A very comfortable ride
Space means nothing if you arrive at your destination feeling tired and tense. Thankfully, the Superb Estate has long been regarded as one of the finest long-distance cruisers in its class, and the latest generation builds convincingly on that reputation. What Car?’s judges were particularly struck by how well it handles the kind of journey it’s most likely to be asked to do. “The Superb is anything but uncouth, particularly on the long motorway trips that are its stock in trade,” they concluded, “and it’s a tidy handler. In fact, you’ll be taking bends with confidence, such are its poise and reserves of grip.”
On the motorway, where the Superb Estate is most at home, it settles into a relaxed, unflustered rhythm that makes big distances feel smaller. Wind noise is well contained, and the suspension absorbs the worst of Britain’s varied road surfaces with admirable composure. The standard DSG automatic gearbox – fitted across the entire range – keeps everything smooth and unhurried, changing up through the gears with barely a ripple. The steering, meanwhile, is light and easy in town, making the Superb a pleasingly simple car to manoeuvre in tighter spaces, before building weight naturally at speed to provide the confidence and precision that faster roads and sweeping motorway curves demand.
Optional DCC adaptive suspension – available from SE L trim upwards – allows you to soften or firm the ride at the touch of a button, and it’s a worthwhile addition for buyers who regularly carry a full complement of passengers and luggage over longer distances. That said, even without it, the standard suspension is very well judged. Will Nightingale, What Car?’s Reviews Editor, was unambiguous after putting extensive real-world miles on the entry-level car: “It’s a tidy, reassuring handler, and none of the engines feel short on power. I covered a lot of miles in the entry-level 1.5-litre petrol-powered car, and I reckon it’s all most people will ever want or need.”
A range of engines to suit all needs
One of the Superb Estate’s considerable strengths is the breadth of its engine lineup. Whether you’re a high-mileage private buyer, a company car driver looking to minimise BIK tax, or a regular caravan tower in need of low-down grunt, there’s a powertrain in the range that makes sense for you – and every version comes with a DSG automatic gearbox as standard.