USED Skoda Superb Hatchback (08 - )

My car

I came around to this car as a left-field choice for something bigger and more comfortable for the 20k miles I do commuting each year. Initially I was looking at a Passat but disliked the fact that the Passat and the dealers seems to think the world owes them a favour because it's a VW.

The Passat was disappointing for two main reasons - For one it's quite poorly spec'd for an expensive car which aspires to an up-market customer. A specific bug-bear being that even the top spec Sport doesn't have parking sensors as standard. On a car nearly 5m long, that's a big mistake and a cheeky £400+ option. Secondly the cabin of the Passat just doesn't feel very special to be in and some of the materials actually feel cheap. The back seat area is also very spartan and quite boring.

By comparison, the Superb is quite literally just that. It looks far more distinctive and has more individual styling with more character. Inside it's just fantastic, with a fit, finish and level of spec that makes its VW cousin the Passat look mean by comparison. Also, the comments about it's huge size are actually misleading, as although the interior space is HUGH (in particular the rear leg room), Skoda have somehow managed all this in a car that is actually a couple of inches shorter and narrower than the Passat AND 65kg lighter.

On top of all this it's a total joy to drive, having the same chassis, engine and transmission as the latest generation Passat. Fantastic!

My car

About to hand my 3 yr old superb back to the lease company. It will be a fight. This car has been fantastic. It has been perfect. 60,000 miles on and nothing has gone wrong. Nothing. It has been comfortable, refined and reliable. It has amazing spec and i have loved the sat nav, media system (upload all my music onto the inbuilt hard drive via SD card), and the DVD system is awesome. The bluetooth phone is also excellent. There's loads of room in it, a massive boot, the twindoor boot is quality. There is no discernable wear to the interior, and it still smells new - a lovely leather/new car smell! Xenon headlamps are brill, and they point round bends. I'll be lost without them.

I still think for the money this is a far better car than any equivilant BMW, Audi or Mercedes and i would decline giving up my skoda for any of them. It averages 50mpg. Unfortunately this car is no longer on our company car list, so i'm gutted as i would have been thrilled to have gone for a new one. I cannot recommend this car enough, it has by far been the best car i have ever had. That's an accolade i wouldnt hand out if it wasnt worthy.

Congratulations skoda - only niggle - it could be a bit prettier!

My car

After buying Volvos for years I was so impressed by the Superb that I bought the demonstrator. The seats are better than those in the Volvo, as both are electric and the lumbar support on both adjusts for height and pressure. The standard equipment is most impressive and if I had a niggle it would be that the car is almost too clever as I have never seen so many warning lghts, or switches that are multifunctional. However the handbook is very explicit. On the road it is supremely comfortable in spite of having 18" wheels and the ride is an excellent mix of comfort and roadholding. Interior space is simply vast. The boot is massive and the split tailgate is not a gimmick but an excellent idea, that works well. It is a shame that a more modern engine wasn't fitted from the outset but the present unit is well tried and tested.Owing to the prevailing weather conditions I haven't had the chance to assess the fuel consumption. Forget all the Skoda jokes this car is truly superb and if you can bag a demonstrator is terrific value for money. Don't be badge snob, go on try one.

My car

If you have a family and value comfort and high quality this is your automobile! Having owned a string of cars from VW, Skoda and Audi this is by far the best car I have ever owned. Whilst the exterior looks may not be stunning from every angle the interior rivals, if not exceeds, the standard set by Audi, BMW and certainly VW. Rear legroom is limo like whilst it is a dream on the motorway simply soaking up the miles in hushed comfort. If there was any doubt over Skodas ability to produce a car of the highest quality this car will silence the jokers.