Skoda Superb Estate iV plug-in hybrid long-term test: report 6

The car Skoda Superb Estate SE L 1.4 TSI iV Run by John Bradshaw, senior photographer

Why it’s here To find out if a plug-in hybrid can be the answer when journey lengths are unpredictable, and to put the Superb Estate’s legendary practicality to the test. 

Needs to have a big, versatile boot for use as a moving photographic platform, prove comfortable and economical on a mixture of journeys.

Mileage 12,420 List price £36,100 Target Price £33,355 Price as tested £37,370 Test economy 49.7mpg Official economy 188.3mpg

10 December – It's the thought that counts

Chances are you’ll be aware of Skoda’s “simply clever” tagline. It relates to certain little touches that the Czech brand provides on its cars – such as umbrellas incorporated into the front doors. Well, disbelievers might think these features a little gimmicky, but, with winter having suddenly pounced, I’m extremely grateful for the handy little ice scraper that lives by my Skoda Superb iV Estate’s fuel filler. It’s perhaps smaller than the one that might lurk forgotten in a drawer at home, but it gets the job done, and is infinitely more effective (and less risky) than attempting to clear an icy windscreen with a credit card.

Another bit of clever design is a boon all year round, and one that I think all cars would do well to emulate; the Superb’s centre storage box is cooled by the air conditioning system, and is just the right size for my lunchbox. Any car that can provide chilled sandwiches really knows how to delight its driver. I just wish the cupholder was big enough to take an insulated mug to match.

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