Read Caroline’s Skoda Superb Combi review for everything you need to know about buying Skoda’s big estate car in Ireland.
The Skoda Superb is one of Skoda’s best loved cars in Ireland. It’s been around for years and has made its name as the go-to option for buyers seeking a good value, large car.
Skoda has just introduced a brand new generation of the Superb and it doesn’t mess too much with its winning formula. Like before it’s available as a saloon or estate (Combi), and with the choice of petrol and diesel engines. There’s even a brand new plug-in hybrid for the Combi, which is the focus of this review.
Let’s take a closer look!
Design
The fourth generation Superb keeps things simple when it comes to design. But it’s still very recognisable as a Superb with a sort of understated elegance to it. The new one looks a bit grander than before with all versions now getting a larger octagonal radiator grille. LED headlights and tail lights are standard. At the back S K O D A is spelt out across the boot lid. The design is a bit smoother and grander all round, with aerodynamic benefits. Both the hatchback and estate have also grown in length.
There are three trim levels for Ireland: Selection, Selection+ and L&K. Both Selection and Selection+ models sit on 18-inch alloy wheels and come with rear privacy glass, chrome window surround and roof rails for the Combi. The L&K model gets its own set of 19-inch wheels and the matrix LED headlights with new Crystallinium design element for a bit more bling.
Interior
The Superb’s new cabin feels befitting of a flagship with a solid fit and finish and some new trims to choose from. There’s been a welcome digital upgrade with a shiny new full digital driver display and touchscreen in the centre of the dash (10.4 or 13-inch). The Superb also gets Skoda’s digital smart dials just like the new Kodiaq, which function like traditional dials for adjusting things like the fan speed and temperature. But the twist is the one in the middle is multifunction and allows you to scroll between a few different functions and adjust as you wish.
Heated front seats with lumbar support are included as standard with a massage function. There’s also a parking camera, wireless smartphone charging, adaptive cruise control and tri-zone climate control.
Opt for the Selection+ and there’s the choice of black or brown leather and a few other features like ambient lighting and power adjustment, memory settings and ventilation for the front seats.
Practicality
Practicality is the Superb Combi’s middle name. It’s just brilliant at it. There’s loads of rear legroom and it’s a very comfy place to sit too. Isofix child seat fixtures are on the two outer seats in the rear and the front passenger seat.
Skoda has made the boot even bigger than before with 690 litres now in total (645 litres for the hatch). If you opt for the plug-in hybrid, beware it loses some boot space (510 litres). But in fairness that’s still a lot of boot space. The low sill and wide opening make it really easy to get things in and out. A power tailgate also comes as standard with a motion sensor that opens with a simple kick under the tailgate. The Combi gets a new electrically operated load cover, another first for Skoda.
The diesel has a towing capacity up to 2 tonnes but that drops to 1.8 tonnes for the plug-in hybrid.
Driving
The new Superb Combi comes with a choice of power options. The range kicks off with a 1.5-litre petrol mild hybrid with 150hp. There’s also the trusty 2.0-litre diesel, also with 150hp. Both options come with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
New for 2024 is the plug-in hybrid, which has an excellent EV driving range of up to 124 kilometres. It uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine, electric motor and a 25.7kWh battery. The total power output is 204hp, making it the most powerful of the range and the quickest: 0-100 in 8.1 seconds. It’s potentially very frugal too if you have the facility to keep the battery charged.
When the battery is charged in the Combi plug-in hybrid, this car is really at its best. It’s more refined than the diesel and feels smoother and more powerful to drive. However, when the battery charge runs out, the six-speed automatic transmission can feel more sluggish when you’re taking off and the power delivery is just not as smooth and strong. Still it can post some good economy figures, with my weekly consumption averaging at about 5.2 litres per 100 kilometres.
Otherwise this is a very pleasant car to drive. It handles with confidence and is a comfortable companion for the road. Dynamic Chassis Control comes as standard on the L&K, but the standard suspension is just fine for Irish roads.
Charging
The Combi plug-in hybrid can accept a DC fast charging rate of up to 50kW for a 10-80% charge in 25 minutes. AC charging is up to 11kW for a full charge in two and a half hours.
Pricing
The Superb Combi range is available from €50,325 for the 1.5 petrol, from €50,825 for the 2.0 diesel and from €54,385 for the plug-in hybrid.
Selection+ models start from €52,825 and L&K from €59,485.
Verdict
The large car segment has really been dwindling over the last few years with many big names leaving it. But the Superb has steadily held onto its crown and still has a lot to offer buyers.
It’s gotten more expensive over the years but there’s value in it if you’re looking for a big car that’s comfortable and well-equipped. While SUVs tend to be more popular, to this reviewer the Superb is a nicer drive than many equivalent SUVs.
The Combi is simply superb as an all-rounder – handsome, super spacious, comfortable, well-equipped.
So will it be petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid? The plug-in hybrid certainly feels the most refined and sophisticated but will require regular charging so for many buyers diesel will still be the best choice.
_____________________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
The post Skoda Superb Combi Review (2024) appeared first on Changing Lanes.