Skoda Superb mini review

[Seansene]

So is it indeed... superb? Well, at least in terms or rear legroom it is - only stiltwalkers would complain about being cramped in the back. Furthermore, the runner of the front seats are mounted on the sides, instead of the floor, which frees up even more space space for feet to go under. After a few days though you begin to wonder if all that space is necessary. Still, it's good to know that it's all there.

 

The 1.8T engine and gearbox are highlights, acting as a seamless whole. These are the same units found in Audi's TT, and don't disappoint. Shifting in Tiptronic mode is a particular delight, offering the distinct advantages of having a quicker throttle response compared the full auto mode, while remaining buttery smooth. And the fat torque curve all the way from 1750rpm means not having to stress the engine to reach license busting speeds. In fact, that's how it likes being driven.

 

You can hustle it rapidly along tightish bends in third with minimal fuss, there's surprisingly little understeer for a large car with the engine pushed so far in front. But don't attack the roads the way you would with, say a Civic Type R. The gearbox's shifts can't keep up, the engine runs out of breath too fast, and the car just feels out of shape. Besides, you aren't travelling any faster... It's best fulfilling its duties as a cruiser that just happens to handle decently, when driven smoothly.

 

For a car in its class it might look a little spartan, with a great number of switches on the dash being blanks. Camry lovers will also be disappointed at the lack of fake tress littering the interior, but overall it feels more solid than what most of the Japs offer.

 

At $104,500 (last I checked) it's mighty tempting. Mr Camry and Cefiro may not give it a second glance, but they never look beyond their badges anyway. The Superb is an interesting alternative for those looking at masses of space, polished ride, decent handling and enough oomph for our tiny island and beyond.

[Genie47]

Its not just the badges. CA is pushing for the Superb to be sold to cab companies because its diesel powerplant meets Euro4 emissions. Mr Camry and Mr Cefira do not like driving a Superb taxi.

[Seansene]

My Camry and Cefiro probably don't know about this yet. Anyway, Mr Mercedes doesn't have a problem driving a taxi

Edited November 26, 2004 by Seansene

[Soya]

on the contrary. mr kamly & gang believes in safety in numbers ("so many ppl going for it, muz be good"). so if it makes a SUPERB taxi, sales may actually be SUPERB too. oh, but gotta distastefully splash shiny brown stuff all over to make it 'classy' too.....

[Mok_]

Saw a Skoda Superb 2.5TDi at STAR Portsdown just now. Not registered yet. A Superb Taxi?

[Genie47]

Yes Superb taxi. Singapore gahment want to wayang about Euro4 emissions so forcing taxi companies to upgrade to diesels with Euro4 standards. Comfort and CityCab looking into it. May not buy for all I know. They wayang about the CNG bus and cab too, remember?

 

We have a strong gahment lacking political will for anything except make money.

Edited November 26, 2004 by Genie47

[Seansene]

Which is why they'll push the casino thing through...

[Seansene]

Just think how spacious it will be

[Genie47]

Soon they might need registered hookers to issue receipts so that they may be income taxed. Sweden did this. From what I heard, the brothels got cash register.

 

"Thank you sir for your kind visit. Glad to be of service to you. This is your receipt which reflects the different jobs that you required and the GST amount is reflected. The condom is supplied free as you can see. See you again and have a nice day... "

[Lightspeed]

So you finally tested this one today?

[Mok_]

Spacious it is. I was there when the ST pple were checking it out. It's a full spec'd version with factory leather. It'll look totally different in taxi form.

[Cardinal]

Now then you write!

[Seansene]

Some time ago, but never got round to writing...

[Seansene]

Eh, I've not seen a review from you either!

[Seansene]

The fully specced version (or Elegance trim) is over $30k more than Classic trim Ok, so it has xenon headlamps, a fridge in the back seat and umbrella drainage in the door (among other things), but for that much??? Seow...

[Lightspeed]

You forgot the sunroof

[Seansene]

Oh yes, the sunroof - less metal, more cost

[Genie47]

The ST people are looking at the wrong car for a general taxi. The Superb should be a luxury limo taxi in the fully spec'd version. The normal taxis should be the versatile 2.0TDi Kangoos or Berlingos. Don't need for any London cabs.