FEATURE | Skoda Superb at 25 – A Scottish Road Trip Through Four Generations
The Skoda Superb celebrates its 25th birthday this year. Now in its 4th iteration since the big VW buyout in the year 2000, John Marcar has driven every iteration of Superb, from Mk1 to Mk4, on a specially organised road trip around Scotland.
Skoda Makes Brilliant Cars - (no joke)
I went to school in the 1990s; it was a fascinating decade of questionable fashion, confusing politics, and an era of playground jokes that are probably best left in the past. Of course, the innocence of youth meant that I didn't quite understand what was wrong with my corduroy dungarees, why 'new labour meant new danger', or the reason we don't tell most of those 1990s jokes anymore.
There was a particular string of jokes, however, that I couldn't ignore, because they were all about a make of car. I liked cars in the 1990s, almost as much as I like them now, and the jokes I remember were quite funny.
Q: What do you call a convertible Skoda? A: A skip.
Q: How do you double the value of a Skoda? A: Fill it with petrol.
Q: What do you call a Skoda parked at the top of a hill? A: A miracle.
Some jokes have survived the test of time, but the Skoda jokes remain very much left behind in the 1990s for one very good reason. On May 30th in the year 2000, Volkswagen AG took full ownership of Skoda and started platform sharing with other brands under the VW-AG umbrella. The buyout, which had been unfolding for around 9 years prior, meant that within a very short space of time, Skoda cars went from being a bit of a laughingstock to being incredibly brilliant, and so, the jokes didn't really work anymore.
To make the automotive sceptics' eyebrows rise even higher, in 2001, Skoda launched a new car into a category that, in prior decades, wouldn't even have been imaginable - the luxury saloon market. And just when you couldn't have imagined anything bolder... the model was given the name: 'Superb'. Talk about a confident brand resurgence.
Admittedly, the bold naming strategy isn't quite as cocky as you might think. The Skoda Superb actually first emerged as a model in 1934, but it was the new VW-AG era for Skoda that brought it back into the fold and helped change its perception for good.
Every iteration of the Superb: Driven in Scotland
To celebrate the 25th birthday, Skoda put together a press trip with all versions of the Superb, from Mk1 to Mk4, from its heritage press fleet. Along with a handful of other journalists and a few content creators, I was part of a small group that would have access to each model and experience a drive in each en route from Edinburgh to Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.
The Superbs below are listed in order of age/Mk; each car was driven on a different 5-leg road trip between Edinburgh and Inverness.
Superb Mk1: 2001-2008
The First Superb
The first Superb was launched in 2002 and immediately described as Skoda's new flagship. The new Superb represented an entirely new territory for the Skoda customer, with optional features in later models including built-in sat-nav, a premium audio system, an LCD instrument cluster, and heated seating. State-of-the-art Bi-Xenon headlamps replaced what would have been old-hat halogen units, and under the bonnet were a selection of exciting engine options, including a range-topping 2.8 litre petrol V6.
The model I had access to in Scotland was a 2006 facelifted Mk1. The model features plush leather seats - all heated, obviously, and an oh, so early noughties sat-nav system and instrument cluster. Under the bonnet was VW-AG's 2.5 litre TDI V6.
Stepping into a flagship model 20 years after it once sat proudly in a showroom rewards a strange feeling - because it still feels special. Sure, in the scale of time, flagship models have developed tenfold in terms of power, performance and luxuries, but the first-generation Superb still feels every bit as special now as it would have done back in the new millennium.
What's it like to drive?
I'd be stretching the realms of truth if I described the Mk1's 2.5 V6 TDI as 'punchy', because at 161 bhp, there isn't much to be impressed by beyond an occasional fruitful engine tone. To drive, the Mk1 Superb feels about as heavy as it looks, but that's not a negative. The V6 allows for a moderate waft, and on the outskirts of Inverness, it felt very at home on the undulating rolling hills near Erchless Castle. What is worthy of celebration is space. The Mk 1 Superb was built on VW's B5 Passat platform, which was then extended to provide extra rear legroom and storage space. In the back seats, the Mk 1 is vast, with legroom that would easily rival that of the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class of the same era.
The chassis feels strong and supportive, with very little compromise to comfort in either the front or back seats. As both a driver and passenger, spending time in the Mk 1 was joyous. The Mk 1 is a perfect time capsule of understated luxury, or to coin a popular phrase, the first edition of automotive Premium Economy. 136,000 units of the Mk 1 were produced - pretty good for a model debut that was considerably out of its depth in class.
Route: Drumnadrochit (Loch Ness) to Inverness via Erchless Castle
A82 - A831 - A862 (Roadtrip leg 5/5)
The scenic route from Drumnadrochit to Inverness takes around an hour and offers a great glimpse of what can be experienced further north in the Highlands. The roads climb, dip and flow with great views of woodland, mountains and the Beauly Firth as you approach Inverness. Expect views of moorlands, mountains and the occasional waterfall.
Superb Mk2: 2008-2015
The Second Superb
After a successful first stab at premium economy, the Mk 2 arrived in 2008 with the good fortune of now knowing its place in the market. At the time of launch, the Mk2 had a variety of new engines ranging from a 1.4 TSI petrol engine through to a 3.6L V6 TSI. There were a handful of diesel units, too. The new car also had a very neat party trick at its rear end.
I hopped into a 2013 Mk 2 to drive from Edinburgh to Perth, a journey of almost exclusively motorways and dual carriageways, which suited the 2.0L 4-cylinder TDI engine perfectly. The Mk 2, much like its predecessor, boasts ample space, and in the driver's seat, the 2006 TDI offered a very comfortable ride.
The exterior and interior designs received a significant lift from the Mk 1, although the initial reaction wasn't met with overall praise. Halfway through production, the Mk 2 was given a facelift, with smoother lines, upgraded lighting, and a vastly more modern interior with switchgear that still looks good today. The model I was driving was a saloon, but the Mk 2 also introduced the Superb estate for added practicality.
What's it like to drive?
The Mk 2 drives brilliantly, and being the pinnacle of affordable luxury in 2013, has held its own in terms of driving experience 13 years on. By all accounts, the Mk 2 feels very much like driving a modern car, with the added benefits of being quiet and comfortable, along with luxuries such as heated seats and cruise control. The Mk 2, especially in 2.0L TDI form, is a car that could happily hunker down and cross continents with very little fuss or fatigue. It does it all from motorway munching to around-town crawling, effortlessly.
So what about the Mk 2's party trick? In saloon form, the Mk 2 allowed for a two-way operational tailgate. The tailgate can open as a large hatchback, with the rear window and boot lid opening together, or as a boot-only, with the rear window remaining in situ whilst the boot lid opens. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the split tailgate didn't return as a feature beyond the Mk 2, as the benefits of a hatchback tailgate outweigh the occasional need to open the boot lid only. Still, it looks cool in practice!
The success of the Mk 2 speaks for itself in the numbers, with 618,000 units being produced.
Route: Edinburgh to Perth
Roads: M90 Motorway (Roadtrip leg 1/5)
The route from Edinburgh to Perth is pretty simple, as it's almost exclusively the M90 motorway. Though it wouldn't be fair to dismiss the route for that reason, as the M90 drives over the iconic Queensferry Crossing, a stunning cable-stayed bridge that offers views over the Forth road and rail bridges on the right before passing Dunfermline on the Northside of the Forth Estuary.
Superb Mk3: 2015-2023
The Third Superb
By the time the 3rd generation of Superb arrived in 2015, the idea of a luxury Skoda was less of a novelty and more of an expectation. The Mk 3 featured the best of VW-AG's interior tech, hardware and convenience, all of which contributed to an overall welcome package.
The Mk 3 I had for this leg of the trip was a 2016 2.0L TDI; elsewhere in the range, Mk 3s had 1.4, 1.5, and 2.0 TSI engines, as well as a 1.6 TDI.
What's it like to drive?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Mk 3 feels like a very modern car, mainly because it shares many of the components, structure, and tech found in the latest models. The 2.0L TDI engine produces 190 bhp, which is still the sweet spot for a large family car. The engine feels smooth, the steering feels precise, and all in all, the Mk 3 Superb feels about as good as it gets in terms of the overall package. The interior space and comfort follow the themes established by the Mk 1 and Mk 2, with improved ergonomics and greater seating adjustability.
The Mk 3 also saw the Skoda Superb move onto the modern VW MQB platform, which is still in use today for a variety of cars from the small Seat Ibiza through to the large VW Tourag.
This new platform made the Skoda feel even closer in terms of comparison and quality to its VW- and Audi-badged cousins, with a more minimalist interior and a slightly more refined driving experience.
During production, the Mk3 produced 805,000 units, making it the most popular Superb so far and preceding the highly anticipated Mk4.
Route: Perth to Tay Forest Park
Roads: A9 (Roadtrip Leg 2/5)
Much like the leg from Edinburgh to Perth, it might seem easy to write off a dual carriageway route as a scenic drive, but even on the most ordinary roads, Scotland never fails to impress. The A9 offers the first glimpses of the mountains north of Perth and hosts a must-visit stop for drivers heading to the highlands: The House of Bruar in Pitagowan - a rest stop with a huge shop and a variety of excellent dining options.
Superb Mk4: 2023 - Present
For the fourth and final drives in Scotland, I had two versions of the Mk 4 Superb to experience. The first was aptly named 'Tour de France' thanks to its cycling-support livery. The latest iteration of the Skoda Superb is a perfect example of product evolution, offering an extremely comprehensive list of standard equipment and optional luxuries such as massaging and ventilated seats, which would previously have been reserved for far more expensive brands.
What's it like to drive?
The Tour de France car is a top-of-the-range 2.0L TSI Sportline 4x4 edition, which delivers 261 bhp to all four wheels. As the flagship trim for the flagship model, it felt like the pinnacle of performance, luxury, and style for the trip... right up until I was handed the key to a different Mk 4 a few hours later (more on that shortly).
The Sportline 4x4 is a fitting follow-on to the Mk3. On the tighter, twistier roads cutting through the foothills of Ben Nevis, the punchier engine and added traction from the 4x4 drivetrain elevate the driving experience from just another luxury estate to something closer to a hot hatch. The power delivery from the 2.0 TSI is punchy without being overbearing, and a variation of driver modes allows for a more dialled-in driving experience depending on your mood. Sport mode is surprisingly exciting as the power delivery makes the large estate car feel light and nimble - great fun on the more technical and undulating roads.
In addition to the 2.0 TSI, there is also a 1.5 hybrid and a less powerful 2.0 petrol version, as well as 3 diesel options: a 1.6 and two 2.0 TDI options. The Sportline 4x4 proved to be a great all-round blend of performance, practicality and comfort, which removes all relevance to the term 'premium economy'. The new model feels every bit as premium as its VW- and Audi-badged counterparts, and many would argue it wins the styling contest among the three.
Tay Park to Spean Bridge via Dalwhinnie
Roads: A9 - A889 - A86 (Roadtrip leg 3/5)
This is where things get really pretty. The A9 provides a great start to the leg. Eventually, it gives way to the narrower and more scenic A889, which almost completes a lap of the Dalwhinnie Whisky distillery before progressing around past the Pattack Falls and Loch Laggan on the A86. After offering views of Loch Laggan, the A86 offers breathtaking glimpses of a snow-capped Ben Nevis, the highest mountain on the British Isles.
Bonus drive: The Mk4 'Sleeper'
The ‘Sleeper’ Wild Card
Everybody loves a wild card, and for this trip, the Skoda press office didn't disappoint, as, along with the heritage fleet and the latest Mk4 Sportline, the famous green Superb 'Sleeper' had also come along for the journey. In case this is the first time you're reading about the Sleeper, think of it as a passion project conjured up by the press office.
RE Performance built the Sleeper, the company responsible for the equally iconic Octavia Bonneville record-breaking car. RE Performance took the Sportline 4x4 and bolted on a series of upgrades, including a larger turbo, performance fuelling system, modified suspension, and upgraded brakes and tyres. The result of the work is an extremely subtle Skoda Superb, which has been upgraded in power from 276 to 470 BHP.
The best thing about the Sleeper is the subtlety of the work. Aside from the Yokohama trackday tyres and frankly absurd (in size) AP Racing brake callipers, there is very little to suggest that the subtle Superb is anything more than your standard, sensible Skoda. Once you get behind the wheel, all becomes very clear.
What's it like to drive?
On the increasingly scenic route to Loch Ness, the Sleeper hunkered into the flowing roads brilliantly with the KW Coilovers soaking up the bumps and undulations whilst rewarding optimum grip to the 4x4 powertrain. Limited by strict speed limits and other traffic, finding the limits of the Sleeper's capability wasn't going to be something I'd find on the A82 to Inverness, but it felt special to experience nonetheless.
The power delivery from the tuned 2.0L TSI is very punchy with heaps of torque throughout the rev range. The Sleeper is also equipped with a custom-made exhaust system featuring a downpipe, centre section and back box that you definitely won't find on any other Superb in the range. The result of the custom system is a roaring tone of forced induction and an orchestra of rumbles, pops, and bangs from the rear - which sounds superb (pardon the pun) when echoing from the adjacent treeline.
The Mk4, in both standard Sportline and extra-special 'Sleeper' form, continues the story perfectly for Skoda and was so enjoyable that I immediately booked in a Superb iV for a proper test a few weeks later. You'll be able to read more about that very soon.
Route: Speen Bridge to Milton (Loch Ness)
Roads: A82 (Road trip leg 4/5)
The A82 serves as the main road between Spean Bridge and Drumnadrochit. The road runs directly alongside the world-famous Loch Ness, with the Loch on your right and lush forests and woodland on the left. The route is fast-flowing and incredibly pretty, with various viewpoints worth stopping for along the way.
In Summary - Driving every Superb in Scotland
It's always a real privilege to drive a heritage fleet, but a car as significant as the Skoda Superb feels extra special. The journey through time and models tells a great story in brand progression and public perception, as chances are, if you were to tell any of the 1990s playground jokes to primary school students today, you'd be met by some very confused faces. Rightfully so. Happy Birthday, Skoda Superb. Here's to the next 25 years.
Coming Soon:
Oh, How Lucky we are to have The Highlands - Scottish Road Trip (Part 2)
My road trip around Scotland didn't end in Inverness, as waiting for me outside my hotel room was a Triumph Scrambler 1200XE. The following morning, I'd be making my way towards the highlands, this time on two wheels with the Skoda Superbs following behind. More on that coming very soon...
words: John Marcar
Photography: Skoda UK
