Škoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDI 150PS SE L

This is the latest generation of the Škoda Superb. The vehicle has long been a close relative of the Volkswagen Passat, but that kinship is now closer than ever – the cars are produced on the same production line in VW’s Bratislava plant. For this test, I am driving the Škoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDI 150PS SE L, a diesel estate.

What am I looking for in the Škoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDI 150PS SE L?

I want to know if the new Škoda Superb Estate marks a worthwhile improvement over the old model, which we consider to be among the best tow cars for caravans. In addition, is there still a place for diesel-powered vehicles?

Towing ability of the Škoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDI 150PS SE L

Plenty of potential customers will be wondering whether to pick the Škoda Superb or the new Volkswagen Passat.

Well, the Škoda has some advantages over the VW. For one thing, buyers have the choice between a hatchback and an estate tow car, whereas the Passat is only sold as an estate. For another, the Škoda is still available with diesel power.

The Superb’s 2.0-litre engine provides an impressive 266lb ft of torque – go for the Passat with its 1.5-litre petrol engine, and it makes do with 184lb ft.

For my test, I borrowed a 2015 Bailey Unicorn Madrid from Raymond James Caravans. With a MiRO of 1352kg, it makes an 81% match for the Škoda (see: matching a car to a caravan for more on this).

The Superb towed the Bailey with confident ease, quickly reaching 60mph, so you can pull a tourer at the speed limits when towing. However, the engine doesn’t sound as smooth and quiet as the Passat’s 1.5-litre petrol.

On hilly roads, the Superb easily holds speed. In fact, there’s almost too much muscle for a front-wheel-drive car – I found it easy to spin the wheels by accident in a hill start on a 1-in-10 slope.

There is a 4×4 Superb, which comes with a more powerful version of the 2.0-litre diesel, but it’s considerably more expensive than the front-wheel-drive models.

The Škoda feels secure on all kinds of roads, and generally deals well with crosswinds. I did notice some tugging at the back of the car when the caravan was caught in the disturbed air around HGVs, but nothing out of the ordinary. I would be happy to spend a long day towing a caravan with it, even in windy weather.

As you’d expect if you’ve towed with any recent VW Group car, the towing gear drops down at the push of a button inside the tailgate. Pressing that button unlocks the towbar so it can be pushed back under the bumper.

The electrics are mounted on the side of the towbar, which makes it straightforward to slot the plug home without needing to reach under the car.

Don’t forget to ensure you have a pair of the best towing mirrors before you set off with your tourer too.

Solo driving in the Škoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDI 150PS SE L

In everyday driving, the Superb is easy to live with. The diesel engine doesn’t need to work so hard without the weight of a caravan to pull, so it sounds less strained unless you are really getting a move on.

The seven-speed DSG auto generally changes gear smoothly, although it can be a little slow to grab a lower gear.

Around town, the Škoda rides pleasingly. You can hear the suspension working, but the springs and dampers take the edge off sharp bumps and potholes.

Driving a car of this size, you will need a large parking spot, but the standard-fit front and rear parking sensors and the rear-view camera mean there’s no excuse for any bumps or scrapes.

Head out of the city, and the Superb continues to be comfortable and easy to drive. There’s some road noise at 70mph, but otherwise it is quiet at speed.

Space and practicality

The Škoda has always been known for its roomy cabin and generous luggage capacity. Aside from one minor disappointment (more on which shortly), the Superb continues to be one of the most practical family cars you can find on the market.

There’s ample space in the front of the car. Headroom and legroom are both generous, and there’s plenty of adjustment to the seat and the steering wheel.

Both front seats adjust electrically, and there’s even a massage function. Four-way adjustable lumbar support is standard.

As you’d expect, the Superb’s dashboard is similar to the new Passat’s, but there are some differences. One big plus is proper physical controls for the air conditioning, rather than the touchpads of the VW.

In the back of the car, the legroom is exceptional. Tall adults really can stretch out and relax. The new car’s roof is higher, so headroom has improved. There are two USB-C charging ports between the front seats, as well as air vents to keep those in the back at a comfortable temperature.

Compared with its predecessor, the new Superb is 40mm longer. Škoda has used that extra length to improve luggage space, increasing it to a huge 690 litres. However, disappointingly, the boot floor doesn’t sit flush with the tailgate opening, so you have to lift up bags and then lower them to the floor. A variable height boot floor solves this for £295 – but it ought to be standard.

Buying and owning a Škoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDI 150PS SE L

The Superb is competitively priced. Costing just under £40,000, this model avoids the VED premium that applies to vehicles that cost over this threshold.

Fuel economy is excellent. I beat the official combined figure, achieving around 65mpg on long motorway journeys. While towing, I saw 30.7mpg. Standard kit is generous and the Superb should match the Passat’s five-star rating from Euro NCAP.

Don’t forget to buy one of the best steering wheel locks either – after spending out on a towing vehicle it’s well worth doing everything you can to keep it safe from potential thieves.

Alternatives to consider

As well as the VW Passat Estate, there are other options caravanners could consider. For instance, the Škoda Octavia Estate 2.0 TDI 150PS SE L DSG is a fuel-efficient option with great practicality and good stability. There’s also the Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI 150PS R-Line, a car which is great for everyday driving and provides good stability, even if it’s not available as a diesel.

Technical spec of the Škoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDI 150PS SE L

• Price: £39,705
• What Car? Target Price: £37,154
• Retained value after three years: 53%
• Kerbweight: 1678kg
• 85% of kerbweight: 1426kg
• Gross vehicle weight: 2241kg
• Max towing limit: 2000kg
• Gross train weight: 4241kg
• Towball limit: 90kg
• Price of towball and electrics: £1105
• Boot size: 690-1920 litres
• Payload: 563kg
• Test conditions: Dry
• Engine size: 1968cc
• Power (hp): 150 @ 3500rpm
• Torque (lb ft): 266 @ 1600rpm
• Official combined economy: 53.5-55.1mpg
• Towing economy: 30.7mpg
• CO2 emissions: 135-139g/km
• First year car tax: £270
• Second year car tax: £190
• Insurance group: 25
• Euro NCAP overall protection rating: TBC

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