Skoda today is a far cry from the Skoda of old – the Czechoslovakian brand has flourished under Volkswagen Group ownership and the latest Skoda Superb lives up to its somewhat over the top name. The Skoda Superb comes in sedan and wagon, each, with the choice of two 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel – the entry petrol engine and the diesel come in front drive – the higher capacity 206TSi petrol in all wheel drive – I tested what’s called the 206TSi Sportline sedan – $1,000 more to the standard 206 sedan at $51,990 but well worth the extra money with 17 styling differences in a car that is premium in so many ways. The 2.0-litre turbo engine and six-speed dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters offers so much class – with permanent all-wheel- drive, distinctly sporty and so assured on road. Fit and finish and quality is as good as anything out of Germany. Rear seat legroom is, pardon the pun, simply superb – overall, a very spacious sedan. All Skoda Superb models from the entry front drive sedan at 39,990 basically have the same level of specification and that’s rather rare in the car industry. Downsides – ride quality on a poor surface on 40-series tyres could be better and it lacks a full size spare wheel, surprising for an all-wheel- drive model. Skoda as a brand may not appeal but check the Superb specification – you’ll find it impressive to say the very least. I’m David Berthon

2017 ŠKODA Superb SportLine wagon.

2017 ŠKODA Superb SportLine sedan.

Download this podcast here