Renault Talisman Estate, Opel Insignia Tourer, Ford Mondeo SW…the list of “road station wagons” has lost several of its illustrious (and less illustrious) members in recent years. Some manufacturers are still holding out, like Skoda, which unveils the new version of its Superb Combi as this designation celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2024.
In a thin market, facing rivals as disparate as the Mazda 6, the Peugeot 508 SW or even the Citroën C5 X, this new Czech road car has serious assets to enforce the law. So much so that the question deserves to be asked: what if the Skoda Superb Combi was simply the best station wagon on the market?
An old-fashioned break as we love them
It is in old pots that the best soups are made, so it seems. Skoda applies this saying literally by updating its Superb in the very year of its 90th anniversary. Because, although it only made a comeback in 2001, the first Skoda Superb was born in 1934. But today’s nonagenarian has little in common with its ancestry.
For its new iteration, Skoda has made the choice to only offer its family car in a station wagon version at first. A bold gamble, but one that fits into a certain logic since the third generation Superb sold more than 850,000 units, including over 67,000 for the Combi in 2023.
This respect for tradition is also reflected in the choice of engines for this model: a 2.0 TDI diesel block and a 1.5 TSI petrol engine, both producing 150 horsepower, the latter even being coupled with a 48V micro-hybridization. For those who find the offer a little light, know that the family is going to expand quickly, with the announced arrival of a brand new 204 horsepower rechargeable hybrid engine, which should offer more than 120 kilometers of autonomy in all-electric mode. Tradition, certainly, but it also rhymes with innovation.
Skoda always aims higher
In terms of design, there are no big surprises in sight, yet the new Superb Combi looks significantly more sporty. This is due to sharper lines and the intentional “widening” of the vehicle visually, to better anchor it on the road. Specifically, the car extends by 4 cm to reach 4m90 (with a width of 1m85 and a height of 1m48) and displays an XXL wheelbase of 2m84. Visually more elegant, this large sedan mainly confirms the impression left by the manufacturer’s most recent models (Enyaq and Kodiaq in particular): Skoda is becoming increasingly premium, even if it means openly stepping on the toes of parent company Volkswagen.
Does she really box in the same category as the Passat? Maybe. Maybe not. In any case, the Superb Combi doesn’t need to blush in front of her prestigious cousin. And sometimes it’s all down to simple details, such as a 2D logo on the grille, new Matrix LED lights or even scrolling turn signals. But of course, it’s especially on the inside that you feel this move upmarket the most, in the same way as on the new Kodiaq: materials and assemblies that offer a higher level of perceived quality, ventilated and massaging ergonomic seats, a new 13-inch infotainment screen, a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit behind the steering wheel, and even Smart Dials, these “smart controls” halfway between the traditional button and the touch control that allow you to adjust the air conditioning, driving mode, or even the sound volume.
But while these additions may seem familiar, there is one area where the Superb Combi clearly stands out: the interior space. Benefiting from its giant wheelbase, it allows large individuals to be very comfortable in the back, both in terms of leg, shoulder, and headroom. The brand does not hesitate to describe it as a “rolling lounge” and the term is (almost) not exaggerated. Even luggage will have plenty of space in the trunk with a minimum loading volume of 690 liters below the luggage cover and up to 1920l with all seats folded down. It’s the absolute benchmark in this matter!
The Superb finds the right balance on the road
By choosing to keep “traditional” engines, Skoda reminds us that one can experience real driving pleasure in a car in 2024. In the petrol version that we tested, the 150 horsepower is not too much to power the beast (with a 0-100km/h announced in 9.3 seconds), but once it gets going, nothing can stop it.
Gently handled, the pretty Czech car evolves serenely and proves to be reasonable in terms of consumption (less than 6.5l/100 km). Being more responsive than the right pedal, it proves that its new chassis is perfectly balanced, firmer than on the previous generation (perhaps too much?), with very precise steering. On the twists and turns of Puy Mary, some acceleration times are a bit long, but in fast bends, the Superb moves with certain agility.
Once we returned to the valley, we were able to observe that it remained very pleasant to drive on the highway, benefiting from the usual arsenal of driving aids (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist…). And even though the city is not its preferred terrain, it still manages to perform honorably.
In summary, our opinion on the new Skoda Superb Combi
At the end of a varied route of about 300 kilometers in fabulous landscapes (the Cantal is a region to discover!), this Skoda Superb Combi left us with a very positive impression… just like the Kodiaq. Its decidedly more modern design is certainly classic but elegant, and the interior is very well-kept, with complete equipment and quality finishes. And what about the comfort and space on board, always a strong point of the manufacturer?
The road behavior essentially designates this Superb for long journeys, but it will also appeal to both road professionals and families. And for good reason: the Normandy wardrobe from the antique dealer or the twins’ stroller will easily find their place here!
Pleasant to live with and to drive, this Skoda sees its price substantially inflated, proportionally to its rise in range: offered from 44 380€ (and 54 330€ for the Selection 1.5 TSI 150ch DSG7 version tested here), the Superb Combi is now more expensive than a VW Passat, available from 42 990€… But can this prevent it from claiming the title of best estate car in the segment?
