Family Car of the Year 2020: Skoda Superb
The Skoda Superb is the 2020 Auto Express Family Car of the Year, with the Hyundai Ioniq and Peugeot 508 commended
The consistency of Skoda’s products is proof the brand knows what its buyers want as the market evolves, and this updated version of the Superb embodies that in a few key areas.
First of all, there’s the range of choice the Superb offers when it comes to powertrains, and it’s been extended by the addition of Skoda’s iV plug-in hybrid.
With 215bhp available and the potential for 34 miles of all-electric, zero-emission running thanks to its combination of a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine with a 13kWh battery pack and electric motor, Skoda has moved with the market. It offers a Superb that will return a claimed 217.3mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 30g/km, which is why the iV is also an attractive option for business users. An overnight charge at home only takes three and a half hours.
Of course, if you cover more motorway miles, then the 2.0-litre TDI options still serve up strong economy and acceptable emissions for company car drivers. With lots of smooth torque on offer in both powertrains – electrically assisted or pure diesel – it makes propelling this big machine relatively effortless.
The Superb is limo-like in the back, offering as much legroom as some luxury cars. It’s incredibly spacious, so there’s more than enough room for a family.
Be warned that the iV does have a drawback, though. Compared with a regular petrol or diesel Superb hatch’s 625-litre boot, which is simply huge, the iV only provides 485 litres due to the location of its battery, but it’s a small price to pay for the extra efficiency, while it still offers plenty of luggage space.
The big hatch offers a nicely judged balance between body control and comfort. So, with light but accurate steering and a decent level of grip allied to a soft enough set-up to absorb the typically patchwork state of the UK’s roads, the Skoda is a brilliant all-rounder.
Tech tweaks, with revised infotainment, a digital dash and more connectivity – including an app to schedule iV charging – mean the Superb covers the key areas for a car in this class, and it’s as understated as ever.
Our choice
Skoda Superb Hatch 1.5 TSI 150 SE L (£29,100)
Petrol is the popular choice in 2020, and the 148bhp 1.5 TSI in the Superb fits the bill, with a smooth delivery and strong efficiency of up to 43.5mpg in SE L trim. This spec features an eight-inch touchscreen with nav, matrix LED lights, heated leather seats and good safety tech at an affordable price.
Commended
Few cars offer the breadth of choice of powertrain in Hyundai’s Ioniq, with hybrid, plug-in and fully electric to choose from, the latter now with even more range. The car offers lots of space, sound infotainment and connectivity, impressive efficiency and plenty of all-round appeal.
If you’re after something a little more stylish than the Superb, the more coupé-like Peugeot 508 mixes attractive design with strong refinement. There’s a plug-in to rival the Skoda, too, but all models offer good comfort with a more design-focused edge without compromising practicality too much.
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