Skoda Superb Combi review

Pros: smart looks, smooth ride, quiet manners, efficient drivetrains, vast interior

Cons: not that thrilling to drive, one or two minor finishing niggles

Skoda Superb Combi Design

In a case of ‘if it ain’t broke’, Skoda has hardly started from scratch with the look of the new Superb Combi – it’s very much a gentle aesthetic evolution of what went before. This is no bad thing, as the previous-generation Superb wagon was a handsome creation, but there are little signifiers on the latest model to tell you it’s the newest version. Such as the octagonal radiator grille and sleeker front lamp units, which can be Matrix LEDs with ‘Crystallinium’ design flourishes in their housings. At the back, we’d argue the new Superb Combi is less distinctive than it once was, and there are even shades of Opel Insignia Sports Tourer about the light clusters, yet overall, this remains a fabulous-looking big estate car.

Skoda Superb Combi Interior

There’s a more digital flavour to the interface in the new Skoda Superb Combi, although the company has not forgotten its ‘Simply Clever’ mantra and has, thankfully, given us a system which works intuitively. The main focus is the 13-inch touchscreen infotainment in the middle of the dash, which is complete with a voice assistant called Laura (soon to be enhanced with ChatGPT AI functionality), as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. To the left of this is the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, above which you can optionally specify a sharp head-up display.

Then there are the Smart Dials, three round knobs in the central dashboard which control climate functions and more in the car, courtesy of three neat little screens in each one. Everything works nicely on the move, although we’d say the Smart Dials can feel a little flimsy, and we wish the digital instruments were better integrated, from a visual point of view, underneath the curved cowl above it. However, material quality is generally excellent otherwise, as is the aesthetic appeal, and the Superb Combi’s interior strength is space. Rear passenger room is enormous, while the boot is even more capacious: measuring 690 litres with all seats in play, and 1,920 litres with row two folded down.

Skoda Superb Combi Performance & Drive

Skoda offers the new Superb Combi with a range of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid drivetrains, all of which are smooth, efficient and pleasant to drive. There are no more manual gearboxes at any level, every car coming with a DSG dual-clutch automatic (with either six or seven speeds), and while the majority of Superbs are front-wheel drive, there are a couple of 4x4 variants available.

The petrol 1.5 TSI mild-hybrid is a cultured operator in the main and feels more than up to the job of shifting the Superb Combi’s large body around, although it can sound strained when revved and could do with more torque. A brief go in the iV plug-in hybrid didn’t tell us much on urban streets, although it seems an impressively resolved car and has a 100km-plus range on its new, larger battery.

Which leaves us recommending the unfashionable turbodiesel. It’s a super-smooth, muscular engine, with more low-down grunt than the petrol mild-hybrid, and that makes it more enjoyable and easier to drive in most driving scenarios. Even better, we saw an effortless 6.1 litres/100km from the 2.0 TDI 150 on a testing route, without ever trying to be economical in our driving style.

The diesel is also a great match for the Superb’s sensational levels of ride comfort and rolling refinement. Fitted with Dynamic Chassis Control adjustable suspension, this is one of the most cosseting and relaxing vehicles you could hope to drive this side of a Rolls-Royce. It’s maybe not the greatest-handling thing you’ll ever drive, but when you’ve experienced how little fuss it makes at dealing with poor road surfaces, you’ll be completely smitten.

Skoda Superb Combi Pricing

We’re still awaiting prices and Irish specifications, but we’re hopeful the range will be in a similar €40,000-€56,000 ballpark as the outgoing model. Expect good standard equipment on all grades of Superb, with some big-car luxuries being available on the higher-spec models – either as standard kit, or cost options.

Carzone Verdict

The old Skoda Superb Combi was a brilliant car, which needed just a few areas polishing up to keep it fresh. What the Czech company has done here is perform exactly the tasks needed, giving us a supremely talented all-rounder in the form of the new Superb Combi. With the possible exception of one or two minor interior foibles there is much to love about this latest Superb Combi, because it’s a brilliant vehicle in every respect.