Skip advert
Advertisement

Skoda Superb review - ride and handling

Precise cornering characteristics and impressive body control don't harm the Superb's excellent ride. Adaptive dampers are well worth the money, where available.

Evo rating
RRP
from £19,060
  • Well-balanced chassis and good powertrain calibration; it’s huge inside
  • Not as inexpensive as it once was

Pull away in the Dynamic Chassis Control’s (DCC) Comfort setting and the Superb feels exactly how you might have imagined it would before scanning the ‘performance’ section of the spec sheet. It might have a hot hatch engine, but the 2-litre saloon-cum-hatch feels rather tame. It’s remarkably comfortable though, ironing out motorway cracks with ease.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Switch DCC from Comfort to Sport and the Superb does subtly transform its character, but not quite to the extent that it’ll turn into some type of well-dressed hot hatchback alternative. The body feels more tied down, remaining hunched over crests and strong on its toes during compressions, but ultimate body control isn’t quite as consolidated as it is with say Vauxhall’s Insignia GSi or Peugeot’s admittedly far more expensive 508 PSE. It never goes as far as becoming harsh, but every steering input becomes much more immediate.

We’ve also tried a car with standard, non-adaptive suspension. It doesn’t quite have the wide-ranging abilities of DCC-equipped cars, but it still offers a suitable compromise between ride and body control.

Steering feel is next to non-existent in all modes, but the electronic assistance is refreshingly consistent and does at least allow you to be nicely accurate with inputs. The Superb is no sports saloon, but in pure and simple terms it’s more fun than its predecessor, and entertaining enough for a car of its type. It doesn’t quite have the class or poise of its Stellantis rivals which feel like they have had more time and money spent on their bespoke calibration.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Focus ST (Mk3) – the car world's greatest misses
Ford Focus ST Mk3
Features

Ford Focus ST (Mk3) – the car world's greatest misses

We’d hoped the 2015 Focus ST would share a good dose of its little brother’s magic. Sadly, it didn’t
28 Apr 2025
The Ferrari 296 Speciale has arrived, and it could be the most thrilling Ferrari ever
Ferrari 296 Speciale – front
News

The Ferrari 296 Speciale has arrived, and it could be the most thrilling Ferrari ever

The 296 Speciale is the latest in Ferrari's line of mid-engined road racers, packing 868bhp and LaFerrari-beating pace on track
29 Apr 2025
Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale 2025 review – a rare Italian jewel beyond compare
Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale front
Reviews

Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale 2025 review – a rare Italian jewel beyond compare

What’s Alfa Romeo’s near-£2m hand-built supercar like to drive? We find out, on the Balocco test track
29 Apr 2025