2018 Skoda Superb 162TSI Review

The Skoda Superb is a large wagon that is well worth investigating should you require plenty of space but have an aversion to jumping into an SUV.

The five-seat wagon boasts excellent leg room front and rear and really generously-sized cargo space too.

While pricing, especially here in the entry-level 162TSI variant, is competitive as well.

Exterior

I think the Skoda Superb is a fine looking car, there is very little round edges, instead the Skoda designers opting for more masculine lines and creases.

Sometimes Skoda design can be a little overdone, here though the Superb has its own identity and looks quite different to many of the other products from the wider Volkswagen family.

Interior

I already mentioned the legroom, this is well worth another mention, especially when looking at space for rear seat occupants.

As the photo below shows, there is plenty of space for even taller people to fit comfortably in the back.

Classified as a large car, Skoda’s Superb doesn’t quite have the same interior width (at least in feel) as what you would traditionally find in a car in this segment (think classic Commodore/Falcon), but there is good head and shoulder room and three adults could sit comfortably across the back seat.

The Superb cabin offers very good fit and finish, a huge centre infotainment touchscreen, comfortable seats and decent storage areas.

My test car was fitted with the optional Tech Pack ($4,300) and this brings things like push-button ignition, upgraded sound system, a powered tailgate and ambient lighting.

Interestingly, Skoda has placed the push-button for the ignition on the steering column behind the wheel where you might normally find the key ignition.

This works OK, but you kind of feel like it might have been a stop-gap measure – especially considering Volkswagen vehicles quite often have their starter button on the console.

Full marks go to the Skoda designers for giving front seat occupants a height-adjustable centre armrest.

There is a little bit of chrome on the dashboard, but there wasn’t anywhere near the sun reflection issues that I found with the Volkswagen Arteon last week.

Drive and Engine

There are three engine options available in the 2018 Skoda Superb range.

In this entry-grade model you get a 2.0 litre turbo-petrol that develops 162kW/350Nm.

There’s also a 2.0 litre turbo-diesel that pushes 140kW/400Nm through the front wheels of the 140TDI.

Stepping up to the top of the range all-wheel drive variants sees you offered a 206kW/350Nm version of the 2.0 litre turbo-petrol unit.

A dual-clutch (or DSG) transmission comes as standard right across the range and once again I was left feeling that perhaps a conventional auto transmission might just make things a little better.

These transmissions have some idiosyncrasies and can take a little getting used to.

For example, I don’t think that they are responsive enough when wanting a lower gear, you get the odd shudder too, and DSG transmissions can also be very slow to find reverse as well.

The Volkswagen Group are rusted on to the tech and while it certainly wouldn’t be a deal-breaker for me, my preference would always be a decent ‘regular’ transmission.

Aside from this I really have to say that I was delighted with the on-road characteristics of the Skoda Superb.

Lovely steering, a nice ride, good performance…there’s not much not to like.

Features

This might be the entry point to the Superb range, however the 162TSI is well stocked, featuring standard gear such as:

• Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear window blinds
• Reverse camera
• Sat-nav
• Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Heated front seats
• Electric driver’s seat
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Electric park brake
• Partial leather seats
• Leather steering wheel/transmission selector

Digital radio would be a nice addition, not just to this car, but to all the products in the wider Volkswagen/Skoda stable.

While if the budget allows consider the Tech Pack, it certainly helps to better finish-off what is an otherwise really pleasant and enjoyable vehicle.

Safety

There’s a full five-star ANCAP safety rating covering the entire Skoda Superb range in 2018.

Good Bits

• Interior space
• Cargo space
• Styling
• Standard features
• Driving dynamics (albeit with dual-clutch transmission)
• Five-year warranty

Not So Good Bits

• Dual-clutch transmission idiosyncroses
• No digital radio

Summary

There aren’t many options left in the large car segment now that the Ford Falcon is gone and the Holden Commodore has downsized to the mid-size segment.

Skoda’s entry is a nice looking car that offers a bit of style and sophistication to the mix with reasonable pricing and a great array of standard safety gear.

The Czech brand may not be on a lot of cars buyer’s radars and that remains a great shame given the strong attributes most of their vehicles boast.

Facts and Figures: 2018 Skoda Superb 162TSI

• Engine: 2.0 litre turbo-petrol producing 162kW/350Nm
• Transmission: Six-speed DSG automatic
• Safety: Five stars
• Warranty: Five years
• Origin: Czech Republic
• Price: from $45,390