Skoda Superb now on sale

Skoda's eagerly awaited Superb Estate is now on sale in the UK, with the entry-level 1.4-litre petrol model costing £17,715.

The Estate range uses the same engines and trim levels as the saloon-cum-hatch Superb, so there's also a turbocharged 1.8-litre petrol engine and 3.6-litre V6. Buyers can choose between front- and four-wheel drive with the 1.8 T engine that costs from £18,810 and £22,420 respectively, while the 3.6 V6 has all-wheel drive as standard.

The V6 also has Skoda's twin-clutch DSG gearbox included in its hefty £29,075. For the V6 flagship model, the DSG transmission has six-speeds, but the 1.8 T version has a seven-speed 'box.

Turbodiesel engines are taken care of by a 105bhp 1.9-litre unit as the starting point, which costs from £18,185. The 140bhp 2.0-litre common rail turbodiesel engine begins at £19,255 in S trim, while the 170bhp version of this unit can be bought in front- or four-wheel drive forms. As a front-drive car with the 170bhp 2.0 turbodiesel, the Superb Estate costs from £22,315, with the four-wheel drive version starting at £23,770.

Standard equipment for the S models includes 16in alloy wheels, air conditioning, seven airbags (including a driver's knee airbag), ESP traction and stability control, and roof rails. The SE adds 17in alloy wheels, touch-screen CD stereo, Alcantara upholstery and cruise control among other luxuries. Go for the Elegance model and you're treated to 18in alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights, electrically adjusted front seats and satellite navigation.

All Superb Estates come with a 633-litre boot with the rear seats upright and it can be extended to 1865-litres when the 60/40 split and tip rear seats are folded. For the first time on a Skoda, Park Assist is an option and buyers can also specify an electrically operated tailgate with multi-adjustable opening height settings.