I came across an Alfa owner's description of a Superb test drive here:
http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/other-marques/188574-skoda-superb-estate.html
I thought it well-written, thoughtful and impressive - better than many journalists would manage, to be honest.
*****
So....the test....pacific blue manual 2.0 TDi Elegance
I was hoping to test a 4x4 version but in the end i tested a FWD version as the only 4x4 available came with a DSG box.
the engine was a 168 bhp 2 litre diesel unit, which is the stronger of the two 2.0s available, the other pumping out 130bhp.
The car was tucked in a corner of their back yard and i only saw it from the front at first, so its size was not that apparent immediately.
the pale blue was ok, conservative as befits this type of car, but perhaps too conservative for some.
the front end looked sort of maxi Octavia in its design, but curiously appeared more Audi A6 like with the bonnet up. I dont suppose many owners are going to drive around like that though.
then the nice Skoda chap pulled it out of the corner for us to look at it properly.
the size of the thing was fairly breathtaking. it is a big, long car. its bulk is surprising and it isnt that pretty to look at, at least at first (more on this later). the back seat seemed to be able to accomodate an entire football team and the boot could easily swallow all their WAGs and children! I'm 6' and managed to stretch out my legs without having to tuck them under the passenger seat. I was really taken aback by the size of this area. If you imagine the back of an S-class Benz or LWB Jaguar XJ, then you'll begin to get the idea. It should not really be competing with Passats, Mondeos or Insignias on size alone.
i opened the front door to have a look at the driver's seat and dash. it doesnt have the drama and panache of an Alfa, in fact, it's nowhere near that. however it is extremely convincing at conveying a sense of business-like professionalism. It sort of lacks character, is what I'm trying to say.
the front seat is very comfortable. It's not as wide and spacious as I had initially imagined but you sit there in supreme comfort looking at a very VW-like upscale dash. The leather seats have 3/4 memory settings and seem to be able to move electrically in every direction imaginable (perhaps excepting Prince here). The steering wheel manually adjusts to and fro, as well as up and down. The switch gear is obviously shared with larger VAG siblings such as the Passat and A6. the controls are slick and of very high quality. The instrument binnacle is a conservative, though stylish affair with a splash of chrome around the dials to set it off.
there is a central digital readout displaying a variety of regular info seen in cars these days.
my wife and small child were in the back and I figured my wife would have to phone me on my mobile because she seemed to be so far away. The back seat bench is also a lovely place to be. supreme comfort is all I could say. It's not regal comfort, mind
the seats are all good, but a Saab's or a Volvo's would still better them. Despite the car's Czech origins, this car's Teutonic roots shine right through in these areas.
At least the Czech engineers were given free rein over the way it drives.
It really does defy its sheer bulk. The motor is a useful 2.0 and in 3rd gear, acceleration in town was a cinch. 5th gear overtaking and accelerating on motorways was also relatively easy, though not as punchy. the gearing is short as there is a 6th which is very relaxing for long motorway drives.
the engine wasnt intrusive, despite the DERV nature. There was some clatter at standstill when cold, but it sounded ok when I pulled back into the garage an hour later. It isn't exactly a sonorous engine, but manages to be refined and quiet at all times. I suppose the marque is aiming at a particular customer, but this engine will most probably be its biggest UK seller according to the salesman. It was competent and easy. Not an Alfa or a Jag or a Beemer, but nonetheless, it did its job well.
The ride was smooth, potholes and country lanes nearby were dealt with ease. the chassis didnt seem ruffled by much, though i didnt exactly push it as there was a small person in the back. it seem very planted. I liked that. It gave a sense of security and sure footedness despite the FWD limitation. Anyway, at the speeds i was doing, and where I was, FWD would be all that was required. In all honesty, the 4x4 thing is only really necessary if you genuinely intend on taking it to tougher terrain or encounter snow and ice on a regular basis. most of us will never really require it.
handling-wise it seemed fine. not particularly wallowy as i'd expected. In fact, it did remind me somewhat of a Passat. There was a serpentine bit down a country lane, and this seemed to be simple for the car. Not much, but, nonetheless, convincing. And no diving or rolling of any sort. I liked that.
Funnily, the ride was not at all hard. It seemed quite geared towards British roads. Quite a pleasant change from all the stiffness of Audis and beemers. A little bit Benz like but not quite as remote i suppose and nowhere near as wallowy as Mercs of old.
the boot was humungogantic. all 560litres of it. and the clever twin door/ hoot/ boot thing. most normal human beings would never really need any more, unless you need a hearse!
I got a combined 34.5 mpg from my hour of town and country. it was ok. my wife like it. she found it somwhat similar to her dad's Passat, but more comfortable and spacious.
when we got out at the end, and I took a long, hard look at it, I have to say that I was genuinely surprised. I had not expected so much for so little. Apparently, the same car we drove with all the bells and whistles, ie. electric everything, sat nav, 6 CD changer, 9 way auto-directional bi-xenons, park assist automated parking, parking monitor, cruise, chilled glovebox, separate forward and aft climate controls, 18" alloys, bluetooth etc comes in at around £18,000!
This leaves me with its looks. well.... its not a looker at first, but an hour later, i could see it looking quite handsome, in the right colour/wheel combo. go dark , with big alloys, and it works well. silver will also work, as it does on almost anything. but handsome is about the only accolade it will ever achieve. the estate will be much nicer to look at, but this will be the genuine bargain to those looking for something nearly new or slightly older. the rear is admittedly ungainly, but it can grow on you.....maybe with the help of some substances, but it is a grower
ok...what can I say?
Yes, I was deeply impressed. I like this car....i like the fact that it won't be popular and some people will almost look down at you. I like the fact that its so huge and comfy. I like the easy going engine which never really feels stressed. i like the way it drives and rides and handles for a car of its type. Its not a sports car. I know that though. I love the amount of kit you get for a very reasonable price. I like the fact that there will be so few of them on the road. I also like the fact that they are kind of anonymous, especially in the right colours.
It's never going to win a beauty contest. Its never going to win the BTCC. It's never going to stir the soul like an Alfa does.
but that's not really its raison d'etre is it?
