Skoda Superb (2001-2008) review

Skoda adds another model to its impressive range with the rather boastfully badged Superb. You have to be pretty confident to be so blatant in badging your car such, the big Skoda more than a match for its name. With a 100mm stretch in its wheelbase over it's VW Passat relative - which it bears more than a passing resemblance to - the Superb is a big car, that equating to huge amounts of cabin space for both front and rear seat passengers. Inside there's a quality feel that'll again be familiar to people more used to VW and Audis.

The range of engines echoes that offered in all Volkswagen Group product ranges, including the excellent 1.9-litre 105bhp and 2.0-litre 140bhp turbodiesels. All engines from the 2.0-litre unit up offer respectable performance, though the smallest petrol can be a touch unrefined if pushed hard. The extra £1,000 for the 1.8-litre turbo is well worth it. Tiptronic automatics are available, as are five and six-speed manual transmissions, equipment levels across all trim levels being comprehensive - all cars getting air conditioning as standard. Find a winding road and the Superb is unlikely to impress the more demanding driver, but it does everything asked from it, and works well as a refined and capable long distance companion. Spacious, well-equipped and sensibly priced, the Superb really has everything it needs to compete in the family car market. If people see past the badge, they'll be getting a superb car for the money