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Skoda Superb 103TDI Ambition 2012 review

The Superb wagon is a large practical car, with super fuel economy.

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering would you buy one?

What is it?

One of the most underrated cars on the road. The Superb wagon is a large practical car, with super fuel economy.

How much? 

Prices for the wagon start at $40,990. Our 4x4 version is $43,990. Not sure you need it but it's still a good deal?

What are competitors? 

Commodore wagon. Diesel Mondeo or Peugeot 508 wagons. Hyundai also makes a diesel i40 wagon now. Mazda6 is available as a diesel as is the Volkswagen Passat  but the latter four are all smaller. 

What's under the bonnet? 

Volkswagen's sterling 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel. Puts out 103kW of power and 320Nm of torque from a low 1750 revs.

How does it go? 

Very well, but the drivetrain is not as smooth as it might be. Gets the 6-speed DSG box instead of the newer 7-speed box due to the higher torque output of the engine. That's a shame because it's not as smooth or well behaved.

Is it economical?

This is the one area in which the Superb really excels. Fuel economy is a claimed 6.4 litres/100km and this is achievable in real world driving. We were getting 6.2. 

Is it green?

Gets 3.5 stars out of five from the Green Vehicle Guide. The benchmark hybrid Prius sets the pace with 5 stars. 

Is it safe?

Superb gets a full five stars for crash safety. Comes with all the latest technical aids including 9 airbags and electronic stability
control.

Is it comfortable?

Roomy with a huge boot and plenty of room in the back seat. Rides and cruises easily and is a great long distance tourer, with the added safety of all-wheel drive.

What's it like to drive?

Easy to drive but the engine lugs a lot thanks to the transmission. The result is some shuddering and odd noises. The up side of this is excellent fuel economy.

Is it value for money?

Dual-zone climate, multi-function trip computer, Bluetooth, AUX socket, cruise control, light assistant, front foglights with corner function, rear parking sensors with acoustic warning and optical display, chrome interior trim and a leather package for the four-spoke multi-function steering wheel, gearshift lever and handbrake grip. The wagon also gets the Park Assist parallel parking system which includes front parking sensors. 

Would we buy one?

Yes. Looks better than the sedan. The wagon is a very practical, well equipped alternative to some of the more traditional offerings in our market.

Pricing guides

$14,025
Based on third party pricing data
Lowest Price
$8,250
Highest Price
$19,800

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
103 TDI Ambition 2.0L, Diesel, 6 SP $10,230 – 14,080 2012 Skoda Superb 2012 103 TDI Ambition Pricing and Specs
103 TDI Ambition 2.0L, Diesel, 6 SP $10,890 – 14,850 2012 Skoda Superb 2012 103 TDI Ambition Pricing and Specs
118 TSI Ambition 1.8L, PULP, 7 SP AUTO $10,120 – 13,860 2012 Skoda Superb 2012 118 TSI Ambition Pricing and Specs
125 TDI Elegance 2.0L, Diesel, 6 SP $13,090 – 17,490 2012 Skoda Superb 2012 125 TDI Elegance Pricing and Specs
Chris Riley
Contributing Journalist

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Pricing Guide

$8,250

Lowest price, based on third party pricing data

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.