The Superb oozes

Sleek as a silk suit and as cool as a dip in an ice lake on a distant planet moon. From its appealingly styled frontal looks to its capacious interior, this is a car designed to deliver; but always with a smile.

Indeed, rivals in the market sector might suspect that the Superb’s appearance conveys something of a knowing smirk of superiority. It seems to say “I don’t just look better than you. I am better.”

This is the sort of car you are eager to drive. After all, who wouldn’t want to sit behind the wheel. At last! A load carrying economical mile eater of an estate car that doesn’t resemble a contemporary artist’s impression of a dumpy donkey. The Superb Sportline estate looks the epitome of a classy and stylish carriage. Never did ‘utility’ look quite so swish. This large estate oozes all round appeal. As a long distance load carrier for £39,736 it yields nothing to more expensive rivals. At the same time, owners will be gratified at the fuel efficiency and low emissions available by the very latest Skoda diesel technology. In today’s environmentally conscious world it remains the case that roughly the same proportion of estate drivers choose diesel as the percentage of the electorate who voted for something beginning with B and ending in ‘way out’, mesdames et messieurs. Until such a time as cars are utterly revolutionised in all manner of ways, we must recognise that we are where we are and that modern diesels provide a sensible deal for an all round clean economy.

The 150PS 2.0 TDI power pack combined with the industry leading seven speed DSG automatic gearbox with its ‘normal, eco and sport’ modes brings ultra-impressive economy of well over 50mpg (I got over 60 mpg on a long run) in the service of extraordinary load carrying capacity.

Interior space is cleverly disposed to maximise convenience. You might not need a satnav to navigate the load area but when you see the size of it, the thought does occur.