Now, as far as Australia (or at least the taxman) is concerned the Skoda Superb Elegance 125TDI wagon (the test vehicle) does not qualify as a luxury vehicle, falling short of the luxury car tax threshold by more than $5000. It sells for a manufacturer’s list price of $49,990, or $50,980 with options.  
There is, however, no shortage of luxuries and innovations on board and, Aussie tax apart, the wagon thoroughly deserves the TG and other accolades. Superb, superior!

BODY STYLE

On the outside, there’s little to excite from the Superb wagon. In these days of sleek, sassy sports station wagons a la Holden Sportwagon, this Skoda owes more to the past than the present.  Smooth modern lines come to an abrupt halt at sharp angles and edges. The upshot is a bland shoebox. However, the traditional station wagon shape is not without its appeal – volume, for example.   Skoda claims the luggage compartment will take up to 633 litres of gear, expanding to 1865 litres when the rear seats are folded down, the best in class. The tailgate is wide enough to take bulky items, while the low loading sill, at  600mm above ground, helps with handling baggage.

 

 

Lighting integrated into the tailgate illuminates not only the boot, but the whole area around the wagon’s rear section. A removable battery powered LED flashlight is located on the left side of the luggage compartment. A magnet is built into the lamp so it can be stuck to the car body – useful when fixing a flat tyre. Particularly pertinent to the period I was in possession of the Superb wagon was storage for a wet umbrella. A water resistant space in  the inner panel of the left rear door incorpo0rates a drainage system that draws off rainwater so the umbrella ‘self-dries’. When the door is closed, the umbrella storage space is invisible, the straight line design of the door not breaking the line of the door panelling.
 
An optional electrically-operated, two-piece panoramic sunroof helps create a light, airy cabin atmosphere. In strong sunlight a blind can be drawn across the glass roof, cutting heat by up to 90 per cent. Up front the Superb wagon carries on Skoda’s continued refinement with revised radiator grille and new headlamp set-up.

POWERTRAIN

As with the sedan, there is a choice of three fuel injected engines – two petrol, one diesel – the latter in the test Superb wagon. The turbocharged diesel unit generates 125kW of power at 4200rpm and is mated with an Audi-sourced six-speed direct shift gearbox. Maximum torque of 350Nm comes up between 1750 and  2500rpm.  A diesel particulate filter, fitted as standard, helps the Superb wagon meet EU5 pollution standards with CO2 emissions of 175g/km.  The chassis is based on that of the Superb Sedan with modifications to accommodate the higher payload and gross weight. Driving dynamics are enhanced by electromechanical steering.
 

SAFETY

The car is unlocked by the person in possession of the key merely touching one of the door handles. Conversely, the car can be locked without using a key  or remote control central locking just by touching a button on the exterior handle. The engine can be started and turned off with a button on the right side of the steering column. The engine can be started only when the brake pedal is depressed.  Passenger protection is paramount, with a standard nine airbags on board - front driver and passenger, front and rear side, curtain and driver’s knee airbag.

 

Also standard is an Electronic Stabilisation Program, keeping the car under control in varying conditions. Anti-skid braking and anti-slip regulation are standard components of the braking system, while a dual rate brake booster, contributes to a shorter braking distance in critical situations. Front foglights with cornering function also are standard. If the foglights are  switched off and the headlights are still on, the corner function is activated when manoeuvring the car at speeds of up to 40km/h, depending on the steering wheel position or the indicator lights. It automatically activates either the right or left foglight, alerting the driver to possible obstacles on an unlit road.


INTERIOR DESIGN

Skoda’s link with German automobile giant Audi-VW means the cabin is full of high-end instrumentation and accessories using the latest automotive technology. In the best European fashion, as well as being functional, it all helps the vehicle live up to the Elegance label.  A touch-screen satellite navigation system is standard in Elegance specification.  Voice control and integrated hard disk, running high-quality audio and navigation, enable the driver to operate all functions hands free, while an optional Media Device Interface in the front armrest connects external storage media. One potential stain on the test car’s interior was the light tan leather upholstery which undoubtedly would come off second best to little sticky fingers or grubby work gear. Apart from that, the cabin was a class above its fifty-grand price tag.

 DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

PRICING AND SPECIFICATIONS

DIMENSIONS

PERFORMANCE AND FUEL CONSUMPTION

RUNNING GEAR

WARRANTY