Transcript: Car Comment - Skoda Superb
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Next Car's Stephen Walker with the Skoda Superb
Hear
"Car Comment" by
Next Car's Stephen Walker during the
"Road Ramblings" radio programme
in Mount Isa, Gympie, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Wingham, Tamworth, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga. Current
broadcast times are shown here.
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Car Comment
Broadcast date: 27th November, 2010
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Skoda's rich automotive history has been evident for
one hundred and five years. It is an enviable record for the Czech Republic based car maker, which is
now part of the Volkswagen empire. Our Czech mates returned to the Australian market just on three
years ago. The current Skoda line-up includes the mid-sized Octavia and the larger Superb. The little
Roomster has been discontinued locally. Although Skoda's new SUV, known as Yeti, will arrive here next
year.
Next Car has driven the Skoda Superb. It is a unique model, because it is both a sedan and
a hatchback in just one body. Although a station wagon variant is also available. But back to the
sedan/hatch version. It has a conventional boot lid and a conventional hatchback opening. You choose
which you want to use at the press of a button. So you have a small boot opening or a larger hatch
opening. It just depends on your requirements at the time. It is a novelty to a degree, but it is
handy on occasions. But, if you wish, consider it a playful toy to trick your friends.
But as a car, it is not a novelty. The Skoda Superb seems to be tagged with an appropriate name.
It is surprising large on the inside, especially in the back with excellent leg room provided. In an
endeavour to put the Superb into an automotive pidgeon hole, it is apparent that this particular
Skoda is like a little Ford Fairlane. Now that is a positive statement, because everyone knows the
Fairlane, in its day, provided an enlarged rear cabin which was appreciated by passengers. So, too,
with the Skoda Superb. The additional space makes back seat travel a very pleasant experience. Those
with long-legged teenagers will really appreciate a car such as the Superb.
On the road it is superb as well. In a week, Next Car managed to 'clock-up' just over
three thousand kilometres. In fact it was three thousand and six comfortable kilometres from
Melbourne to Port Macquarie and back again. Such a long test drive provides a better opportunity
than usual to appreciate both the good and bad aspects of a car. But there were no bad points with
the Skoda, except maybe a loose cover over the driver's footrest. This larger Skoda model is a
particularly satisfying driving experience. It has a comfortable ride, plenty of space, very good
driving dynamics, a long list of interior features and excellent fuel economy.
The test car had a 1.8 litre turbocharged four cylinder engine. The average fuel useage is rated
at 7.3 litres per one hundred kilometres on the combined cycle. But on a highway run, such as our
extended country drive, it is rated at just 5.9 litres per one hundred kilometres. That is an
excellent fuel consumption figure.
Another superb aspect of the Skoda Superb is the pricing structure. The manufacturer's list
price, which excludes the on-road costs such as dealer delivery fees and the various statutory
charges, begin at just thirty eight thousand, nine hundred and ninety dollars. There are engine and
model line variations available. Skoda isn't available in many regional areas at present but the
company is slowly expanding its dealer network and is also looking at improving servicing
availability in regional Australia.
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