The Skoda Superb estate The Skoda Superb saloon (hatchback) can be powered by a two-litre diesel or a mild hybrid Small margins: the great cliche of modern sport commentators. They stand beside a screen of infographics so they can show you where, for example, a player was a yard too far forward and allowed an opponent to break between the lines (another great cliche) and score. But I have a bit more sympathy for commentators now after I was left to choose which of two large Skodas that I would buy: the Superb hatchback or the Superb estate (Combi).
To make things a little more complicated, the hatchback can be powered by a two-litre diesel or a mild hybrid, while the estate additionally, and significantly, gets a plug-in hybrid. I’ve driven the diesel in the hatchback model and the plug-in in the Combi. Both are far better cars than the ones exiting stage left in terms of under-the-skin technology (power source, suspension, driver/car safety) and the fruits of visible technology (interactive infotainment screens, communication and comfort).
Skoda has also improved the cabins with some lovely touches, inlays and dash-design cladding. Such elements can sway the outcome from an objective to a subjective perspective. I’ve seen it happen.
And don’t forget you will be looking at that dashboard and screens for many a day. If I bought the Combi plug-in would I spend years regretting not buying the diesel hatch? Of course, there is the matter of price, cost of ownership, roa.