Family Car of the Year 2020: Skoda Superb

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The consistency of Skoda’s products is proof the brand knows what its buyers want as the market evolves, and this updated version of the Superb embodies that in a few key areas.

First of all, there’s the range of choice the Superb offers when it comes to powertrains, and it’s been extended by the addition of Skoda’s iV plug-in hybrid.


With 215bhp available and the potential for 34 miles of all-electric, zero-emission running thanks to its combination of a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine with a 13kWh battery pack and electric motor, Skoda has moved with the market. It offers a Superb that will return a claimed 217.3mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 30g/km, which is why the iV is also an attractive option for business users. An overnight charge at home only takes three and a half hours.

Of course, if you cover more motorway miles, then the 2.0-litre TDI options still serve up strong economy and acceptable emissions for company car drivers. With lots of smooth torque on offer in both powertrains – electrically assisted or pure diesel – it makes propelling this big machine relatively effortless.

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The Superb is limo-like in the back, offering as much legroom as some luxury cars. It’s incredibly spacious, so there’s more than enough room for a family.

Be warned that the iV does have a drawback, though. Compared with a regular petrol or diesel Superb hatch’s 625-litre boot, which is simply huge, the iV only provides 485 litres due to the location of its battery, but it’s a small price to pay for the extra efficiency, while it still offers plenty of luggage space.

The big hatch offers a nicely judged balance between body control and comfort. So, with light but accurate steering and a decent level of grip allied to a soft enough set-up to absorb the typically patchwork state of the UK’s roads, the Skoda is a brilliant all-rounder.

Tech tweaks, with revised infotainment, a digital dash and more connectivity – including an app to schedule iV charging – mean the Superb covers the key areas for a car in this class, and it’s as understated as ever.

Our choice


Skoda Superb Hatch 1.5 TSI 150 SE L (£29,100)

Petrol is the popular choice in 2020, and the 148bhp 1.5 TSI in the Superb fits the bill, with a smooth delivery and strong efficiency of up to 43.5mpg in SE L trim. This spec features an eight-inch touchscreen with nav, matrix LED lights, heated leather seats and good safety tech at an affordable price.

Commended


Hyundai Ioniq

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Few cars offer the breadth of choice of powertrain in Hyundai’s Ioniq, with hybrid, plug-in and fully electric to choose from, the latter now with even more range. The car offers lots of space, sound infotainment and connectivity, impressive efficiency and plenty of all-round appeal.

Peugeot 508

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If you’re after something a little more stylish than the Superb, the more coupé-like Peugeot 508 mixes attractive design with strong refinement. There’s a plug-in to rival the Skoda, too, but all models offer good comfort with a more design-focused edge without compromising practicality too much.

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