to the generous space it offers.
We went to find out more about what makes the Superb “Mr. Minister's car”, after we recently tested the Superb Break, the van in the range.
Starting with its look, I have to congratulate Skoda on the way it managed to disguise the fact that the Superb is actually a hatchback. Well, even though it doesn't look like it, the Czech top-of-the-range has a fifth door (the tailgate includes a window) and the truth is that this is a great asset when it comes to versatility.
The sober style promises to make the Superb visually current over the years, and it is only regrettable that it does not hide an excessive similarity with other proposals of the Czech brand.
Quality and space are the norm.
Unsurprisingly, and just like the Superb Break I tested, the interior of the Superb saloon is well built and made of good materials, making use of a critic-proof ergonomics thanks not only to a good infotainment system but also to the fact that stay true to physical commands.
In the space chapter, what I said about the van applies here again. Whether in the front or rear seats, you travel in comfort and pleasant relief, and it is easy to see one of the reasons why this model is a regular presence in the parking lots of ministries. The luggage compartment with 625 liters is established as the reference in the segment.
Same engine, less power
The Skoda Superb saloon, like the van, uses a 2.0 TDI that is combined with the seven-speed DSG box. However, the famous Diesel presents itself here with 150 hp instead of 190 hp as happened in the van.
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The truth is that after several days and more than 1000 km behind the wheel of the Superb equipped with this engine, I never found myself thinking “that extra 40 hp I really miss“.
Don't get me wrong, potency is like money, it never hurts. However, this version with 150 hp does not disappoint.
Helpful and with a linear power delivery, this engine has a good ally in the DSG box and the fact that it has no driving modes (except the “S” mode of the box) is good news that translates into a pleasant standard tuning to use and that allows a good compromise between performance and consumption.
And it is precisely for the latter that this 2.0 TDI stands out the most. Straightforward by nature, this engine seems to marry perfectly with the character of the Superb and the functions it usually performs.
With a well-spaced gearbox that doesn't force us to always make reductions to make the best use of the 150 hp, this 2.0 TDI easily allows us to register consumption between 5-5.5 l/100 km on the road and between 6- 6.5 l/100 km in the city. When I explored its economicist vein and used cruise control, I managed to get averages of 4.8 l/100 km — not bad, really...
In the dynamic chapter, the Skoda Superb in the hatchback variant deserves the same praise that I weave the van. Stable and comfortable, it doesn't compromise when the curves arrive, but it doesn't excite you either — nor is that its objective — preferring long stretches on the highway where it always invites us to travel a few more kilometers.
Is the car right for me?
I know that there are models in the segment with more sex appeal like the Peugeot 508 or with another pedigree like the BMW 420d, but the truth is that none of them offers the space that the Skoda Superb offers.
Discreet and sober by nature, the Skoda Superb is a natural rider and the ideal choice for those who need to “devour” kilometers daily at relatively high rates with comfort and safety and don't want the fuel bill to be excessively high.
All in all, after spending a few days driving the Skoda Superb it wasn't hard to see why it's the “Mr. Minister's car”. What makes me confused is that some “Mrs. Entrepreneurs” do not let themselves be captivated by its charms and qualities any more, because for the price at which it is proposed, there is not much better in the segment.