| Skoda Superb Estate | ||
 |
||
|
(Fri 27 Nov 09) The estate version of Skoda's largest and most luxurious model will go on sale in the UK in February. The range mirrors that of the Superb hatchback, with the exception that there are no immediate plans to introduce a low-CO2 version, so there's a choice of 125bhp 1.4 TSI, 160bhp 1.8 TSI and 260bhp 3.6 V6 petrol engines and 140bhp and 170bhp versions of the 2.0 TDI turbo diesel (though you'll have to wait until March for the 140bhp one to arrive).
A seven-speed DSG semi-automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive are standard on the V6 and optional on the 1.8 TSI and the 170bhp diesel, while DSG (but not the 4x4 system) is available on the 140bhp diesel. The 1.4 TSI comes in manual front-wheel drive form only. All versions have impressive luggage capacity of 633 litres with all the seats in place, or 1865 litres with the split-folding rear seats down, and come with lights which illuminate not only the load area itself but also the ground on which the rear of the car sits. A third, LED light fitted in the boot is detachable and can be used as a torch, and since its body is magnetic it can also be mounted on the car's body if you need it to. The Superb estate comes in three trim levels. S models have 16" alloy wheels, seven airbags, remote central locking, an alarm, climatic air-conditioning, ESP and an MP3-compatible audio system with a single CD player. The SE has 17" alloys, a cornering function for the front foglights, alcantara upholstery, rear parking sensors, dual-zone air-conditioning, alcantara upholstery, door mirrors which fold in after the car has been locked, a trip computer, a stereo system with touchscreen control and a 6-CD player and - a familiar Superb feature - an umbrella stored in one of the rear doors. At the top of the range comes the Elegance, which gets 18" alloys, full leather upholstery, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, a tyre pressure monitor, an adaptive lighting system with bi-xenon headlights, touchscreen satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel-mounted controls for the audio and telephone.
The cleverest of the optional extras is a self-retracting rear parcel shelf, which comes with electric operation of the tailgate. Also available as options are a variable boot floor, a panoramic sunroof and, for the first time on a Skoda, a keyless entry and starting system. Prices are unlikely to be confirmed until January, but Skoda reckons that the estate will cost between £1150 and £1350 more than the hatchback, which suggests a price range from approximately £17,500 to £29,000. Comment on this story on Facebook or Twitter. Skoda Gallery Previous: SEAT To Go Electric Next: Fiat And Alfa Romeo Service Plans |
