Skoda Superb 162TSI Wagon 2016 Review

Featuring a new generation of petrol and diesel engine options, the Superb is the flagship of the Skoda range in Australia.

The 162TSI wagon we’re testing here is the revised entry level model and has a couple of Skoda’s upgrade packs added, so it’s packed full of features for its price.

We took a spin in the revamped range at launch and have also sampled the range topping 206TSI DSG 4x4.

The manufacturer’s list retail price for the Skoda Superb range starts at $39,990 (plus ORCs) for the Superb Sedan 162TSI and tops out at $50,990 (plus ORCs) for the range topping 206TSI DSG 4x4. The diesel powered 140TDI model is the mid-range offering and retails for $43,990 (plus ORCs).

Unlike most European brands, which can offer hundreds of options and upgrades that can add thousands to the final price of the car you’ll buy, Skoda is to be applauded for its simple approach to upgrade packages.

The wagon bodystyle is available in all three engine options at a flat $1700 surcharge. Each model can be upgraded with a $1500 Comfort Pack that adds leather-appointed seats, front heated and ventilated seats, rear heated seats and a front passenger seat that can be electrically adjusted from the rear.

An Image Pack can be added to the 162TSI and 140TDI models for $1700. This adds up-spec 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, driving mode selection, configurable interior ambient lighting, paddle shifters and 15mm lowered sports suspension.

A Tech Pack will set you back a further $4700 on the 162TSI and 140TDI models and $3400 on the 206TSI. It includes driver assist technologies such as automatic parking, rear traffic alert, side assist with blind-spot detection and a hands-free tailgate system.

Skoda offers a three year unlimited kilometre warranty – extended for a further two years with an upfront payment of $1699.

The Skoda Superb offers a premium vehicle feel without a serious price tag. The test vehicle was equipped with both the image pack and comfort pack – both great choices that feel like good value additions to the standard car.

An excellent infotainment system including satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay is easy to use and worthy of mention for drivers looking for an intuitive system that just works.

For such a big vehicle, the Superb wagon it has a very comfortable ride, and is compliant on road without feeling too soft. As such, it is likely to appeal to wagon drivers who prefer their rides to be on the less sporty side. If you do want to engage more with your drive then the Superb offers both driving mode selection and paddle shifters to deliver more of a sports experience behind the wheel.

Rear seat passengers are likely to appreciate the ride in the rear as the spacious accommodation offers great legroom and the heated seats add an extra level of luxury. Rear window blinds offer added comfort and children love the rock star when they engage stealth mode.

Rear space is cavernous with 660 litres of storage with the seats up and an impressive 1950 litres with seats down. The rear is also equipped with a great combination of nets to stop items from rolling around within the boot. It’s a very well thought out system.

The Skoda Superb is on sale now. The 162TSI wagon variant tested was equipped with both the comfort and tech packs and will set you back $44890 (plus ORCs).

The Skoda Superb is a surprise package. It offers a high level of specification for its price and as such, represents excellent buying for the anti-badge snob.

It’s a spacious family hauler with plenty of room to easily accommodate five passengers and their luggage.

The Superb wagon is also a suitable towing companion, offering a maximum braked capacity of 2000kg (or 2200kg for the 206TSI flagship), so is worth consideration if you’re planning on touring our wide open land with van in tow.

The Skoda Superb sits within a niche category of premium Euro wagons but for VFACTS sales stats purposes, it is bunched with both the Falcon and Commodore when it comes to its size and price.

While both of those aforementioned vehicles are on the thirsty side due to their engines, the Superb delivers a very agreeable fuel economy. It’s claimed number on the ADR combined cycle is just 6.4L/100km and we’re happy to report that the Superb returned an impressive 6.8L/100km while on test.

If you want achievable fuel economy numbers, but aren’t keen on a diesel powertrain, then the Superb delivers great numbers for its size and is worth serious consideration.

It is most definitely a family car first and foremost, but if you’re only occasionally required to carry the grandkids around, then you’re not going to feel like this car is too big for your needs either. It’s a flexible wagon that will suit you if you want practicality but aren’t keen on an SUV or four-wheel-drive.

At such impressive value, it is worth cross shopping against some much pricier competition, you’re likely to find the Skoda Superb is a hard package to beat.

2016 Skoda Superb 162TSI