Is it a middle management saloon or is it a luxury lift back? Well thanks to its very clever combined boot lid and tailgate system called Twindoor combined with some other interesting technology, the new Skoda Superb qualifies as both.

Push the boot button on the remote key fob and the Twindoor default setting automatically only opens the boot lid.

However if you press an offset button found to the right of the central boot lid button, then wait until the high level brake light flashes, and then press the central button, the full tailgate will now open.

The transformation from a sedan with an enormously big boot, to a multifunctional lift back in seconds is rather Superb indeed. One advantage too is that on a hot and sunny day, you don’t need to open the tailgate completely to retrieve an item and let all your nice cool air escape causing discomfort to passengers.

But that’s not the only reason to consider this very roomy and comfortable diesel powered car instead of the usual medium to high specification six cylinder petrol saloons such as a Commodore or Falcon. Functionality, frugality and down right sumptuous luxury are other reasons as well as competitive price.  

There are two Superb models to choose from: a 2.0 litre 103 kilowatt Comfort specification at $51,990 and a 2.0 litre 125 kilowatt Elegance specification as tested here priced from $59,990.

It’s a logical comparison to put the Superb up against these six-cylinder vehicles  because this Skoda has far more legroom in the back seats and many more features which would delight people covering long distances, as well as the advantage of better fuel consumption and less C02 emissions. 

The Elegance has a quoted emission figure of 159g/km and a combined fuel efficiency of 6.1L/100km from its 125kW turbo diesel engine which is mated to a six-speed (DSG) dual clutch transmission.

As well as the more powerful and efficient engine, that addition eight grand difference between the Comfort and Elegance package accounts for more luxuries, including hill hold control, tyre pressure monitoring, bi-xenon headlamps, front parking sensors, front fog lamps with corner function, comfort front seats, digital equaliser, amplifier and ten speakers, heated front and rear seats, and the umbrella in the left rear door.  

Other options fitted included the three spoke steering wheel with DSG paddles ($600), Bluetooth preparation ($700), and the delightful (but wallet emptying) Columbus Navigation with 30GB hard drive ($4200). 

Our test Superb arrived in a fetching shade called Rosso Brunello metallic with an ivory leather interior package, but with dark floor panelling, which looks really smart and is incredibly practical. The metal door inserts certainly looked classy and the Columbus Sat Nav and Audio system was easily mastered and produced great sound. Unlike it’s cousins from Volkswagen and Audi which can be uncomfortable in the ride department thanks to hard suspension and a smear of rubber on big alloy rims, the big Skoda has a wonderfully supple suspension that copes with the worst of our state highway bitumen and loose metal surfaces.  
Our test car was fitted with the Trifid 17-inch alloy wheels (a paltry $100 option) which sported 225/45/17 Pirelli tyres which were incredibly quiet on all surfaces yet certainly provided plenty of grip and keep the Burgundy beast pointed in the right direction.   

Whilst the Skoda might not be the most beautifully proportioned car in the design stakes, it is certainly the most elegant with the chrome-edged-side windows and the Superb motif etched into the sides of the headlamps as well as chrome details all around.

In summary, if you a looking for an economical saloon with loads of rear legroom and a value for money specification, it’s hard to go past this Superb Skoda.

Specifications:

Body type                      Four-door sedan

Drive                             Front-wheel-drive

Engine Type                   Four-cylinder turbo diesel

Engine Capacity              1968cc 

Max power                    125kW @ 4200 rpm

Max torque                   350Nm @ 2500 rpm

Fuel Consumption          6.1l/100km

C02 emission                 159g/km

0 to 100kph                  8.8 sec

Front suspension            McPherson Strut

Rear suspension            Multi link

Roof Rack                     Optional

ABS Brakes                   Yes

Air Bags                        9

ESP                              Yes

Air Conditioning              Climate

Lap/diagonal belts           5

Satellite Navigation         Yes

Electric seats                 Yes

Burglar Alarm                 Yes

Panic Button                  No

Boot release                  Yes      

Cargo Cover                   Yes

Boot Capacity                 565/1670l

Wheel type                    17-inch Alloy

Spare Tyre                     Full size

Through Life Cost Report

36 Months 75000km

Price                            $59990.00

WOF                            $135.00

Registration                   $1010.07

Servicing to 75k:            $2215.71

Total Tyre cost:             $4617.00

Residual (37%)              $18596.90        

Indicative final figure       $49370.91

The Through Life Cost Model is used for illustrative and indicative purposes only. StratCon Partnership Limited and Adrenalin Publishing Limited accept no responsibility or liability should any costs indicated in the Through Life Cost Model change from those published. All residual values are based on an average of values achieved through Turners Auctions Limited sales for the previous 3 months from issue date.