Summary
The Skoda Superb is a large family/executive car, available as either a liftback or an estate. The current car is the third generation, which was launched in 2015 and most recently updated in 2019.
The Superb has received almost unanimous acclaim from the UK motoring media and continues to receive numerous awards every year. As of April 2022, the current-generation Superb has won more than 60 awards from the UK motoring media by our count.
The Skoda Superb has received considerable praise for its practicality, design and value for money. Even more impressive is that it has received almost no real criticisms, apart from Jeremy Clarkson bemoaning its lack of soul. On our Expert Rating scale, the only remotely comparable car that scores more highly is the BMW 3 Series.
In a 2020 What Car? survey of the 50 most reliable cars in the UK up to eight years old, the petrol-engined versions of the Skoda Superb ranked a very creditable joint 16th place. Diesel versions, however, didn’t make the top 50. In the 2021 What Car? reliability survey, the Superb was the top-ranked executive car – improving from second place in its class the previous year.
Key specifications
Body style:Â Large liftback and estate
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £28,960 on-road
Launched: Summer 2015
Last updated: Winter 2019/20
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SE L
“This facelift may only bring marginal changes to the Skoda Superb, but with a fresher look and additional kit, it’s helped to strengthen it further.”
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Score: 7.6 / 10
“More than ever before, the Skoda Superb will provide those in the market for a large executive car with all they will require – whether they are stepping out of a Volkswagen Passat or a BMW 5 Series.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“Skoda’s flagship Superb boasts sleek styling, plenty of space and great value for money.”
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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid iV SE L estate
Score: 9 / 10
“Adding a plug-in powertrain has done very little to dent the appeal of the new Skoda Superb Estate, in fact, it could become the pick of the range for many buyers.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“Skoda’s flagship Superb boasts sleek styling, plenty of space and great value for money”
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Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“Its comfortable suspension set-up compliments its limo-like rear seat space, and the quiet engine and comfy seats all add into its relaxed feel.”
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Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“We get behind the wheel of the refreshed Skoda Superb Estate, and find it is still a winner in the space race.”
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Model reviewed: Sportline
Score: 8 / 10
“Looking for a fast and subtle saloon, but can’t afford a BMW 7 Series? The range-topping Skoda Superb makes a case as perfect cut-price alternative.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“If you want lots of space in a mature, pragmatic and well-priced package, look no further.”
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Model reviewed: Estate Sportline Plus
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s something deeply satisfying about a car that doesn’t make anybody but those in the know aware of its performance potential – and this Superb is about as close to absolute subtlety as you can get in 2020.”
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Model reviewed: 1.4 TSI iV
Score: 8 / 10
“Smooth, refined saloon adopts Passat GTE’s plug-in hybrid powertrain for economy and performance boosts.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5 TSI
Score: 9 / 10
“Image aside, it’s the big Skoda’s sheer box-ticking competence that’s difficult to argue with. Little has changed in that respect, and little needed to.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0 TDI Evo
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s a comfortable, refined, practical and effortless long-distance machine.”
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Score: 8 / 10
“This is every inch the big, quiet, solid, comfy, easy-going underground bunker of a car.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“That relaxed vibe is what the Superb is all about.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid iV estate
Score: 9 / 10
“The plug-in hybrid has added yet further appeal to the range of the excellent Skoda Superb. It might be marginally less spacious and more expensive than other petrol and diesel versions, but the smooth powertrain and opportunity for ultra-low running costs make the iV look like a convincing option.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SE L
Score: 9 / 10
“Slight tweaks were all that were needed to ensure the Skoda Superb Estate remains right at the top of this class in the large family car sector. Few others can combine value for money, comfort and spaciousness quite like the Superb, while also wrapping it up in a classy and premium package.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic
Score: 10 / 10
“Skoda hasn’t changed the Superb massively with this new car, but it didn’t need to. It’s a testament to just how excellent the model was in the first place that it continues to be so well-rounded, even four years after the last generation went on sale.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 9.6 / 10
“The Skoda Superb Estate offers a huge amount of space for the money, so it’s worth considering instead of an SUV.”
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Model reviewed: Liftback range
Score: 8.6 / 10
“The Skoda Superb hatchback has more space, comfort and capability than just about any car for the price”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 9 / 10
“The Skoda Superb Estate offers masses of boot space and a high-quality feel for a keen price. A Passat has a nicer interior, though, and the Superb doesn’t exactly get your pulse racing on the road.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Liftback range
Score: 9 / 10
“The Skoda Superb offers class-leading rear legroom and high levels of build quality for a keen price. A Passat has a nicer interior, though, while a Mondeo is more fun to drive.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid iV L&K liftback
“Instantly the Superb of choice for company car drivers – if their journey pattern suits PHEVs – although the Skoda looks pricey compared to rival plug-ins.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic SE L
“Still excellent, Skoda’s flagship Superb has had a mild improvement and subtly improved styling, but all the bits that make it such a good company car are wisely unfettled.”
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid automatic iV SE Technology liftback
Score: 8 / 10
“The plug-in hybrid version of Skoda’s best car – the Superb iV – is not just an impressive, very relaxing method of transport, but a ‘must-have’.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic SE L estate
“If there’s a car that didn’t need a facelift it’s the Skoda Superb. Fortunately, the tweaks to this one have done nothing to spoil an already fantastic package.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: Liftback range
Score: 8 / 10
“Traditional family cars like the Skoda Superb may be losing out to crossovers in the market, but on the road there’s still a lot to be said for a lower roofline and longer footprint. The Superb has body control quite unlike any higher-roofed vehicle, yet rides excellently on most surfaces – even on larger, more stylish wheel options.”
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Fleetworld
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 4×4 SE L estate
Score: 8 / 10
“With its combination of generous equipment and frugal engines, as well as its sharp looks, there’s lots to praise about the new Skoda Superb. If you need a load-lugger you need look no further.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: Plug-in hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“The Skoda Superb Estate iV is a very good all-round car. The key selling points are the large amounts of space for occupants and luggage, the fact that you can drive at least 20 miles on zero-tailpipe emission electric power (and then around 500 miles on petrol), and that, at £33,000, it’s a lot of car for the money.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 4×4 L&K
Score: 9 / 10
“The Skoda Superb 4×4 is ideal for carrying lots of people and luggage on longer motorway journeys, when it has good performance, it feels very surefooted, and the economy is also respectable. It’s very competent – rather than exciting – to drive.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8 / 10
“If space is the ultimate luxury, then the Skoda Superb can be counted as one of the most luxurious cars in the world. It’s not just a little bit spacious, either, it’s vast, with the sort of lounging room in the rear you’d expect to get in a luxury saloon like the Mercedes S-Class.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 9 / 10
“You can try and justify choosing another big estate over the Skoda Superb, but you’ll almost certainly fail. Few cars at any price manage to so comprehensively achieve all the key attributes that the segment demands, and that it does so without being flashy or expensive makes it all the more likeable.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“One of the best and most spacious family cars money can buy.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 4×4 liftback
“While the changes to the Skoda Superb might not be dramatic, it remains our favourite large family car on the market. There’s an engine to suit every purpose (including a plug-in hybrid on its way) and it’s a hugely practical choice with an interior that belies its price. The Superb continues to live up to its name.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 9.2 / 10
“A great estate with bags of room, majoring on value”
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Model reviewed: Liftback range
Score: 8.6 / 10
“Excellent full-sized hatchback renders costlier rivals irrelevant”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual
“It’s refreshing to drive an honest, no-nonsense family car which does exactly what it says it will. The superb Skoda Superb.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel manual estate
“It is extremely good value for money. It’s really rather good-looking. It is spacious. Yet it has the same amount of soul as a fridge freezer.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 4×4 liftback SE L
Score: 8 / 10
“This version of the Skoda Superb is probably as stealthy as a sporting saloon comes. The secret’s out: forget about the Octavia vRS, this is Skoda’s best fast car. Next time you see one, remember who might be at the wheel.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid iV Sportline Plus liftback
Score: 10 / 10
“Whether you plump for a lesser version, or splash out on this one instead, the Skoda Superb iV is one of the best plug-in hybrids on the market, and a righteous addition to the already brilliant Superb range.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
“Sold against fleet favourites such as the Vauxhall Insignia and Ford Mondeo, the Skoda Superb represents decent value for money, a refined drivetrain and the sort of looks that don’t mark it out as a mass-market car.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual SE
Score: 10 / 10
“It won’t surprise you to learn that very little has changed with this facelift. But it didn’t need to, because the Skoda Superb was a cracking buy beforehand, and it’s just as superb – if not even more so – now.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Liftback range
Score: 8 / 10
“No pun needed: the Skoda Superb is excellent. Every inch an Audi A6 rival. Honest.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 9 / 10
“Everything we loved about the old Skoda Superb Estate (size, space, value) with added updated interior tech and a genuinely stylish body. Verging on genius.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic Sportline Plus
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s not badged vRS, but thanks to a Sportline bodykit, suede sport seats, sporty wheels, and a sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel… well, it’s not lacking in sport.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“The Skoda Superb is pretty comfortable, well equipped, great value for money and one of the roomiest cars in its class. If you can forego a premium German badge, it’s a spankingly good car all round.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid Estate
“The Skoda Superb Estate iV plug-in hybrid doesn’t compromise too much on the regular model’s huge interior, with just as much passenger space and a still-gargantuan boot. The hybrid system opens up the potential for very low running costs, too. It’s a Which? Best Buy.”
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Model reviewed: Liftback range
“For many, the Skoda Superb is one of the most complete and well-rounded cars currently on sale. With its huge space inside, it has major appeal for families, but it also cuts the mustard as an executive cruiser with its comfortable ride and fabulous cabin.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range
“For many, the Skoda Superb will be the most complete and well-rounded car currently on sale. It’s particularly likely to appeal to growing families but also cuts the mustard as an executive cruiser. It may not be the most engaging large estate to drive, but in nearly all other respects it excels.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: June 2015
Eco rating
No eco rating
The Skoda Superb has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP. As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and inevitably the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic.
If the Superb is selected for assessment, we will publish the results here.
Security rating
Independent vehicle theft and security ratings from Thatcham Research
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Skoda Superb has received
2022
- Fleet World Awards – Best Upper Medium Fleet Car
- What Car? Awards – Best Estate Car
2021
- Business Motoring Awards – Best Estate Car
- carwow Awards – Best Large Hybrid Car (Superb iV) + Best Estate Car
- DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Large Car + Best Large Estate Car
- Fleet News Awards – Best Upper Medium Car
- Fleet World Awards – Best Upper Medium Fleet Car
- What Car? Awards – Best Estate Car + Best Executive Car for Value
2020
- Auto Express Driver Power – Best Family Car
- Autocar Awards – Best Family Car
- Business Car Awards – Best Upper-Medium Car
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Plug-in Hybrid
- DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Large Car + Best Large Estate Car
- Fleet News Awards – Best Upper Medium Car
- Fleet World Awards – Best Upper Medium Fleet Car
- What Car? Awards – Best Estate Car + Best Plug-in Hybrid under £35K + Best Executive Car under £30K
- What Car? Electric Car Awards – Best Plug-in Hybrid Estate Car
2019
- carwow Awards – Practicality Award
- DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Large Car + Best Large Estate Car
- DieselCar & EcoCar Used Car Top 50 – Used Car of the Year + Best Used Large Car + Best Used Estate car
- Fleet News Awards – Best Upper Medium Car
- Fleet World Honours – Best Upper Medium Car
- Honest John Awards – Best Large Car
- Parkers New Car Awards – Best Large Family Car
- What Car? Used Car Awards – Best Used Executive Car
2018
- DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Large Estate + Best Large Hatch
- DieselCar & EcoCar Used Car Top 50 – Best Used Estate car
- Fleet News Awards – Best Upper Medium Car
- Fleet World Honours – Best Upper Medium Car
- Honest John Awards – Best Large Car
- Tow Car Awards – Best Tow Car, 1400-1549kg
- What Car? Awards – Best Estate Car
2017
- ACFO Awards – Fleet Car of the Year
- Auto Express Awards – Best Family Car
- BusinessCar Awards – Best Upper Medium Car
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Estate Car
- Fleet News Awards – Best Upper Medium Car
- Fleet World Honours – Best Upper Medium Car
- Honest John Awards – Best Large Family Car
- Tow Car Awards – Best Tow Car, 1400-1549kg
- What Car? Awards – Best Estate Car
2016
- Auto Express Awards – Best Family Car + Best Estate Car
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Estate Car
- Contract Hire and Leasing Awards – Best Large Family Car
- Fleet News Awards – Best Upper Medium Car
- Fleet World Honours – Best Upper Medium Car
- Honest John Awards – Most Popular Large Family Car
- Professional Driver Awards – Private Hire Car of the Year
- Sunday Times Top 100 – Best Large Estate Car
- Telegraph Car Awards – Best Family Car
- Tow Car Awards – Best Tow Car, 1400-1549kg
- What Car? Awards – Best Estate Car
2015
- Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Estate Car
Similar cars
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