2016 Skoda Superb 162TSI Wagon she says, he says review

He: Skoda is overshadowed by its parent company Volkswagen. But if you take the time to look at the Czech branded cars you find some very impressive offerings. And this Superb wagon is a perfect example. It's based on the VW Passat but Skoda has added its own style and some very clever touches. What were your first impressions of this family wagon, Dani?

She: I've said in the past Steve that I think Skoda is an underrated brand and this is a great example of that.  For a wagon, it's a classy number.  It looks sharp and refined. I love how Skoda incorporates its traditional Czech crystal glass art heritage through the headlights and decorative trims. It adds a unique, distinctive touch.

He: I agree, Dani, I think Skoda's latest styling is a big step forward. The first cars that came here were either too quirky or too dowdy. The new Superb, particularly the wagon, looks classy and elegant. It no longer looks like the cheaper alternative to Volkswagen but an equal.

She: You're right, it certainly doesn't look second-tier to the Volkswagen. The cabin looks impressive too. It's big and there are lots of practical elements such as the tablet holder, large cooled glovebox, storage spaces, waste bins, even hidden umbrellas in the sides of each door. Incidentally Steve, I recall the umbrella came in handy for you?

He: Yes they did. They may seem like a gimmick but I got stuck in a rain shower when I was testing the car and the little brolly in the door was a great help. As you mentioned too, the interior is massive; the rear legroom is by far the biggest in its class and would give expensive long wheelbase European executive limousines a run for their money. How did you find the Superb on the road?

She: Admittedly this proved a bit of a surprise packet for me. The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine  - with 162kW of grunt and a hefty 350Nm of torque - packs a punch. It's matched to a six-speed automatic and features a stop-start fuel saving system. When we tested it on the track at Car of the Year, it drove a bit like a hot hatch engine and it actually is as it's lifted from Volkswagen's Golf GTI. The DSG still needs some refinement but overall it's a pretty confident car. How did you rate the Superb's performance, compared to previous ones?

He: I think it is an excellent package. Like you say, it's a hot hatch engine so there's plenty of performance but it is well packaged and nicely refined so the Superb feels like a premium family car. It's obviously a lot bigger than a hot hatch though, and you do feel that extra size and weight. But it is a nice car to drive; solid, stable and responsive. At $41,690 it is a good value proposition too, don't you think?

She: I think it's competitive especially given you get good standard safety gear like automated city braking, sat nav, reverse park, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However our test car was loaded with a stack of extra goodies, such as the Tech and Comfort packs. That extra premium bumped this car up to $48,590.  The $1500 Comfort pack adds electric passenger seats, ventilated leather trim seats and heated rear seats. As the name implies, it's probably more of a luxury. The $4700 Tech pack includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, park assist, lane keeping assist, rear cross traffic alert and traffic jam assist along with a powered boot and premium stereo. I think the tech pack is a good investment, but those additions put the Superb Wagon on the pricier end. Overall, Steve, what's your verdict?

He: I think it is another great example of how underrated the cars Skoda make. The badge may still be relatively unfamiliar to most Australians but if you take the time to really look at what the Superb has to offer you find an excellent family car with good driving dynamics, excellent space and a premium finish.

She: I think the tide is turning for Skoda and the Superb Wagon could mark the catalyst for changing perceptions of the Czech brand. It's stylish and the limousine-style cabin makes it absurdly practical.

2016 Skoda Superb 162TSI Wagon pricing and specifications

Price: $41,690 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 162kW

Torque: 350Nm

Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch automatic, front-wheel drive

Fuel use: 6.4L/100km

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