Used Skoda Superb 2015-2024 review

The Skoda Superb isn't short of intimidating competition. Being an executive car – and a rather large one, too – it has to deal with a fair few premium rivals also vying for your hard-earned cash.

We're talking about the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class, among other compelling options, so does the Superb feel like the clear odd one out? Absolutely not.

Firstly, no other car in its class can match it for space, so if that's what's most important to you, the Superb has won the vote before it even turns a wheel. There’s more to buying a used car than that, of course – but the good news is that the Superb delivers just about everywhere else too.

• Looking for an older car? Read our 2008-2015 Skoda Superb and 2002-2008 Skoda Superb used buying guides

Engines: The Superb sits on a stretched version of the Volkswagen Golf platform and comes with a wide choice of excellent engines. The 123bhp 1.4-litre petrol props up the range, followed by a more powerful 148bhp version (replaced with a 1.5-litre petrol with the same power output from 2018 onwards).

There are also a couple of versions of the 2.0-litre petrol (217bhp or 276bhp), but it’s the 118bhp 1.6-litre and 148bhp 2.0-litre diesels that dominated sales and are the most prevalent on the used market. The 2.0 TDI is also available with 187bhp and can be had with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. Later models also introduced a 1.4-litre petrol-electric hybrid option.

Trims and equipment: As far as trims go, entry-level S models are better equipped than most cars for the money, featuring a 6.5in touchscreen, air-con, Bluetooth connectivity and a DAB radio. SE adds 17in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise.

SE Technology is a business-based trim that adds sat-nav, front parking sensors and an electric driver’s seat with memory function. Even the pricier SE L Executive and Laurin & Klement models are great value for money compared with similarly equipped offerings from Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

Sportline and Sportline Plus trims, which sit between SE L Executive and Laurin & Klement, were added later, offering larger alloys and extra styling details, including sporty carbon fibre exterior ones.

Ride and handling: On the road, all the engines give the Superb reasonable pace despite its generous proportions, and on-paper fuel economy is impressive for such a competent executive car. The Superb rides and handles well, too, although not with the outright vigour of some of the smaller VW Group cars that share its platform. It doesn't have quite the panache of some rivals, but it’s a refined companion on motorways.

Interior and practicality: Turning to the interior, the driving position is good, the dashboard and major instruments and controls are all laid out in a clear and logical way, and the quality of the materials used is high. There is masses of interior space up front and even more lounging room in the back.

The boot – which is easily accessed via a hatchback tailgate – is long and deep, and holds significantly more than those of the Superb's main rivals. If you want an even longer load bay, there's the estate version, which has an even bigger boot. Head on over to our used Skoda Superb Estate 2015-present review if you're interested.

If you're interested in finding a used Skoda Superb, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at great prices.

It’s possible to pick up a Superb for around £6000, but it's likely to be one with a high mileage. If you increase the budget slightly to between £10,000 and £12,000, you’ll have your pick of good 2016 and 2017 cars, all with an average mileage for the year, a full service history and bought from an independent or franchised dealer. For £13,000-£15,000, you can get an excellent 2019 car that'll satisfy the same criteria. Expect to spend £18,000 to £20,000 on a 2020 and £22,000 to £25,000 on a 2021 or 2022 car, more for a 2023 or 2024 model.

Check the value of a used Skoda Superb with What Car? Valuations

Find a used Skoda Superb for sale here

MPG

The diesels are the most economical, with the 1.6 TDI Greenline returning an official average of 72.4mpg and the 148bhp 2.0 TDI averaging a healthy 65.7mpg in SE trim. The cheapest petrol to run will be the 1.4 TSI 150, which returns an average 54.3mpg.

Since the introduction of WLTP tests, engines don't seem quite so economical, but the figures quoted for these models should be more relevant to real-world driving. The newer 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol continues to be the most efficient model to drink from the green pump at 43.5mpg, while the 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel continues to impress with a figure of 55.4mpg.

The more powerful 187bhp diesel is far thirstier, at 44.1mpg, but that figure is for a car with an automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. The least efficient of the lot is the most powerful 2.0-litre petrol, which returns 33.2mpg.

CO2 emissions

No Superb quite breaks into the free road tax band, but the 1.6 TDI Greenline comes close with CO2 emissions of 109g/km, followed closely by the 2.0-litre diesel at 112g/km. The cylinder deactivation technology of the 148bhp 1.4 and 1.5-litre petrol helps to keep emissions down to 119 and 120g/km respectively.

Don't believe us? Well, the regular 123bhp 1.4 petrol, which does without such tech, emits 126g/km – almost as much as the 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel that's lumbered with an auto gearbox and four-wheel drive. Neither the 217bhp (146g/km) nor 276bhp (168g/km) 2.0-litre petrols is particularly eco-friendly.

Road tax

Road tax for all models registered before 1 April 2017 will vary depending on the emissions the engine produces (see above for more information), while examples registered after that date will have the same flat-rate fee for cars that cost less than £40,000 when new. This currently stands at £180 per year for petrol and diesel cars, while hybrids will currently cost you £170 per year.

Servicing

Servicing plans are available for the Superb for a reasonable price, covering two or three services depending on the length of cover you want and payable by direct debit. Examples between one and 10 years old will either cost you £22.50 a month over 18 months for two services, or 24 payments of £28 for three visits. Alternatively, you can go for a fixed-price service at £179 and pay separately for any extra jobs required (such as air and fuel filter replacements).

Insurance

Insurance groups are reasonable, starting at just 12 for the 1.6 TDI and rising to 31 for the faster petrols.

Reliability

The Skoda Superb does well for dependability according to real-world owner reviews from our annual What Car? Reliability Survey. Most feedback highlights its reliability with minor issues mainly confined to the infotainment system, which are resolved swiftly and affordably.

Dealership service receives praise for efficiency and professionalism, although a minority report longer waiting times for repairs. Despite this, the overall consensus confirms the Superb is a dependable choice, backed by an effective dealer network.

Delve deeper into the reliability of the Skoda Superb on our dedicated reliability page.

Specification

As far as trim goes, the S model is fine, but we’d be tempted to spend a bit more money and find an example in SE Technology trim, which has the best compromise of equipment and price. SE L and SE L Executive add a number of tempting luxuries, while the top-of-the-range Laurin & Klement model will appeal to those who appreciate an upgraded stereo and not having to scrape ice from the windscreen (it has an electrically heated one).

Engine

Among the later post-2018 cars, we prefer the 1.5 TSI 150 engine, which is smooth, punchy and economical. The earlier 1.4-litre petrol is similarly refined. Neither of the two 2.0-litre petrol engines is worth the added expense in fuel unless you do mainly urban driving.

Our favourite Skoda Superb 1.5 TSI 150 SE Technology

The Volkswagen Passat is a cousin of the Skoda Superb and is just as good to drive and huge inside. It rides well, too, and the diesel engines are a touch more refined than those in the Superb. The interior is a classy place to be and it’s good value on the used car forecourts.

The Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport is relatively cheap to buy both new and used, as well as being well-equipped and reasonable to drive. Its rear head room is a little tight for an otherwise large car and the boot is much smaller than a Superb's but it’s still worth a look.

Though it may not be quite as practical as the Superb, the Mazda 6 is a solid alternative. Examples are widely available on the used market – often for cheaper prices than the Superb. It offers good value for money, is fuel efficient and comes with an easy-to-use infotainment system.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

If you're interested in finding a used Skoda Superb head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at great prices.