The Essentials

• Price from £17,810
• What Car? says:
• Fuel economy: up to 64.2mpg
• What is it? The looks might be an acquired taste, but the Superb offers Four Seasons quality and space for Travelodge money

• Drive

  Agile for such a huge car but some diesel engines sound rough

• Inside

  Dash couldn't be easier to use and it all looks fit for a queen, or king

• Safety

  Seven airbags, standard stability control and an intelligent lighting system: the kit is superb

• Reliability

  Skoda has a fine reputation for reliability and the quality is faultless, too

• Space

  Need a spare room? Try the Superb. It's vast and works as a saloon or hatchback, too

• Standard and extras

  All get MP3 connectivity, electric windows and mirrors, alloy wheels and air-con. Upgrade for more treats

• What's it like to drive?

  Despite its bulk, driving the Superb doesn't feel like piloting a container ship: it's actually quite nimble, and there's useful feedback from the steering. Firm suspension keeps things tight through corners, but it does mean the ride is a bit fidgety. The turbocharged 1.4 is the pick of the four petrol engines - it's not particularly strong, but delivers reasonable pace and low running costs. The diesel options are all excellent, but the quiet, economical 1.6 makes most sense. There's little wind, road and engine noise in the Superb's cabin at speed, so it's a relaxing cruiser on long trips.

• What's it like inside?

  For the same price as family car rivals like the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia, the Superb provides more interior space than some luxury limos. The cabin is huge and there's enough rear legroom to stop even older children's feet getting within kicking distance of the front seats. The Superb is as clever as it is big, with a innovative boot opening; you can open the rear section in the same way as you would a saloon's, or you can press a different switch and open the whole thing, hatchback style. The best of both worlds, then. Like most VW Group models, the Superb has a great driving position and there's lots of adjustment available for the driver's seat and steering wheel. The dashboard is usefully user-friendly, too. Every model comes with an MP3-compatible CD player, electric windows, alloy wheels and air-con, but SE trim adds parking sensors and cruise control.

• How reliable is it?

  Skoda has a fine reputation for reliability and the Superb came second overall in the family car class in the latest JD Power survey, with an above average rating for reliability. With seven airbags, standard stability control and an optional intelligent lighting system, safety kit is top-notch. The Superb scored a respectable 90% for adult protection and 81% for child protection in crash tests, which is similar to a VW Passat (91%/77%).

• Should I buy one?

  The Skoda Superb is an awful lot of car for the money. Its cheap to buy, while running costs are reasonable - the Greenline model is best for company buyers thanks to its low emissions - and resale values are better than those of a Ford Mondeo. If you can live with the Superb's looks - and sheer size - we can heartily recommend it.