As we’ve already found out having driven the diesels, the latest Skoda Superb is a huge and surprisingly classy alternative to the Ford Mondeo or new Vauxhall Insignia.
The diesels make the most tax sense, but the best model in the range is this 160PS 1.8-litre petrol. Quiet, refined and powerful, the engine – also used by Audi – matches the Superb to a tee, even if the running costs do suffer.
Drinking from the green pump means 180g/km of CO2, above the Capital Allowance-sensitive 160g/km limit, and average fuel consumption sits at 37.2mpg compared with the 2.0 TDI 170’s 48.7mpg and 153g/km of CO2. But that diesel costs almost £1400 more, which from the driver’s point of view will pay for a lot of fuel and extra BIK payments.
Verdict: High CO2 versus diesel penalises – otherwise an impressive package
