Category: Large Family 
Price Range: £15,905 to £26,885
Plenty of rear-seat space, supple ride, reputation for reliability, cavernous boot, versatile tailgate, quiet.
Feels heavy, too much delay on auto-box kickdown, can feel a little cumbersome.
An excellent cruiser offering a very comfortable ride, but doesn't match the Mondeo's driving dynamics.
There are six engines available, three petrols and three diesels. Petrols include a 1.4-litre 123bhp, a 1.8-litre 158bhp and a 3.6-litre V6 which produces a hearty 256bhp. The entry-level petrol comes in six-speed manual only, but the 1.8 and 3.6 come with the DSG automated manual. The 3.6 is four-wheel drive only.
On the diesel front there are 1.9-litre 104bhp, 2.0-litre 138bhp and 2.0-litre 168bhp units. The 1.9 features a manual five-speed gearbox and the higher-powered diesels come with six-speed manual or DSG transmissions.
The new-seven speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) available with the 1.8 is new in the Superb. Unlike previous DSG gearboxes, the clutches are dry and this helps reduce friction, with the knock-on effect of reducing fuel use and lowering CO2 emissions.
We tested the 2.0-litre 138bhp diesel DSG and the 1.8-litre 158bhp petrol six-speed manual.
Both cars offer just enough grunt to pull the1,500kg kerbweight, but there is little between the two in outright performance. The DSG gearbox on the diesel felt slow to respond on kickdown: the 0-60mph sprint takes an ambling 10.2 seconds. The petrol version felt more energetic and, through the manual 'box, it takes 8.6 seconds to get to 60mph.
The Superb, though, is not about high energy - it's almost regal in its power delivery. You feel that it's telling you it's not going to compromise its dignity with a lot of noise and action.
It's hardly nimble and again you can feel the weight of the car when entering corners. That's not to say it lacks grip: you get just enough traction to make you feel confident about cornering at reasonably high speeds. Turn-in is keen and the steering is perfectly weighted. The brakes also feel solid and dependable.
And that's what this car is: solid, dependable and unflustered. It's not engaging, but it's not totally dull either. It's not as driveable as a Ford Mondeo, but you do feel more relaxed behind the wheel. The Superb is a great cruiser, with little road, engine or wind noise coming through to the cabin. It is quite serene and you'll feel relaxed after a long trip on the motorway.
