Skoda Superb. Classic of forms

Skoda Superb. Price: from 985,000 RUB. On sale: since September 2006.

Do you often have to overpay for maintaining a business-class car? We decided to test this question in practice by taking one of the most affordable models in this segment — Skoda Superb — for a test. The car was used as a company vehicle.

Many drivers dream of moving from the usual compact B- and C-classes to a higher-class car. However, what stops them is not so much the purchase price as the potential maintenance costs. How big are they really?

It is worth noting right away: not all business-class representatives cost a fortune. For example, the Skoda Superb is one of the most affordable cars in the D-segment.

The starting price of the model is 985,000 RUB. For this money, you get a turbocharged engine with a displacement of 1.8 liters. The version with the 1.9 TDi diesel costs a little more — 1,020,000 RUB. And the most expensive and at the same time the most powerful option is the Superb with a 2.8 V6 engine, for which they ask 1,235,000 RUB.

All versions are equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission. The automatic quickly adapts to the driving style. If you want active driving, you can switch to manual mode — then the gearbox obediently holds the selected gear.

The basic equipment of all modifications does not differ. The list of equipment is impressive: parking sensors, alloy wheels, headlight washer in addition to bi-xenon, rain sensor, radio with CD and MP3 support, as well as many other pleasant little things, the listing of which would take more than one page of the catalog. For the test, we chose the most affordable modification — the Superb with a 1.8 T engine and a five-speed automatic in the basic Comfort trim without any options.

As for fuel consumption, the Superb is not ready to surprise or disappoint. In the combined cycle, the turbo engine consumes about 16 liters per hundred. A full tank of 62 liters is enough for two to three days.

Maintenance is carried out with the same frequency as for ordinary city cars — once every 15,000 kilometers. The first maintenance did not bring any surprises. Wear of parts was within normal limits.

It is gratifying that maintaining the Superb costs no more, and possibly even less, than for B- or C-class cars. For the first maintenance, we paid 67 euros. But at the car wash, you will have to fork out — they are very well versed in the class division of cars.

The car has no shortage of solidity. Its length is 4803 mm, width — 1765 mm, height — 1469 mm. There are no parking problems, however, thanks to excellent visibility.

In the cabin, there is enough space for all passengers with a reserve. Even if tall driver and front passenger move their seats all the way back, those sitting behind will not be disturbed. To be more precise, 1132 mm of space is provided in the front, and 1006 mm in the rear. The total cabin length is 2049 mm. So, if desired, you can even spend the night on a long journey.

The spacious cabin did not infringe on the trunk at all. Its volume is also impressive — 462 liters, and this is with the rear seats raised. The opening and access to the trunk turned out to be very convenient. The loading height, that is, the distance from the ground to the lower edge of the opening, is only 671 mm. This is especially appreciated when loading heavy suitcases or long items.

As befits a business-class car, the Superb is equipped with a light steering wheel, which is nevertheless quite informative. It allows you to accurately maintain the chosen trajectory. The suspension of the Czech-German car seemed soft and comfortable.

It does not break through on bumps and potholes. At the same time, rocking is almost not felt — it is damped thanks to balanced settings. If you install wheels of a larger radius, handling will become even better. Such an option can be ordered separately or choose a more expensive trim.

In dense city traffic, the Skoda Superb is very pleasant to drive. Calm, non-aggressive design does not irritate others, and solid dimensions command respect. In the city bustle, the car feels like a fish in water. And it fully justifies its price.

Time-tested

The turbocharged 1.8-liter engine is a time-tested design. A reliable and economical unit is installed on almost all Skoda and Volkswagen models. It has good dynamic characteristics and is unpretentious in maintenance. But, perhaps, soon it will be replaced by more modern FSI engines.

Driving
The Superb is a calm and comfortable car, easy to drive both in the city and on the highway. The steering wheel reacts quickly.

Interior
The interior does not stand out in any special way, but it is completely unpretentious in care and cleaning. The trunk dimensions are pleasing.

Comfort
In the cabin, every passenger is provided with maximum space. A soft, well-tuned suspension makes any trip pleasant. And the black body color is just right for the class.

Safety
A modern body and an abundance of airbags provide reliable protection for passengers.

Price
You won't regret the money spent on the Superb, and the car itself asks for little. All that remains is to choose the appropriate trim.

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Spacious trunk, reliable engine.
- Excessive roll, outdated interior and exterior.

Our opinion

The Skoda Superb is an excellent choice both for a corporate fleet and for everyday use. It will comfortably take you to work, transport your family to the dacha, or go on a trip. At the same time, operating costs will not hit the budget. The Superb is an ideal solution for those who want to get a business class at a reasonable price.