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Skoda Superb GreenLine road test report

GreenLine

The latest version of the Skoda Superb, launched in 2008, has impressed critics and the public alike with its package of well-equipped spaciousness and the prospect of reliability that all Skodas now offer. It’s not too much of a stretch to suggest that it is one of the best-value cars in the family saloon market and a credible alternative to the German cars that rule the roost there. And now there’s a version for drivers who are concerned about the environmental impact of their car, the Superb GreenLine, with a range of measures aimed at reducing emissions and improving fuel economy.

Road Test Reports Says 4 star rating
A front-facing image of the Skoda Superb GreenLine

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Image number 2 of the Skoda Superb GreenLine Image number 3 of the Skoda Superb GreenLine
CRAIGT SAYS

Performance Performance - 3 stars

The Superb GreenLine is powered by a four-cylinder, eight-valve 1.9-litre TDI PD diesel engine, which produces 105bhp and 184lb-ft of torque at 1,900rpm. It produces less CO2 and returns better fuel economy that the same engine used elsewhere in the range thanks to the GreenLine package used in the car (a better aerodynamic set-up that improves the airflow, weight-saving measures, and lengthened transmission ratios in the five-speed manual gearbox). However, the pumpe duse engine is slightly gruff-sounding, especially when cold. This lack of refinement is the price you pay for the more economical nature of the car, so buyers have to decide which they wish to prioritise. The GreenLine also doesn’t have much in the way of performance: 0-62mph takes a magisterial 12.5 seconds and the top speed is 120mph. It’s not quick, but there’s a decent amount of torque, which kicks in fairly low down in the rev range, making it a decent long-distance motorway cruiser.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 4 stars

The Superb’s ride is one of its most impressive features and, despite some tweaks to the suspension to improve the airflow under the car (it’s been lowered by 15mm), the GreenLine version is still compliant. Skoda’s trick is that it has developed and tested its suspension systems on Czech roads, which are as badly laid and maintained as they are in the UK. As a result, the company’s cars can cope with anything that Europe’s roads – even British ones – can throw at them. The handling is also highly accomplished, with a pretty tight and well-composed chassis making the Superb surprisingly entertaining to drive. The steering is well weighted and accurate, with a crisp turn-in that gives the driver plenty of confidence. It might not be able to quite match the class-leading dynamics of the Mondeo, but when combined with the ride, it makes for an engaging alternative.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 5 stars

Skoda has made huge strides in recent years in terms of its quality and reliability, to such an extent that the feedback from owners ensures that the company and its cars consistently perform well in customer satisfaction surveys. For example, the most recent JD Power survey places the Czech carmaker in fourth position (out of 29) in the league table of the most reliable manufacturers. There’s no reason to suppose that the Superb will drag the company’s position down, especially as the car has proved to be a step-change in the continual improvement of Skoda’s cars. The GreenLine is less well equipped than some of the other trim levels, as it’s an exercise in paring back in the name of economy, but there are no compromises in quality, proving to be a well screwed-together car with a comfortable and well-equipped cabin, filled with quality materials.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 5 stars

The Superb has already been crash-tested by Euro NCAP and was awarded five stars for adult protection, four stars for child occupant protection and two stars for pedestrian impact protection – a very good score and on a par with other leading cars in its class, such as the Ford Mondeo. Part of the reason for this score lies in the long list of safety equipment, both active and passive. Standard equipment includes seven airbags (twin front and side airbags, curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag – plus another two optional side airbags for rear seat passengers), Isofix, seatbelt pre-tensioners and ESP with a network of safety programmes including anti-lock braking, ASR (anti-spin regulation) and MSR engine drag control. Other safety systems include EBV (Electronic Brake Variator), ESBS (Electronic Stability Brake System), AFM (a system that records and manages data on the trip computer to optimise the ESP function) and DSR (Driver Steering Recommendation).

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 5 stars

The one thing the Superb isn’t short of is space. The packaging of the interior is arguably the highest of all the car’s high points, with an immense amount of space inside the cabin. Indeed, the rear feels like a limo, with legroom that feels comparable with the likes of the Audi A8 or BMW 7-Series. The bootspace is just as impressive, with 565 litres when the rear seats are in position and a 1,670-litre capacity with the seats down, which is more than a Vauxhall Insignia Sport Tourer. The boot itself also has an innovative Twindoor opening system, which allows owners to open only as much of the tailgate as they need: there’s the option of opening just a fraction, in the style of a saloon, or open the whole tailgate, hatchback-style. There’s also plenty of storage space inside the cabin, with pockets, bins and cupholders throughout, plus an umbrella holder in the left-hand rear door (with umbrella).

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 4 stars

The Superb GreenLine should be a good ownership proposition, as its very raison d’etre is centred on economy and reducing emissions, both of which have the added advantage of helping to reduce costs. An official fuel consumption figure of 55.4mpg should mean decent intervals between fill-ups at the petrol station, while a CO2 figure of 136g/km places it in VED Band E, meaning that road tax will set you back a very reasonable £120 a year. Insurance should also prove to be very reasonable, as the Superb GreenLine is in Group 7. In terms of residuals, values for the previous-generation Superb were on the low side - around 34-39% after three years or 30,000 miles. However, Skoda hopes that the new model’s many qualities – not least the economy of this GreenLine version – will result in a figure nearer 40% of the original value at resale time.

Submitted: 20/11/2009 09:46:07

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