2018 Skoda Superb — The Executive Car Dave Would Actually Buy

The Skoda Superb has a secret weapon: nobody expects it to be as good as it is. Walk past one on a forecourt and you might not look twice. But get inside, drive it for 30 minutes, and you'll wonder why anyone pays £10,000 more for a BMW 3 Series or Audi A4. The 2018 Superb sits on the used market from £12,000–£20,000 and offers more interior space than anything in its class.

I've recommended the Superb to more budget-conscious executives than I can count. Let me tell you why.

Why the Superb Is Better Than You Think

The Superb (Mk3, Type 3V) launched in 2015 and is built on the Volkswagen Group's MQB platform — the same architecture underpinning the VW Passat, Audi A4, and SEAT Leon. That means:

• VW Group engines, gearboxes, and electronics — proven, well-supported, and widely serviced
• Exceptional interior space — rear legroom of 157 mm more than a BMW 3 Series. I'm six feet tall and can sit behind my own driving position with room to spare. The boot is 625 litres in the hatchback, or 660 litres in the estate. The hatchback boot opens to reveal a cavernous space that rivals estate cars from the class below
• Quality you can feel — the Superb's interior isn't quite Audi-level, but it's remarkably close. Soft-touch materials throughout, solid switchgear, and a general sense of solidity that belies the Skoda badge
• Practical touches — ice scraper in the fuel filler cap, umbrella in the door, ticket holder on the A-pillar, double-sided boot mat. These "Simply Clever" features add up

The driving experience is comfortable and refined rather than sporty. The steering is light and accurate, the ride quality is excellent on standard suspension (avoid the DCC adaptive system unless you specifically want it — it's an extra failure point), and wind noise is minimal at motorway speeds.

Engine Choices

1.4 TSI 150 (150 bhp)

A turbocharged four-cylinder petrol with cylinder deactivation (ACT). It shuts down two cylinders under light load to save fuel, which works transparently in practice. Real-world economy of 38–45 mpg. Insurance group 18–22. Smooth, refined, and perfectly adequate for the Superb's character. Available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG.

2.0 TDI 150 (150 bhp) — Dave's Pick

The most popular engine in the UK, and with good reason. The EA288 2.0 TDI produces 340 Nm of torque, making the Superb feel effortlessly quick. Real-world economy of 50–60 mpg on a motorway run, or 45–52 mpg in mixed driving. Insurance group 20–25. This engine has a strong reliability record and suits the Superb's long-legged touring character perfectly.

2.0 TDI 190 (190 bhp)

More power but only available with DSG and 4x4 on most trims. The extra 40 bhp is nice but pushes insurance to group 27–32 and the used price up by £2,000–£3,000. Unless you need four-wheel drive for rural driving, the 150 bhp version does the job.

2.0 TSI 280 (280 bhp) — Sportline/L&K Only

The hot one — 280 bhp, DSG, 4x4, 0–62 in 5.8 seconds. It's genuinely fast but insurance group 35–40 and fuel economy of 28–34 mpg puts it in a different category entirely. It's a fun car but not the sensible buy.

Common Problems

DSG Mechatronic Unit

If the car has the seven-speed DSG gearbox, the mechatronic unit can fail. Symptoms: juddering at low speeds, hesitation when pulling away, and in severe cases, complete loss of drive. A replacement mechatronic unit costs £1,500–£2,500. The DSG fluid and filter must be changed every 40,000 miles — check the service history carefully. If it's been skipped, budget for the service (£250–£350) and cross your fingers.

Water Pump Failure (TSI Engines)

The electric water pump on petrol TSI engines can fail between 40,000 and 80,000 miles. Symptoms: engine temperature warning, coolant loss. Replacement cost: £300–£500. Common across the VW Group range.

AdBlue System (TDI)

The AdBlue injector and heater can fail, triggering dashboard warnings and eventually preventing the car from starting. Replacement cost: £250–£500. Check the MOT history for any emissions-related failures.

Rear Suspension Squeak

The rear suspension can develop a squeak over speed bumps, traced to the trailing arm bushes. Replacement cost: £120–£200 per side.

Infotainment Glitches

The Columbus infotainment system can freeze or reboot. A software update from Skoda (£80–£120) usually resolves persistent issues. The system is generally good but not as polished as the equivalent Audi MMI.

Windscreen Wiper Mechanism

The wiper linkage can develop a knock, causing the wipers to judder across the screen. A replacement linkage costs £150–£250 fitted.

Running Costs (2.0 TDI 150 SE L)

For an executive car, those numbers are remarkable. The Superb costs less to run than a BMW 320d by roughly £800–£1,200 per year in insurance, servicing, and parts costs. What Car confirms the Superb consistently ranks as one of the cheapest executive cars to own.

Trim Guide

SE L is the sweet spot. Full leather, the Columbus infotainment system, electric tailgate, and heated seats — genuine executive-level equipment at mid-range prices.

Superb vs the Established Competition

The BMW is more fun to drive. The Audi has the best interior. The Superb has the most space, the lowest costs, and is the most practical. For the price difference, the Superb is the rational choice every single time.

Dave's Verdict

The 2018 Skoda Superb is the car I'd buy with my own money if I needed an executive saloon or estate. The 2.0 TDI 150 in SE L trim offers BMW 5 Series levels of space with Volkswagen Polo running costs. It's not flashy, it won't impress the neighbours, and nobody will stop you at a petrol station to admire it. But it'll carry your family in comfort, cruise effortlessly at motorway speeds, and cost you thousands less per year than the German prestige alternatives.

Buy one with 30,000–50,000 miles, check the DVLA records, confirm the DSG service history if automatic, and check the MOT history for any emissions-related issues. Budget £500 contingency and enjoy the smuggest ownership experience in motoring. The Superb is the clever person's executive car.

For comparison within the Skoda range, my Skoda Octavia guide covers the smaller but equally excellent alternative, and Auto Trader typically has strong stock of both models across the UK.