2011 Skoda Superb Reviews

Skoda Superb is a large family car; longer than the Australian family sixes, indeed more in line with the Holden Caprice and Ford LTD than the standard Commodores and Falcons. However, the Czech car is not as wide as the Aussie cars.The Superb has limousine-size rear legroom and appeals to families consisting of Mum, Dad and a couple of hulking teenage sons. Three adults in the rear work without too much shoulder rubbing, but two makes more sense.While the Superb would work beautifully as a limousine, it’s a brave driver that turns up at a client’s place with something other than a German prestige marque.The Superb sedan/hatchback arrived in Australia in May 2009, May 2010 saw the launch of the station wagon. The Superb has never been as big a seller as its should - a statement that can be applied to the entire Skoda range in this country.Push one button at the rear of a Skoda Superb and a conventional bootlid opens. Close the bootlid and push a different button and a large rear hatch opens. Great fun and guaranteed to bemuse your neighbours!There are some very clever touches; the rear passenger doors have a compartment for a folding umbrella, thus doing away with the dangerous practice of carrying an umbrella on the rear parcel shelf. There’s a detachable torch housed in the tailgate of the wagon. It not only shines into the boot, but also illuminates the area outside the back of the vehicle. The torch is battery powered and is automatically recharged when it's in it cradle.Ride and handling show typical European characteristics, with the Superb having the solid feel of all vehicles designed by the Volkswagen group.Some may find the ride is slightly too firm, particularly on roads that should be in better conditions. But keen drivers will appreciate the firmer rid and will like the relatively neutral feel of the chassis. It doesn’t really show any signs of understeer until you’re going pretty hard into corners.The most common powertrain in the Superb is the Volkswagen 2.0-litre TDI turbo-diesel engine linked to a DSG double-clutch gearbox.The DSG has the usual failing of being lumpy and awkward at low speeds on light accelerator pressure.Other engine options are a four-cylinder 1.8-litre petrol and a 3.6 litre V6 in the 4x4 model. The six-cylinder is a delight to sit behind, smooth and torquey, but not many sold so it’s hard to find on the used-car scene.There aren’t a lot of Skoda dealers in Australia and those that do exist are chiefly in the major metro areas. Then again most of the Superb’s out of sight parts are shared with Volkswagen and Audi vehicles so getting spares, servicing and repairs shouldn't be a hassle if you shop around.These are relatively complex vehicles and we don’t feel the unskilled owner should do anything other than the most basic work on the Superb. Should you wish to tackle it, it makes sense to get hold of a workshop manual. As always, leave anything related to safety to the experts.Insurance charges for this big Skoda vary more than normal from company to company, probably because the numbers are too small to have built up a steady body repair history. Shop around, but make sure you do accurate apples-with-apples comparisons.Skoda has been caught up in the dirty diesel Volkswagen Group engine scandal. Cars with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel may be defective. Get onto the Skoda website and enter the VIN, it’s visible from the outside of the windscreen on the passenger side.The DSG gearbox has had more than its fair share of problems. During your test drive check that it doesn’t jump from gear to gear unnecessarily, or even slip into neutral for no reason. Repairs can be expensive, some Superbs may have had the DSG replaced altogether, check the service books.While on the subject of service books, it makes sense to buy a Superb with that book rubber stamped by an official dealer.Look for signs of previous body repairs. The easiest to spot are ripples in the panels and tiny specs of paint on non-painted surfaces. If in doubt either skip the car or have a profession after-smash repair, preferably in a workshop.Look for excessive wear and tear in the rear seat area and the luggage compartment. The sheer usability of these big Skodas mean they are often worked hard as family transport.When considering a relatively rare used vehicle it’s smart to do homework in your local area on the availability of spare parts and servicing.

Here's the hardest-working model in the Skoda range. Why? Because it's called Superb and that's a tough badge to carry, but the big Czech does an admirable job. The family wagon range has been expanded to include a new keener-priced model - an all-wheel drive load-lugger with a 103kW/320Nm turbodiesel powerplant that sits in the low-$40,000 range, placed neatly (along with its smaller Octavia sibling) to nibble at the sales of the AWD Subaru Liberty and a few other kid-carters. VALUEAt $43,990, the 103TDI Ambition all-wheel drive model charges a $300 premium over the front-drive model, but the features list also has dual-zone climate control, with rear vents, a decent eight-speaker sound system, Bluetooth phone and audio link, heated front seats, a trip computer, cruise control, power windows and auto-dimming and heated exterior mirrors, auto-dimming centre rearvision mirror, rain-sensing wipers, three 12-volt sockets, a luggage holding system in the large boot and split-fold rear seats.TECHNOLOGY The powerplant is a turbocharged common-rail direct-injection four-cylinder diesel with particle filter and there's plenty to like about it. It uses a common-rail direct injection fuel system that uses high pressure (up to 1800 bar injection pressure) and piezo injectors for quick and accurate direct injection, which Skoda says makes for quiet and efficient fuel use. The drivetrain has the six-speed version of the VW Group's twin-clutch automated manual "DSG" -  while there's been ongoing issues with this transmission it seems to be getting smoother and smarter with every incarnation; we'll reserve judgment on longevity. It operates with the new-gen Haldex AWD system that uses electronic clutch packs to direct drive as it sees fit, predominantly to the front wheels - in normal conditions only 4 per cent heads aft.Skoda says the system quickly responds to send drive to the wheels with the best grip, using wheel and engine speed sensors as well as info from the electronic stability control system - as much as 98 per cent can be sent to the rear wheels if conditions dictate.DESIGN It's conventional looks border on boring until you park it next to a Volkswagen - then it looks almost adventurous. There's not much to say about the exterior beyond it being functional and the same can be largely said for the interior. It shows its family resemblance to the VW group and offers useful in cabin storage and plenty of head and legroom, with the back-seat occupants benefiting in that area as well. The Superb wagon is 65mm shorter, 82mm narrower, 34mm taller and 151mm shorter ni wheelbase than a Commodore Sportwagon, but it's only the width where it feels lacking in comparison to Holden's wagon. Where three adults can sit across the Holden's rear bench, the Superb would be best left to two in the rear. There's ample luggage space - 633 litres according to the company - in the back for those four, all of which can be hidden by a screen and prevented from rolling around in the back by the clever adjustable luggage bar.SAFETY A top-shelf five-star ANCAP safety rating is carried by the Czech wagon, which has dual front, side and curtain (front and rear) and a driver's airbag. The safety features list also includes the clever all-wheel drive system, stability and traction control, fog lights with cornering function, lap-sash seatbelts for all five occupants, parking sensors front and rear, and tyre pressure monitoring. DRIVINGThe VW heritage shines through in the Skoda product and if you can get past the old image of the Czech brand there's much to like about the Superb wagon - space, comfort and efficiency. With 141mm of ground clearance the Superb wagon is not a 4WD, it's an all-wheel drive that runs mainly front wheel drive. That perhaps is not an ideal split given that it has to react to changes in traction, the Haldex system is far better at hiding changes - I'm still a fan of the more even split employed by the likes of Subaru and Audi among others.But fuel economy benefits outweigh (at least in this family truckster side of things) any dynamic payoffs - having shown an average of 7.6 l/100km during its time carting around my brood and their associated paraphernalia, the drivetrain is easy on the 60-litre tank. The two-litre turbodiesel does lend itself to a relaxed driving mode, with 320Nm of torque spread across the bottom half of the tacho - gentle throttle pressure allows the DSG to slip between gears smoothly without being left behind in traffic. Peak power is 103Kw at 4200rpm but it's not really a peak you need to ascend - surf the torque wave, keep the fuel use down and cruise. It can be hustled if required - and keeps it's composure without leaning alarmingly and ride quality (thanks in part to 16in wheels and 55-profile tyres) is still good.VERDICTDwelling in the bottom half of the $40,000 bracket is going to bring it more attention from buyers and that will certainly get more out on the roads - this is a very competent, well-equipped and composed family wagon, delivering a decent drive without breaking the bank at the bowser.Skoda Superb 103TDI AmbitionPrice: from $43,990Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kmResale: 41% Source: Glass's GuideService Interval: 15,000km or 12-monthsEconomy: 6.5l/100km; 171g/km CO2Safety: Equipment 9 airbags, ABS, EBD, stability and traction  controlCrash rating: 5 starEngine: 103kW/320Nm 2-litre turbocharged common-rail DOHC direct-injection four-cylinderTransmission: six-speed twin-clutch automated manualBody: 5-door, 5 seats Dimensions: 4838mm (L); 1817mm (W); 1510mm (H); 2761mm (WB)Weight: 1700kgTyre size: 205/55 R16 alloy wheels  (full-size spare wheel)Others to considerHolden Commodore Omega SportwagonPrice: from $41,990 Engine: 3-litre, V6 petrol, 190kW/290Nm Trans: 6-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive Body: 5-door wagon Thirst: 9.2l/100km, 91RON, CO2 218g/km"All that the sedan is, as well as being better looker than the oldCommodore rep-mobile wagon."Subaru Liberty Sports wagonPrice: from $44,490 Engine: 2.5-litre, flat-four petrol, 123kW/229Nm Trans: CVT automatic, all-wheel driveBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 8.3l/100km, 91RON, CO2 193g/km"The Subaru wagon has always been a popular all-rounder."Ford Mondeo Zetec wagonPrice: $41,240Engine: 2-litre, 4-cyl turbodiesel, 120kW/340NmTrans: 6-speed twin-clutch auto, front-wheel driveBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 6.2L/100km, CO2 165g/km "Dynamically well-sorted and a spacious interior, the diesel is the pick of the Mondeo bunch"Hyundai i40 Elite wagonPrice: from $41,490Engine: 1.7-litre, 4-cyl turbodiesel, 100kW/330NmTrans: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel driveBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 6L/100km, CO2 159g/km "A sharp-looking value-for-money kid-carter that will overshadow the sedan"

The Ford Falcon wagon is dead. The Toyota Camry wagon is gone. Some like the Holden Sportswagon still survive, and there are loyal buyers in both the small-car and luxury classes, but the rising tide of SUVs has washed most station wagons out of showrooms.The distinction between the traditional sedan-based station wagons and Australia’s new favourite family freighter has become much more blurred in the past decade or so.However, there are still some important points of difference. And it's worth looking at some of the leading contenders on the rival teams to see what's happening and what works best for you.A sedan-based wagon is usually lighter than a similarly-sized SUV. This means better fuel economy and lower costs for servicing and tyres. It also sits closer to the bitumen, with a lower centre of gravity, so it’s more agile and stable, especially when cornering or in an emergency manoeuvre.However, you don’t enjoy the high-and-mighty driving position, with an unimpeded view of the road, that SUV drivers - and women in particular - cite as one of the breed’s major attractions.Who hasn’t sat in traffic, cursing the SUV blocking your vision? Booming SUV sales indicate more and more people are taking the view that, if I can’t beat ‘em, I may as well join ‘em.It’s a myth that SUVs are more space-efficient than wagons, however most mid-sized models - including the popular Holden Captiva and Ford's Territory - can come with a couple of extra seats in the back, a feature you no longer find in conventional wagons.Kids also love an SUV’s elevated seating position because they can enjoy the scenery, whereas many wagons have low seats and high side window sills, which, for nippers, can be like sitting in a hole.  So they get unhappy. And we know what happens then...Whether you choose a sedan-based wagon or an SUV - an Americanism for Sports Utility Vehicle, incidentally - the good news is that affordable family transport, with five star safety, can now also be an enjoyable drive.Among the wagons, the Commodore VE Series ll Sportwagon, priced from $41,990 for the 190kW, 3.0-litre V6 Omega, is a standout. It looks sensational - which, it must be said, is still a rare thing in wagon world.Recent improvements to drivetrains, including E85 ethanol fuel compatibility, direct fuel inection and a six-speed automatic - plus a flash new dash with hands-free Bluetooth and audi streaming as standard - have re-written the Commodore's technical resume to 21st century standards.Around town, the 3.0-litre V6 averages 12.6L/100km in official tests.  A big serve of additional grunt in the 3.6-litre V6 SV6 Sportwagon, plus tighter suspension, sports seats and other extras, justifies its $45,790 ask, and with a city average of 13.3L/100km, you’re not savagely penalised at the pump.Despite the Commodore's appeal, Ford’s Mondeo and the little-known Skoda Superb are the kings of outright space. Behind the driver’s seat, both are as big as the MCG.  Given their size, the fuel economy from their 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines is amazing.  The 120kW, six-speed automated-manual Mondeo, from $36,840, pulls like a train and averages just 7.7L/100km in town.The Skoda is VW engineering with a Czech badge, making  luxury wagon for half the expected price. The 125kW six-speed automated-manual Superb Ambition is $43,990, with a city average of 8.3L/100km and the 118kW 1.8-litre petrol turbo Ambition, at $40,990, offers respectable performance too, averaging 9.7L/100km.In the SUV showroom, Ford’s Territory, from $39,890, is still one of the best size/price/performance packages available - especially with the inevitable big discount ahead of the facelifted model - but the all-wheel drive’s 17.6L/100km thirst in town is a major disincentive.Later this month, a 140kW 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, which averages 11.6L/100km, goes under the bonnet as part of a major upgrade. It will be worth a test drive.Kia’s Sorento, a classy, competent seven-seater with a brilliant 2.2-litre, 145kW turbodiesel, starts at $39,999, with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. Around town, it averages 9.5L/100 kilometres. The five-seater Subaru Outback now has enough interior acreage to keep a family happy.  This blue-chip, made-in-Japan SUV starts at $38,490 for the 123kW 2.5-litre petrol (11.5-litres per 100 kilometres), or $40,490 for a 110kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel, in manual only, with a 7.7- litres per 100 kilometre average.Load Lugger ChecklistRear camera: All cars should have one as standard, especially wagons and SUVs. The Sorento’s is a brilliant design, integrated into the rearview mirror.Curtain airbags: Essential protection against a side impact. In a seven seater, they should extend to all three rows of seats. In the Territory, they don’t.Child restraint anchors: Should be on the back of the rear seat, not in the load floor, or the roof (as in the Outback), where the tether straps get in the wayCargo bay: Check that the extended floor is flat when you fold the back seat, and that you don’t have to push the driver’s seat too far forward.Row-three seats: In SUVs most are pretty small, suitable for little kids only, or short trips. Check access, which should be easiest from the kerb side.Protection: You need some way to secure gear, because in a prang even small objects behind the back seat become lethal missiles. Options include a solid load cover, a net, a roll out mesh barrier, that clips into the roof, or an aftermarket barrier.Want to go off road ... really off road?Try these:Jeep Grand Cherokee from $45,000. The new Laredo 3.6-litre V6 petrol is great value, but the diesel, due in June, will be a better drive. Hard-core off-roading made easy, and the all-new Grand Cherokee is much improved on the bitumen too.Mitsubishi Challenger from $45,000. Lots of Pajero bits in this, with lower starting prices and a competent, if rather coarse, 2.5 turbodiesel. Seven seats from $49,390, a huge cargo bay, and a locking rear differential.Toyota Landcruiser Prado from $55,990. It’s a Toyota 4WD, so it’s pricey, but you get bulletproof reliability, unbeatable resale values and smooth, but leisurely, performance from the 3.0-litre turbodiesel.