It's got plenty of space and kit, plus it drives quite well. Are you OK with a Skoda?
It was once allegedly said that people at Volkswagen really didn't like the idea of having Skoda or Seat present in markets like Thailand because these two lesser brands of the mighty VW Group empire kind of distort the pricing strategy for the German nameplate.
You see, Skoda for one is brand with no premium intention and is supposed to carry prices as sensible as possible in the mass-market sector. Yet the Czech national car has access to all of VW's good bits in the R&D department.
The Superb, as tested here for the first time, is Skoda's flagship saloon that sits between a VW Passat and Phaeton in size. The Superb is said to be based on the long wheelbase version of the Passat sold in China.
Size wise, the Superb is nearly a proper rival for front-drive executive cars like the Audi A6 and Volvo S80 and comfortably an alternative to mainstream models like Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
Even though the Superb is a completely built-up import, its price of 2.15 million baht (1.98 million is introductory) for Ambiente can't be considered that bad at all because the S80 is built in Thailand yet pricier. The Superb may be some 300,000 baht dearer than a top-spec Accord or Camry but comes quite laden with kit, be it with safety or convenient items.
The rear opens either saloon or hatch style.
That's not to mention the Classic trim that costs a lower 1.98 million (1.795 million on promotion now), although you would now need to count what kind of features are being thrown out of the car.
It's quite a decent effort by Skoda in pricing the Superb. The Ambient sees all kinds of active and passive safety, electric seats and pampering items for rear passengers like air-con and sunblinds.
The Superb is actually a great car to be chauffeur-driven in. The legroom space it has behind shames all of its conceived rivals and even beats that of the BMW 5-series or Mercedes-Benz E-class. You could even say that the Superb should the car of choice for fleet buyers at 2 million baht _ a sector once cherished by old Volvo fans.
The cabin has lots of VW DNA and feels reasonably upmarket.
The on-paper dimensions of the Superb don't really indicate its brilliance in capturing the hearts of space-hungry buyers. But in reality, it does, thanks to a great package whose rear end can open in either saloon or hatchback style (like BMW's 5-series GT that came out later than the second-gen Superb).
The Superb is a highly practical saloon, although it would have been virtually impeccable as a four-dour should the rear seats be able to create a completely flat floor when fold down.
And just because Skoda isn't in the same brand marketing league as Audi doesn't mean that the Superb is drab inside. You'll spot lots of DNA from VW (and some of Audi), nice plastic surfaces and seats clad with a mix of leather and suede.
The Superb does feel quite upmarket inside, enough to make the Camry and its likes look blander and feel cheaper in terms of perceived quality. You now know why VW doesn't like Skoda to be measured because a similarly specced Passat would cost nearly 3 million baht in Thailand.
The top-spec model goes for 2.15 million baht. The turbo 1.8 packs lots of low-rev punch.
By using technical credentials of a Passat, the Superb bodes well on the move. It has that kind of chassis setup that makes those of the Japanese typically compromised. The ride in the Superb is cosseting at most times and is nicely sprung for Thai roads. The 18-inch wheels it wears are hardly annoying over poor road surfaces.
There isn't a shortage of high-speed grip either in the Superb and indicates the attention Europeans give to chassis that should excel in most types of driving conditions.
The steering, too, is quite decent by having just the right amount of weight to make the car drive effortlessly around town yet crisply elsewhere. Some Audis don't steer as good as in the Superb.
And then there's the drivetrain bit which is no stranger to either Audi or VW: a 160hp 1.8-litre petrol-turbo unit mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. This motor is designed for practical real-world driving and not the performance-style one.
Rear legroom beats that of an E-class.
The Superb packs plenty of low-rev punch enough to easily the trigger the traction control system on. There's still ample of it in the mid-ranges before getting a little lazy above the legal limit. But that's all you'd need, most people would say.
You can make the engine livelier and more responsive by engaging the gearlever into sport (there are paddle-shifters on the steering wheel). This mode really wakes up the motor but could be a little too erratic with its tendency to hang on a cog too long.
The whole idea of this engine and gearbox is actually usable performance and good economy (the manufacturer's claim is highly credible) and is a lesson in engine downsizing that would be equivalent to the traditional 2.4-litre non-turbo engines of the Accord and Camry.
So where does that leave us with the Superb in the end? It's a great car, if you don't mind its styling that appears to be gawky from some angles. It has a great packaging, and capable drivetrain and chassis to really make the Japanese mediocre.
The Far East can really thank their stars that Skoda (or VW) doesn't produce cars in Thailand or, to put it in another way, that the Thai tax structure still is prejudiced towards imports.
And by bearing a brand that hardly any Thais know, the Superb would remain a niche in the Thai market when it is actually a better car than its intended rivals _ left and right _ when it comes to outright product substance.
Ride works well on Thai roads.
AT A GLANCE
Styling ................................. 6/10
The Superb doesn't look like anybody, so its proportions and details are either cool or quirky depending on the eye.
Performance ........................ 7/10
The 1.8-litre petrol-turbo engine offers great shove around town before needing to work harder at higher speeds.
Handling/ride ....................... 8/10
The well-weighted steering and and nicely-balanced chassis works well on Thai roads.
Practicality .......................... 9/10
Don't get fooled by the outer appearance. The Superb offers brilliant cabin space and a two-style boot lid.
Safety kit ............................. 8/10
Skoda may be a budget car brand of the Volkswagen Group, but the Superb in Ambient form is well-equipped.
VERDICT .............................. 7/10
Seen from a pure product point of view, the Superb is quite a great car with a clever packaging, capable chassis and proper real-world performance. But the brand is still weak in Thailand and its imported status utterly hinders in-class competitiveness.
The whole idea of this engine and gearbox is actually usable performance and good economy.
OR TRY THESE
HYUNDAI SONATA 2.0 SPORT
Price 1.87 million baht
Power 165hp 2.0-litre inline-4 petrol
Gearbox 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase 2,795mm
We think Stands out from the crowd with sleek and stylish appearance. The poor man's Mercedes CLS.
SUBARU LEGACY 2.5I
Pric e1.988 million baht
Power 150hp 2.5-litre flat-4 petrol
Gearbox CVT automatic
Wheelbase 2,743mm
We think Unique here with all-wheel-drive system but dull to drive and to look at.
TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID
Pric e1.799 million
Power 187hp 2.4-litre inline-4 petrol-electric
Gearbox CVT automatic
Wheelbase 2,775mm
We think The default choice: strong brand, hybrid power, well-specified and good value.
VOLVO S80 2.5T
Price 2.499 million baht
Power 200hp 2.5-litre inline-5 petrol-turbo
Gearbox 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase 2,835mm
We think Dearest here but is distinguished with powerful E85-capable engine and safety features.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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