2016 Skoda Superb 162TSI review

Times are changing, though.

In 2015, I was looking for a new family car, and with our baby daughter born earlier in the year, the Hyundai i30 was not cutting it space-wise. It did the job, but was super cramped on long trips. Particularly for a tall bloke like myself.

We had a look at the Subaru Outback, Holden Commodore SSV Wagon, VW Passat and the Skoda Superb Wagon. The Superb Wagon was a left-field choice, but needed to be checked off our list before any decision was made. I was glad we did.

First impressions were fantastic – the Superb was a unique looker, but I thought it looked great! The angular headlights and sharp curves; there was no other wagon in its class that it could be mistaken for. I test-drove the Superb that day, and put a deposit down. This is what I loved.

Opening the door, you are greeted with a sense of luxury, nice comfy Alcantara seating (heated as well!), four-mode ambient lighting system, leather steering wheel, three-zone climate control and nice soft-touch plastic everywhere. The Superb is loaded with space, rear leg room is fantastic, and the boot is huge. It definitely felt more premium than the price suggests.

Starting the EA888 turbocharged intercooled 2.0-litre four-cylinder driving the front wheels, you are greeted with a nice, refined light hum. The engine provides smooth, effortless power paired with a six-speed DSG transmission. The auto stop feature is handy, but I can see how it could be an annoyance to some people. In Sports mode, the Superb comes alive from its usual docile self. 0–100km/h is rated at 6.9sec, which is very quick for a family car. This is the same drivetrain that is used in the VW Golf GTI Mk7.

The ride in the Superb is fantastic with most bumps being absorbed without any harshness, but there is still a sporty edge for such a large car. Handling is great through the twisty roads in Adelaide Hills. Steering is nice and direct, but can feel a little light at times. There is minimal body roll, but it can be evident at higher speeds when going into corners. The chassis is well balanced.

Fuel economy has been fantastic, averaging around 8.8L per 100km. A mix of 80/20 urban/freeway driving.

Upkeep – the car has been faultless. The Superb has done 47,000km now, and has been serviced at a VAG specialist its whole life.

Being a bit of a car nut, the Superb now has a Stage 1 Tune, Leyo CAI and Turbo Inlet. A Leyo Dog Bone mount will be done soon to help with traction. I have also fitted some sticky Bridgestone RE003 tyres, but will be looking at something a little better when the tyres need to be replaced. With 230kW and 450Nm at the fly, the Superb is now the ultimate family sleeper!

If I had one complaint, it is that I wish I got the Superb 206. With the AWD drivetrain, it makes it more manageable with traction compared to the FWD set-up in the Superb 162. The car is very hard to fault. Skoda will definitely be on my list for when I upgrade next.