Size isn’t important. Or so we keep being told. With every generation, estate cars are getting smaller and smaller as more practical buyers go for crossovers or 4x4s instead.

Except that nobody has told Skoda. This new estate version of its Superb doesn’t just boast the largest boot in its class, but it also manages to match the huge Mercedes E-class estate with up to 1950 litres of space over the driver’s left shoulder.

It seems that nobody has told Superb buyers that estates are out of fashion either. Almost two-thirds of the previous-generation Superbs leaving showrooms were the estate, and two-thirds of those went to company drivers too.

It’s not hard to see why. With four petrol and three turbodiesel engines, emissions as low as 105g/km, BIK from 18% (don’t forget, this is hardly a small car), the choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic, plus the option of four-wheel drive, it’s a tempting package.

Under the bonnet, the most popular Estate model is likely to be the 2.0-litre turbodiesel in mid-range 148hp form. With a 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds and a 135mph top speed, it also returns CO2 of 109g/km and a 68.9mpg average for fuel economy, putting it in the same 19% BIK bracket as the entry-level 105g/km 1.6TDI. The lowest BIK model is the entry-level 1.4 petrol at 18%, thanks in part to its ACT cylinder deactivation that drops down to two cylinders on light loads.

But all that clever tech and a 75kg weight loss over its predecessor can’t hide the fact that this is still a big car, and it feels it on the road. The turbodiesel engine is impressive with plenty of grunt on the move and a decent turn of speed mid-range when overtaking, while a good ride that improves with further pace makes it a very comfortable cruiser.

However, this is simply not a car you’ll want to throw around bends with enthusiasm, and while that may not be relevant at this level, the new Mondeo and even the Insignia provide more entertaining driving experiences.

What is more relevant to fleet drivers though, will be the new SE Business trim. Not available for retail buyers on finance, it is the same price as the standard SE, but comes with LED rear lights, privacy glass in the rear, Alcantara upholstery, front and rear parking sensors, and a satnav system with 6.5-inch touchscreen. That’s on top of Adaptive Cruise Control, DAB digital radio and dual-zone aircon.

The Superb is also packed with its so-called ‘Simply Clever’ features. Some we’ve seen before like the rechargeable and removable torch in the boot (although it now also has a magnetic base), but we especially like the one-handed cupholder (allowing you to unscrew a bottle on the move with one hand) and, from next year, a wireless charging pad for your mobile phone.

At around £1200 more than the equivalent Superb hatchback, there’s a lot going for the Estate and it’s hard not to warm to it. It may not be most dynamic car in its class, but at this price, its practicality and everyday usability are hard to beat.