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First drive: Škoda Superb

82% of current-generation Superb sales went to fleets in Europe; Martyn Collins thinks this mid-life refresh will keep them and UK buyers coming back.

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SECTOR Upper-medium   PRICE £24,655-£40,695   FUEL TBC   CO2 110-161g/km

If current buyers liked the sharp looks, practicality and comfort of the current, third-generation Škoda Superb, they will be pleased to know that nothing much has changed here.

In fact, the biggest news is the arrival early next year of the iV plug-in hybrid, which marks a significant update for the model.

But for now, under the bonnet, the Superb is available with two petrol and two diesel choices, with power outputs from 120 to 272hp. New to the range are a 1.5-litre petrol TSI and 2.0-litre diesel, both with 150hp, which will be added later this year.

We had a very early drive of the new, 2.0-litre TDI diesel, which is one of the first of the Volkswagen Group’s new ‘Evo’ engines. Matched to the seven-speed DSG gearbox, it’s best described as torquey (360Nm), smooth and impressively refined. However, we’ll have to wait to find out the yet unreleased MPG figures to see how friendly this engine will be to fleet.

The only downsides of this engine are that although willing, the ‘Sport’ mode seemed to be the only way to wake this engine from a smooth slumber – almost seeming to get lost in the seven-gears of the DSG box.

Plus, comfortable it may be, yet on first acquaintance, the freshened Superb seemed short of a shot of dynamism. Maybe faster Sportline versions will sort this? For now though, there’s plenty of grip, but hustling this Škoda down country roads equals lots of body lean – although it feels more under control in ‘Sport’ mode.

Next up, was the 190hp version of the Superb, in range-topping L&K trim. More willing best sums up this 2.0-litre TDI diesel, although it’s nowhere near as refined as the new 150hp ‘Evo’ version.  With the refined feel to the ride and handling much the same.

Other changes for the facelifted model include exterior updates such as a freshened grille, full LED headlights and fog lamps, more chrome, plus a new front bumper design. Rear changes largely echo the front with revised chrome detailed LED rear lights and now, rather than the familiar roundel, ‘Škoda’ is spelt out in capitals across the top of the boot lid.
Inside, apart from some trim changes, the interior, like the exterior, gains extra chrome highlights and the familiar Volkswagen-group digital instruments.

Sadly, we’ll have to wait till later this year to try the iV plug-in hybrid, with its UK on-sale date planned for early 2020. In the meantime, it’s more of the same for the Superb, as it continues to be the go-to choice if you need a good-looking, practical, mid-sized hatch or estate.

The Lowdown:

Key Fleet Model: Superb 1.6 TDI SE Technology

Strengths: Good-looking, comfortable, practical – especially in estate form

Weaknesses: Comfortable rather than memorable to drive, slow-reacting DSG gearbox

The Verdict:

More of the same good looks, practicality and comfort from the freshened Superb. New 2.0-litre Evo diesel engine will be a fleet highlight, alongside the forthcoming iV plug-in hybrid models.

Sar Rating
4/5

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Martyn Collins

Martyn has 18 years experience as a motoring journalist, working across a wide selection of B2B and consumer titles. A car enthusiast since his early years, Martyn has a particular interest in the latest models and technology and in his spare time enjoys driving his own Minis.