Practical style in Skoda’s Superb Combi

The Skoda Superb Combi is a handsome looking car

If your lifestyle dictates you need an estate car but your own style demands nothing less than luxury then you should check out the Skoda Superb Combi.

A long, sleek and handsome looking car, the Superb estate manages to combine functionality and style without compromise.

Like its saloon sibling, the Superb combi is absolutely massive inside. You really notice this in the back seats – you could quite literally fit a giant quite comfortably in the back. I couldn’t actually reach the back seat from my driving position.

The boot has dividers to make the most of the massive space

The boot, as you would expect in a combi, is also massive, so even if Fido is an Irish Wolfhound, he’ll still have plenty of space to stretch out. There’s also a ski hatch through to the back seats.

Despite all of this space, Skoda does not neglect little storage cubbies. There’s good space in the doors, there’s a little net in the footwell in the passenger seat, and there’s also centre storage between both the front and the back seats. The boot can also be divided up to get the most out of it.

The Greenline model I was driving also came with a really luxurious-looking cream leather interior, with wooden trim. The luxury feel is further enhanced by heated front and rear seats and a leather steering wheel.

Skoda always offers a well spec’d car, and the Superb Combi is no different. The model I was driving came equipped with Radio/CD/DVD/MP3/Aux/SD card slot – there was no USB though.

The built-in SatNav in the Suberb Combi tells you the speed limit for the road you’re driving on, which is handy.

I think a tyre pressure monitor gives you a sense of security, especially if you’re driving long distances on your own, so I was delighted to see that feature.

The Superb Combi is limousine-like with the amount of space in the back

There were both front and back parking sensors, with an on-screen display. And, anyone who finds parallel parking a bit of a challenge will be delighted to see that the Superb Combi can actually park itself.

The Superb Combi Elegance model I was driving also had cruise control, Bluetooth and auto lights and wipers, dual control air conditioning, with steering wheel mounted audio and phone controls.

Being an eco-friendly Greenline model, the five-speed 1.6l diesel manual review car was also equipped with Stop/Start technology.

Driving-wise, I found the Superb Combi to be a lovely cruising car. And, while it wasn’t the fastest at the lights, I liked the nice long span between gear changes. Start/Stop was also handy for city driving, which I do a lot of. The parking sensors also made manoeuvering what is a very long car much easier.

While the Superb Combi isn’t the most exciting car to drive, but then again estates rarely are, Skoda has done a superb job with spec and styling to create what is a very luxurious large family car.

A tyre pressure monitor is available on the Skoda Superb Combi

The Skoda Superb Combi is available in Ireland in five engine sizes, both petrol and diesel, ranging from a 1.4l manual petrol to a 3.6l 4×4 petrol automatic.

Prices for the entry level Active model start from €26,695. However, at €1,500 extra I think it’s worth the upgrade to the mid-level Comfort spec – where cruise control, dual-zone air conditioning, electric front and rear windows, coming home/leaving home lights are just some of the features that come as standard.

The 1.6l diesel Greenline model costs from €27,595 for the entry level car, with prices for the top of the range Greenline Elegance model I was driving starting from €31,695.

Skoda offers a three year warranty.

Tech Spec:
Engine: 1.6l 105bhp (diesel)
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Acceleration: 0-100km/h in 12.6seconds
Top speed: 190km/h
Combined Fuel Consumption: 4.4l/100km
CO2 Emissions: 114g/km
Annual road tax: €160 (Band A)

Visit Skoda.ie or Skoda Ireland’s Facebook page for further information.