Skoda estate packs superb value

Can a 4x4 car compete with a proper 4x4? That’s the dilemma facing car buyers who are tempted by the comfort and price of the 4x4 car but aren’t sure if it will meet their needs.

One of the cars that fuels that temptation is the Skoda Superb, which is massively more spacious and comfortable than most 4x4s on the market. In terms of space, this new Superb leaves almost every other car in the shade, and not just because of its big boot. There is also impressive rear legroom that no other can match.

I’ve had the Superb estate in 4x4 format on the road over recent weeks. The car has the benefit of a 4x4 system that automatically kicks into place should you ever need it.

In theory, this gives a boost to the car’s pulling/towing ability, but is it enough to compete with a true 4x4 for farm and rural driving? Can it match the tougher off-road conditions that you expect a true 4x4 to deal with? I expect that it will take you out of some difficult driving conditions that are, unfortunately, becoming more common as road maintenance slips down councils' priority lists.

The Skoda system is based around what is called a Haldex clutch. This moves the drive to the wheels on the car that have grip and away from those that are slipping. So this is a car for frosty driving conditions. It will work well on gravel roads too, providing good grip when wheel slip can occur.

As for true heavyduty 4x4 applications, the lack of ground clearance and the lack of a positive 4x4 engagement that can let driving conditions be prepared for, rather than pre-empted, will mean that there are other choices needed. If you live in a hilly area that’s prone to heavy frost and annual snow falls and you don’t need a heavyduty 4x4 for work, then the Skoda Superb will offer you that comfort.

The reason that the Skoda Superb 4x4 is worthy of consideration is due to its space, comfort and economy. On the space front, there is simply no competition. Sit in the back and you will not need to be convinced.

When it comes to comfort, you have car-like comfort rather than that of a 4x4, as it sits snugly on the road. The Superb has a long wheelbase that takes the bumps with ease.

The last point is the economy. Skoda rates the economy of the 2.0-litre 140bhp Superb 4x4 estate at 19km/litre (5.3l/100km or 53.3 mpg), and I recorded a figure close to that.

We took the car across the country to west Clare, using some national and rural roads to test its mettle. We also took it down some gravel roads with its smooth Dunlop 205/55R16 road tyres.

Across the rural roads of west Clare, the car handled the bumps well. I maintained good grip on the gravel roads, but we were not testing it to the limit in rally conditions.

Overall, the economy result over a 1,100km distance was an impressive figure that was remarkably close to the Skoda-rated figure.

That meant I achieved an impressive economy figure of close to 1,000km on a 60-litre tank. I was impressed but, with its relatively low towing rating of 2,000kg and poorer ground clearance, I can’t see where it can replace a towing 4x4.

The 4x4 system adds about 200kg to the towing ability, but it’s not enough to compete with many of the larger 4x4s which run to 3,500kg. However, such options are also more expensive.

This Superb has a lot of safety kit included and there’s a good Bluetooth phone kit.

The entry price is €34,965 or £26,220 in Northern Ireland, which is about the same price as a mid-sized SUV with the 4x4 system included. That’s not much more than the Octavia 4x4, but the Superb is so much more spacious.

There is no commercial version of the Superb 4x4 in the way that Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Toyota and SsangYong now offer, which could mean it lacks some possible saving opportunities for your farm or business.

But if you just want space, economy and slightly enhanced driving ability for snow and muddy conditions, then you won’t beat the Skoda Superb in terms of cost and ownership value.

Superb 2.0 TDi 4x4

Engine 2.0 litre