Skoda Superb review

Skoda Superb review

We get behind the wheel of the fourth-generation Skoda Superb – and the good news is that it’s better than ever…

Skoda has a reputation for building spacious, safe, well-built, dependable cars that are great value for money, and if ever a car ticked those boxes, it’s the latest Superb.

Available as a hatchback (just ‘hatch’ in Skoda speak) or cavernous estate, it’s a fantastic family choice – especially if SUVs don’t rock your boat.

New Skoda Superb SportLine trim hatch and estate

Various engine options are on offer too, including a diesel, mild-hybrid petrol, regular turbo petrol, and a plug-in hybrid that delivers an all-electric driving range of more than 70 miles.

The first thing you notice about the latest iteration of the Superb is its size. The hatch is 43mm longer and 12mm taller than its hardly small predecessor.

The estate version is 40mm longer than the outgoing model, and at 4.9 metres long, it is very big. Just to put that into context, its footprint is about the same as a Mercedes-Benz E-Class estate.

Skoda Superb review

Of course, the benefit of those bigger dimensions is more interior space. Passengers have always been able to stretch out in the back – now there’s even more room.

Then there’s luggage capacity. The estate’s 690-litre boot (expanding to 1,920 litres with the rear seats down) is one of the largest of any car on sale today. The hatch’s 645/1,795 litres dimensions are pretty impressive too.

But it’s not just the fact that the Superb has grown. It’s also sleeker and various tweaks have been made to improve the aerodynamics, which improves fuel efficiency.

Skoda Superb review

It’s the Superb hatch that’s the subject of this week’s review. My test car was the 1.5 TSI e-Tec 150 PS DSG in SE L trim, which means it’s one up from the entry-level SE Technology trim and it’s fitted with a 1.5-litre mild hybrid petrol engine.

Capable of up to 51.8mpg, CO2 emissions are a low 124 g/km, and it’s paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox, while drive is via the front wheels. Packing 148bhp and 184lb ft of torque, it’s not blisteringly fast (0-62mph in 9.2 seconds), but it seems brisk enough off the mark.

The clever bit about this engine is that it’s super-efficient, and I found up to 55mpg economy is possible on long runs, which is very impressive.

Skoda Superb

Without getting too technical, the mild hybrid system consists of a 48-volt belt-driven starter-generator and a 48-volt lithium-ion battery (located under the front passenger seat).

Energy recovered during braking gives the engine an electrical boost or allows the car to coast with the engine completely switched off.

There’s also Active Cylinder Technology which enables the 1.5 TSI to switch off two cylinders when their power is not needed in order to reduce fuel consumption.

Skoda Superb review

A walk through the four trim levels demonstrates how well-equipped the Superb is. Priced from £36,995, entry-level SE Technology comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a 13-inch central infotainment display with integrated Sat Nav as well as a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit.

Technology includes a rear-view camera (with washer), adaptive cruise control, lane assist, traffic sign recognition, keyless start/stop, plus wireless mobile charging with an in-built cooling function.

Superb SE L adds larger 18-inch alloy wheels, rear LED lights and LED matrix beam headlights. It also has electric folding and driver side auto-dimming door mirrors with memory function.

Skoda Superb review

SportLine gets extensive gloss black detailing, including 19-inch polished alloy wheels, massage function for the front seats, a lower ride height, Progressive Steering (it delivers a more agile, dynamic feel at speed) and Dynamic chassis control plus, which allows drivers to customise vehicle handling to personal preferences.

Range-topping Laurin & Klement (L&K) features a dark chrome grille surround and rib elements as well as a rear diffuser strip in the same dark chrome material. Inside, there’s a choice of either L&K Suite Black with black leather interior or the lush L&K Suite Cognac Design Selection.

There’s also a Canton sound system and ‘Progressive Dynamic Steering’, which changes the steering ratio depending on how far the wheel is turned, improving handling and agility, especially in curves and at low speeds.

Skoda Superb review

A special mention for those LED matrix beam headlights which allow you to have a high beam on at all times without dazzling other road users.

The intelligent technology uses the camera on the windscreen to detect oncoming traffic, vehicles, people and objects, and shapes the beam around them. Very clever.

The multi-function push-button ‘Smart Dials’ below the infotainment screen work well too, allowing quick access to essentials such as cabin temperature, seat heating, seat ventilation, infotainment volume, fan speed, air direction, smart air conditioning and drive modes.

Skoda Superb review

Inside, there’s more space than ever before, though if I’m honest, I would have preferred the option of a lower driving position.

Other than that, it’s comfortable, visibility is good and the materials (many of them are sustainable) have a quality look and feel.

On the road, the Superb continues to impress. It would be wrong to call it sporty, but it can more than hold its own. My only gripe is the gearbox which has a tendency to hold on to lower gears going downhill.

Skoda Superb review

For the most part, it rides well, absorbing the worst of the lumps and bumps, though the suspension set-up might be on the stiff side for some.

It’s in its element cruising on motorways and A roads, and it’s easy to drive in town too, thanks to light, accurate steering, a tight turning circle and driver assistance gizmos.

The Superb is composed on more challenging roads. It stays flat in faster corners and there’s plenty of grip, but ultimately, it is a substantial car with an accent on economy. Think of it that way and expectations are managed.

It’s refined too, with engine and road noise only seeping into the cabin when the car is pushed.

Skoda Superb review

Disappointingly, there are no drive modes on the entry-level model – instead there’s just the option to switch the gear selector stalk to ‘S’.

If you want more power, or you tow a caravan, then maybe upgrade to a Superb with a 2.0-litre petrol or diesel engine.

Finally, Euro NCAP awarded the Skoda Superb a maximum five stars in its safety tests. Named Best Family Car 2025 in the annual UK Car of the Year Awards, its competitors include the Volkswagen Passat, Peugeot 508 and BMW 3 Series.

Verdict: Hugely practical, clever, well-built and safe, the latest Skoda Superb is a remarkable all-rounder. Whether you want a load-lugger, executive express or large family car, it ticks all the right boxes.

Skoda UK

Tested: All-season tyres for year-round peace of mind

Davanti Alltoura 4-Seasons tyres

We road test a set of Davanti Alltoura 4-Seasons tyres…

Unless you have access to state-of-the-art tyre evaluation facilities, there’s no better time to test new rubber than a straight swap with an existing set on a car you know well.

Last year I bought a tidy 2010 BMW 3 Series with just 65,000 miles on the clock.

Davanti Alltoura 4-Seasons tyres - BMW 3 Series

For a used car, it had very few minus points. Unfortunately, the tyres were the biggest issue. A mix of two brands (one recognisable), it was doubtful the tread on any of them would last until the next MOT, due a few months later.

Now, living in a Somerset has its bonuses, but when extreme weather hits, driving around on the roads and lanes – especially in a rear-wheel drive BMW – can be hazardous. Even more so on borderline tyres.

So, what better time than to try a set of all-season tyres, which are designed to provide a happy medium come rain, snow or shine?

Step forward Davanti Tyres – a new and innovative brand with tyres designed by engineers in the UK and produced in one of the world’s most advanced plants.

Unless you’re a fan of Everton FC or Wigan Warriors, you may not have heard of the Merseyside-headquartered company.

One of the UK’s leading mid-range tyre brands, Davanti is the official tyre partner of the English Premier League side and a shirt sponsor for the Super League rugby giant.

BMW 3 Series at a tyre fitters

Launched in 2015, its full range of tyres are now sold in more than 70 countries.

Davanti was keen for me to try its tyres, so a few months after buying the BMW 3 Series, it was treated to a new set of Alltoura 4-Seasons.

Key features of the Alltoura 4-Seasons include:

  • Directional tread pattern to ensure reliable winter traction
  • Specially-formulated compound to deliver an engaging drive with safe and stable performance across a range of temperatures experienced with the changing seasons
  • A design to allow for efficient clearing of water and extra grip on snow and ice while maintaining tread block stability on dry roads

And of course, the beauty of all-season tyres is that you avoid the hassle and cost of swapping tyres (summer and winter) twice a year, especially if you live in a region where winters are harsh and snow and ice are a regular occurrence.

BMW 3 Series fitted with Davanti Alltoura 4-Seasons tyres

As I drove away from the fitters, the difference between the Alltoura 4-Seasons and the previous set of rubber misfits was immediately noticeable, with the combination of a softer ride, a reduction in road noise and improved braking performance.

As the months have passed, I’ve experienced driving the car in different conditions – even some early snow.

It would be an exaggeration to say that the wet-weather grip is in the top league, but then BMWs of this era have always been entertaining in the handling department, especially in the rain.

That said, the tyres only begin to lose traction when really pushed in the wet and they cope well on wet grass. For the most part, the Alltoura 4-Seasons stood out for their stability and predictability.

Davanti Alltoura 4-Seasons tyres

I’ve yet to experience them in deep snow, but their performance after a light covering was surprisingly good, so watch this space.

Clearly, they won’t be as effective as winter tyres in thick snow, or summer tyres in very hot temperatures, but they are better than regular summer tyres in the moderate winter conditions we mostly encounter in the UK.

Incidentally, like winter tyres, Alltoura 4-Seasons carry the 3PMSF symbol (3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake) on the sidewall, which shows they have been certified as safe and capable in snow.

Davanti Alltoura 4-Seasons tyres

So, if you’re looking for a mid-range year-round tyre from a recognisable brand and you don’t have the budget for a premium name, I’d say Davanti Alltoura 4-Seasons are definitely worth considering.

It’s relatively early days for Davanti, and it’s still not one of the most popular choices when searching for tyres. Indeed, I could only find one fitter (with a handful of branches) locally which supplies Davanti’s all-season tyre. I’m sure that will change in time.

For now, look out for name the next time you need new tyres and try Davanti for yourself.

Top 10 most scrapped cars in the UK

Gareth Herincx

12 hours ago
Auto News

Ford-Focus-Mk-2

The Ford Focus was the most scrapped car model in 2022, according to new data from the Scrap Car Comparison service.

The Vauxhall Corsa was revealed as the second most scrapped model, with its larger sibling – the Astra – following in third.

It’s no surprise that the Focus topped the chart for the sixth year running. Go back 14 years (the average age of scrapped vehicles) and it was a time when the family hatchback was flying out of new car showrooms.

New additions to the 2022 list of most scrapped cars include the executive BMW 3 Series (more than the 1 Series, 5 Series and X5s combined), the Ford Transit van and MINI hatch.

Top 10 most scrapped car models in 2022

  1. Ford Focus
  2. Vauxhall Corsa
  3. Vauxhall Astra
  4. Ford Fiesta
  5. Volkswagen Golf
  6. BMW 3 Series
  7. Ford Transit
  8. Mini Hatch (Cooper/One)
  9. Vauxhall Zafira
  10. Renault Clio

Ford was also the most scrapped car manufacturer of 2022, followed by Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

New entry car manufacturers to the Top 10 included German brands BMW, Audi and Mercedes.

Top 10 most scrapped car makes in 2022

  1. Ford
  2. Vauxhall
  3. Volkswagen
  4. Peugeot
  5. Renault
  6. BMW
  7. Citroen
  8. Audi
  9. Toyota
  10. Mercedes

“This is the sixth year running where we’ve seen the Ford Focus come out on top as the most scrapped car, and we expect to see it featuring highly in our most scrapped lists for many years to come,” said said Dan Gick, Managing Director of Scrap Car Comparison.

“Popularity will always have a bearing on which cars are scrapped, and 2022’s results help to spotlight the enduring popularity of the Focus model, even if many do eventually meet the scrap heap.”

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Genesis G70 review

Genesis G70

We get behind the wheel of the latest entrant in the compact luxury saloon class – the Genesis G70…

Genesis, the luxury arm of the Hyundai Motor Group (think Lexus/Toyota), only launched in the UK in the summer of 2021 and it already has an impressive stable of cars, ranging from saloons to SUVs, plus the G70 Shooting Brake.

So far, the range only includes traditional petrol and diesel powered vehicles, though plug-in hybrid versions of some models are on the way.

The big breakthrough will come later in 2022 when the 100% electric Genesis GV60 is launched. Developed alongside the acclaimed Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, it should be a cracker. Needless to say, we’re looking forward to driving the GV60 this summer.

Genesis G70

Meanwhile, we’ve been road-testing the G70 saloon, which has the tough task of stealing sales from the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Volvo S60 and Alfa Romeo Giulia, to name but a few.

We’ve already driven the elegant estate version (marketed as a Shooting Brake) and we were impressed.

Competitively priced from £33,400, the four-door G70 is available with two turbocharged engines – either a 2.0-litre petrol (194bhp or 241bhp) or a 197bhp 2.2-litre diesel. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.

Genesis G70

Our test car was diesel-powered, offering a top speed of 143mph and a 0-62mph sprint time of 7.4 seconds. Fuel economy is 42.7-44.5mpg, while CO2 emissions are 166-173g/km.

The more powerful petrol engine is faster, with a top speed of 149mph and a 0-62mph time of 6.1 seconds, but fuel economy is 31.9-35.4mpg and CO2 emissions are 181-201g/km.

First impressions of the G70 are good. It’s a good looking sports saloon with an athletic stance and there’s no mistaking that bold ‘G-Matrix’ grille design.

Genesis G70

Inside, there’s no shortage of kit, including a 10.25in landscape-oriented touchscreen with built-in sat-nav, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. Unlike some manufacturers, it also offers a healthy mix of the modern and traditional with dials, buttons and proper air vents.

The G70 is packed with the latest safety kit too, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and blind-spot collision avoidance tech.

The interior oozes quality and has been well put together. There’s ample space up front, but it’s slightly cosier in the back, especially for an adult passenger sitting behind a taller driver.

Genesis G70

Overall, the cabin is a comfortable, plush place to be and the low-slung driving position is perfect. For the record, boot capacity is a reasonable 330 litres.

The Genesis G70 handles well and offers a composed, luxurious ride, even if it’s not as sporty as you might expect (you can experiment with the drive modes – Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport ). More spirited drivers can still have fun on more challenging roads because it’s nicely balanced and there’s plenty of grip, but it’s no BMW.

Ultimately, it’s not a class-leading drive, nor will the engine set your pulse racing. It does the job and there’s plenty of torque on tap, but it’s vocal when pushed and real world fuel economy is short of 40mpg.

Genesis G70

On the plus side, the steering is sharp and direct, and light when driving around town or manoeuvring into parking spaces.

So, the G70 is a mixed bag, but then Genesis is no ordinary brand and a completely different VIP ownership experience is on offer.

There are no dealerships. Instead, you visit a studio where you can interact with a Genesis Personal Assistant (GPA), who’s under no pressure to make a sale and is employed on a commission-free basis.

Genesis G70

It’s hoped the GPA will remain a direct point of contact throughout your ownership experience, delivering cars for test drives and purchases, and collecting your car for servicing (providing a like-for-like Genesis while your car is away).

What’s more, the 5-Year Care Plan includes servicing, roadside assistance, courtesy car, mapping and over-the-air software updates.

Verdict: The Genesis G70 should definitely be on your sports saloon shortlist, especially if you’d like to experience a VIP ownership experience. Luxurious, well equipped and delivering a smooth, composed drive, it stands out from the crowd and would probably come into its own as a plug-in hybrid.

Genesis UK

Genesis G70

Top 10 most searched-for classic cars

Gareth Herincx

1 week ago
Auto News

Ford Escort 1600i

The Ford Escort was the most searched-for car in 2021, according to Car & Classic – the classified and online auction website.

‘Dream cars’ such as the Porsche 911 and Jaguar E-Type, lead the search data during the pandemic, but 2021 saw classic car fans seeking more mainstream vehicles including the BMW 3 Series.

Across 2021, the Ford Escort toppled the Porsche 911, with the RS2000 the model most searched-for from the European Escort’s 34-year lifetime.

Recent Escort auction sales on Car & Classic include £25,500 for a Mk3 RS1600i (pictured) and £50,000 for a Mk1 Twin Cam.

Over the past 12 months, searches for the Triumph Stag more than doubled, securing third place.

It was closely followed by the 1980s’ E30 version of BMW 3 Series. More than a quarter of the specific searches for the compact saloon were for the iconic M3.

The rise in searches for the E30, up nearly 20% on 2020, follows sharp rises in the values for the M3 over the past five years. Published prices of the 24 road cars currently on Car & Classic span £40,000 to £189,000.

Other cars in the top 10 include the Ford Mustang and Jaguar E-Type, both growing by 10%. Slipping down the order, despite a similar number of searches in 2020, was the MGB GT.

Underlining rising demand for Japanese sports cars, the Toyota Supra and MR2, plus the Mazda RX-7 and Datsun 240Z all appeared in the top 20 searches of 2021.

Top 10 searches of 2021

  1. Ford Escort
  2. Porsche 911
  3. Triumph Stag
  4. E30 BMW 3 Series
  5. Ford Mustang
  6. Jaguar E-Type
  7. Ford Capri
  8. VW Beetle
  9. MGB GT
  10. MGB

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