Skoda Superb (2008 – 2015) Review

Skoda Superb (2008 – 2015) At A Glance

4/5

+Limousine-like amounts of rear legroom. Clever dual tailgate means it's both a hatch and a saloon. GreenLine model is very economical. A lot of car for the money.

-Earlier 1.9 TDI engine is noisy and lacks refinement. No rear wiper. Usual hesitation from DSG. Columbus navigation prone to failure after about four years.

Insurance Groups are between 13–34
On average it achieves 94% of the official MPG figure

If you're looking for the newer version, you need our Skoda Superb review

If you still have any preconceived ideas about the Skoda brand be prepared to change them. Because the Superb finally dispels all those old myths and shows that it's possible to find a car that's well built, incredibly spacious and good to drive, but still great value for money.

The Superb has as much rear space as four-door saloons that cost three times as much while the quality feel of the interior adds to the premium car feel. Yet with prices starting at less than £20,000, it almost seems too good to be true. But there's no catch. This is simply one of the most compelling cars on the market today and a model that does everything right and very little wrong.

There's a good choice of engines including the usual 2.0 TDI options while the GreenLine variant is powered by a 1.6 TDI which works surprisingly well considering its small size and returns a claimed 64.2mpg with CO2 emissions of just 119g/km. There are also 4x4 versions plus the option of DSG automatics. On the road the Superb handles very well with nicely weighted steering and good poise in corners.

The Superb also comes with the clever Twindoor feature - standard on all models. It means the tailgate of the Superb can open as a standard boot or, with the push if a different button, it opens as a hatchback giving it great practicality if needed. This also gives great access to the huge boot while other highlights inside include the now famous umbrella holder in the left-hand rear door on SE and Elegance models.

Skoda Superb 2013 Facelift Road Test

Real MPG average for a Skoda Superb (2008 – 2015)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

94%

Real MPG

27–67 mpg

MPGs submitted

317

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

What's the best ULEZ compliant car for £5000?

"I need a reliable car for mainly motorway driving and I’m in ULEZ so must be petrol for my budget, which is most reliable and comfortable for the job?"
If you want reliability, comfort and motorway capability we would suggest looking at cars such as the Skoda Octavia and Superb, Toyota Avensis and Mazda 6. You should find plenty of examples within your budget.
Answered by David Ross

Recommendation for a used car for a beekeeper?

"Please can you recommend a second-hand car for a beekeeper to carry all his beekeeping paraphernalia. Also does four trips a year of around 600 miles each and the car is required for a daily commute. Have a budget of around £15,000."
A Skoda Octavia Estate could be a good option. It's a very practical estate car with plenty of space for beekeeping paraphernalia. It also represents excellent value for money on the used market, with your £15,000 budget getting a petrol model from 2019. If you need even more space, consider the bigger Skoda Superb. Alternatively, a family SUV like the Kia Sportage should do the job nicely.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Best used estate car: 300C, V70 or Legacy?

"Can you give me an opinion on the Chrysler 300C Touring and the Volvo V70 2.0 D SE (driveability and reliability)? I recently test drove the former (2010), which impressed me hugely (3.0 CRD) and am about to look at the latter, but am slightly put off by the inferior power notwithstanding the blandness of modern Volvos. Grunt is a consideration. Also thinking about the Subaru Legacy, though the decent-sized engines are thirsty. Any other alternatives are gratefully received."
I haven't driven a 300C but if I remember correctly it is based on an old E-Class so I'm sure it's refined and comfortable. The Volvo is very comfortable and decent on fuel, but isn't going to set the world on fire in terms of performance. I would discount the Legacy, fuel economy is appalling, the frameless windows are quite noisy and the CVT gearbox makes a horrible drone when you're accelerating. Have you considered the Skoda Superb? These are huge inside and feel very well bit – a sizeable step up from the rest of the range. They're very easy to use and nice to drive for such big mile munchers. Things to look out for each: 300C https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/chrysler/300c-2005/good V70 https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/volvo/v70-2007/good Legacy https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/subaru/legacy-and-outback-2009/good Superb https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/skoda/superb-estate-2010/
Answered by Russell Campbell

How often does a timing belt need replacing?

"My six-year-old Skoda Superb has done 34,000 miles. I have been told that I need to replace the timing belt and I presume the water pump, is this right?"
We say timing belts, tensioners, water pumps and aux belts should be replaced every five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first unless the manufacturer recommends earlier replacement.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Skoda Superb (2008 – 2015) cost?