Skoda Superb Review (2024-)

What is the Skoda Superb?

The Skoda Superb has been a staple of the large family car market since its launch in 2001, and has consistently provided a strong value proposition. It sits above the Octavia in Skoda’s range and, in today’s market, competes mainly against the Volkswagen Passat and Peugeot 508, although Superb sets itself apart by offering more space and equipment than these rivals at a lower price point. Available in both hatchback and estate variants, the Superb’s practicality is one of its standout features. It’s larger than a Mercedes E-Class, yet costs less than a Mercedes C-Class, continuing to embody Skoda’s tradition of delivering space and value.

The engine range includes petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options, with each powertrain tailored to different driving needs. The Superb also retains its classic understated design, emphasising functionality and practicality over sporty aesthetics (although the racier looking Sportline trim addresses that latter point to some degree).

How practical is it?

The Skoda Superb is among the most practical cars on the road. Even the hatchback version boasts an impressive 645-litre boot, making it capable of handling everything from family luggage to larger items like baby buggies. The estate model offers even more space, with a 690-litre boot. Owners of large dogs take note: there’s little this side of a van-based MPV that beats a Superb for canine-carrying capacity.

Interior space is equally impressive. Rear passengers, even tall adults, will find more than enough legroom, while headroom is also generous. Although the middle rear seat isn’t as comfortable as what you’d find in Skoda’s Kodiaq SUV, the Superb still excels as a family car. Indeed, travelling in the back seats feels a bit like being in a limo.

In the front, the gear selector has been moved to the steering column, freeing up additional storage space in the centre console. This includes room for wireless phone chargers and other items, further boosting the Superb’s practicality.

It’s worth noting, however, that the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model offers a smaller 510-litre boot due to the space taken up by the battery.

What's it like to drive?

The Skoda Superb has always prioritised comfort over dynamic handling, and this latest generation continues that tradition. It’s an incredibly comfortable car, ideal for long-distance cruising thanks to excellent sound insulation and suspension that smooths out rough roads at both low and high speeds. Most of all, the car is quiet, relaxed, and refined.

For this latest version of the Superb, all models come with a dual-clutch DSG automatic gearbox, with no manual offered.

The entry-level 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine comes as standard with a mild hybrid system and delivers 148bhp. It performs admirably in the Superb, being quiet at lower revs and delivering its power smoothly. In terms of fuel economy, you can expect around 50mpg on long runs. The mild hybrid system further improves efficiency by allowing the car to coast on electric power during light throttle use, as well as enhancing its stop-start functionality when the car is stationary.

Skoda also offers a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine for those who drive long distances. We are yet to try this in the latest Superb, but have driven it in the Skoda Kodiaq where it delivered effective mid-range pulling power, but was somewhat noisy when accelerating.

If you’re after something more performance-oriented, there’s a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol with 261bhp, offering a 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds. This provides more urgency for those seeking a quicker option, although the Superb is still more about refinement than excitement.

While adaptive suspension is available as an option, we’ve yet to test it in this generation of Superb. However, even in its standard setup, this big Skoda offers excellent ride comfort with well-controlled body movements through corners. A BMW 5 Series (or a used Ford Mondeo for that matter) is a more exciting car to drive, but the Superb is perfectly competent.

Technology, equipment, and infotainment

All versions of the Skoda Superb are well-equipped, and come as standard with a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is easy to navigate, with clear graphics and simple menu structures.

Additionally, the Superb features Skoda’s Smart Dials. These are physical rotary controls for the climate system that when pressed can change function to act as shortcuts for the infotainment system - it’s a neat system, although we’d welcome a bit more heft to the feel of the controls.

A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is standard across the range, offering customisable displays and easy-to-read information.

There's a strong argument for sticking with the entry-level SE Technology trim, which is well-equipped with keyless start, heated seats, and a reverse camera as standard. Upgrade to SE L for additional luxury features like larger 19-inch alloy wheels, a more premium interior finish, Matrix LED headlights, a powered tailgate, and ventilated, electrically adjustable seats.

Skoda Superb running costs

In terms of purchase price, the Skoda Superb offers excellent value, with prices starting from around £35,000. The estate carries a £1,300 premium over the hatchback, but both body styles offer significantly more practicality than similarly priced SUVs.

Fuel economy is competitive across the range. The 1.5-litre petrol is rated at up to 50mpg, with real-world figures of around 48-52mpg achievable. The 2.0-litre diesel in 148bhp guise returned just shy of 58mpg in WLTP tests, and is an excellent option for regular long distance driving.

Skoda recommends servicing annually or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. For higher mileage drivers, condition-based servicing is an option, particularly for those who spend most of their time on motorways, which puts less strain on the car's major components.

Skoda Superb reliability

While it’s too early to provide detailed reliability data for the 2024 Superb, Skoda’s reputation (for everything, not just reliability) has significantly improved since it became part of the VW Group in the early 1990s. Fast forward three decades or so, and the brand finished 13th out of the 31 brands included in the 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey. In the 2023 version of the same survey, the previous generation of Superb finished ninth (petrol) and 19th (diesel) out of the 24 models in the executive car class.

The latest Superb comes with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty as standard, which is lacklustre by today’s standards. While it can be extended to four or five years, you have to pay extra for the privilege whereas rivals including Hyundai and Kia offer five and seven years (respectively) of warranty cover as standard.