Review of the new Skoda Superb Estate

There aren't many models that would count their luggage bay as a standout feature. Plenty have big boots that are worth a mention and might even swing the buying decisions of those with a lot of possessions to carry, but very few would actively divert interested parties around to the back entrance as an opening gambit.

The Skoda Superb would. It's not that the car is deficient in other areas but in saloon guise, it does have a rear end of which it can be proud. Capable of opening like a hatchback or a saloon, the car brings real extra practicality to the party and provides a valuable means of differentiation in a crowded marketplace. All of which might give the Skoda Superb estate a bit of a problem. This model is exactly the same as the standard Superb but without the party-piece boot.

Right from the outset there was a lot to like about the Skoda Superb (we're talking about the modern versions here, not the 1930s original). While the idea of an executive car with a Skoda badge would have some image-conscious individuals running a mile in their Porsche Design driving shoes, others warmed to this big, roomy car with a small price tag.

In first generation form, launched in 2002, the Superb was little more than a first generation Volkswagen Passat with an extended wheelbase. There was no shame in that, but with the second generation model, Skoda took steps to make the Superb feel like a car in its own right. There are still the usual Volkswagen Group engines and parts in evidence but the pricing is distinctly Skoda and in estate guise, the Superb looks like even more car for the money.

".its luggage-carrying potential is vast and the rest of the package stacks up very well too"

Skoda might be middle ranking star in the automotive firmament but it's backed by the supernova that is the Volkswagen Group and that's where the Superb Estate gets its reassuringly modern engine range. It's the same line-up as in the Superb saloon, starting with the 124bhp 1.4-litre TSI unit which is followed by the 160bhp 1.8 TSI. Both of these are turbocharged petrol engines but the range-topper is a normally-aspirated 3.6-litre V6 with four-wheel-drive and the DSG twin clutch gearbox fitted as standard.

Given that the appeal of the Superb is centred around low costs and value, the diesel engines should be popular. The 105bhp 1.6-litre TDI is a solid entry-level unit. Perhaps a better bet though is one of the 2.0-litre TDI common-rail diesels. These come in 140 and 170bhp guises, with the latter churning out a full 350Nm or torque. With this 170bhp engine, the Superb estate can lurch to 60mph in 8.9s and hit an autobahn-friendly 136mph top speed.

The Estate version of the Superb might not have the clever tailgate arrangement of the saloon model but beneath its conventional lifting hatch is a luggage area of epic proportions. Volvo V70, Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5 Series Touring: these are big cars but they can't equal the capacity of this Skoda. There's 633 litres of room with all of the seats in place and when they're folded, that figure rises to 1,865 litres, larger than some studio flats.

When owners are hoisting all that cargo inside, they'll be glad of the low loading lip at 600mm and of the lighting system Skoda has integrated into the tailgate. This illuminates the boot area and the ground around the rear of the car to help prevent owners blundering into a giant puddle with an arm full of priceless antiques. An additional light is removable and doubles as a handy LED torch.

Away from its vast load Area, the Superb majors in robust build quality and unfussy design. It's short bonnet and high roofline means it isn't as sleek in profile as some estate models but the looks aren't going to offend anyone. Inside, the cabin is as comfortable for a family of four as you'll find this side of a luxury saloon. Rear legroom is sufficient for even the gangliest offspring to stretch their legs. The quality of the fixtures and fittings is as good as anything Volkswagen has to offer and, as a result, better than in almost all the Superb's direct rivals.

There are S, SE and Elegance trim levels available with the Superb and equipment levels are pretty good. The S derivatives are fairly utilitarian load-luggers but there's remote central locking, electric windows, electric heated mirrors, roof rails, 16" alloy wheels and split folding rear seats. Safety kit on all Superbs includes seven airbags and ESP stability control. The SE is far more like it and well worth stretching the budget to. There are cornering function fog lights, rear parking sensors, dual-zone air-conditioning and a 6CD touch screen stereo. The Elegance gets leather trim and quite a bit more besides, giving the humble Superb Estate a genuine executive car feel.

The Haldex 4x4 system is widely available with the Superb Estate's more powerful engine options and will bring extra security in slippery road conditions, as well as some additional gravel driveway prowess. The DSG gearbox is another option that deserves to prove popular, as is the panoramic sunroof and the sliding boot floor that extends out over the bumper to help when loading heavy items.

It's a big car the Superb estate and none of its engines can get over the 50mpg barrier for combined cycle economy. If you want a powerplant that can cope well with the car fully-laden, the best you can expect is the 48mpg and 155g/km of the 170bhp 2.0-litre diesel. It's not a bad showing and to get the same amount of stuff from A to B, you'd need to make 15 trips in a 67mpg Toyota iQ, so perhaps the Superb Estate is something of an eco-warrior after all.

There are lots of 4x4s and MPVs to tempt family car buyers at the moment but there's life in the old estate car yet. Skoda's Superb Estate might not have the fancy boot opening that the brand innovated for the saloon version but its luggage-carrying potential is vast and the rest of the package stacks up very well too.

Few cars of any type can carry as much as the Skoda Superb Estate but it's more than just raw capacity. The luggage area has been cleverly designed, the cabin space is similarly generous and build quality is as good as you'll encounter in a large family car. Skoda is never going to be the last word in urban cool and we'd avoid the less powerful engines if you plan on using the car's full potential but otherwise there isn't much to fault.

TOP 4 SUPERB DEALS

The results below show the top SUPERB deals on buyacar

Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI CR 170 Elegance 5dr DSG diesel estate
Price £23,528 Read Superb Reviews	Save £3,917
Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI CR 170 Elegance 4X4 5dr diesel estate
Price £23,649 Read Superb Reviews	Save £3,946
Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI CR 170 Elegance 5dr DSG diesel hatchback
Price £21,707 Read Superb Reviews	Save £4,478
Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI CR 170 Elegance 5dr diesel estate
Price £22,467 Read Superb Reviews	Save £3,668
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