Skoda Superb 2020 review
Overview
Skoda announced the facelifted third-generation (3V) Superb on 24 June 2019, with cars reaching UK buyers in September 2019 for the 2020 model year, priced £24,655-£40,695. The changes were subtle — a remodelled grille, full LED Matrix headlights (a Skoda first), Predictive Cruise Control, blind-spot detection to 70 metres and interior trim updates — but there was one big addition: the Superb iV plug-in hybrid, Skoda's first electrified car, arriving in January 2020 from £31,970.
The engine line-up broadened through the year: at launch the 1.6 TDI 120, 2.0 TDI 190, 2.0 TSI 190 and 272PS flagship, joined later by the 1.5 TSI ACT 150 and 2.0 TDI 150 that became the 2020 volume engines. The iV paired a 1.4 TSI with an 85kW motor for 218PS, around 35 miles of electric range and sub-40g/km CO2 — undercutting the Passat GTE by about £3k and the BMW 330e by about £5k. Six trims (S, SE, SE Technology, SE L, SportLine Plus, Laurin & Klement) covered fleet and retail buyers alike, with hatch and estate bodies on all engines.
The Superb Mk3's UK reputation is the large-car value benchmark: limousine-like rear legroom, 625-litre hatch and 660-litre estate boots, refined motorway manners and strong residuals in a country that is its third-biggest global market. Over half of UK sales went to fleets, so servicing networks and parts availability are excellent.
Used buyers should check the DQ200 dry-clutch DSG recall campaign (34F7) on 1.5 TSI cars, look for water ingress around sunroof drains and in the spare-wheel well, and check the alloys for lacquer corrosion. The warranty is only 3 years/60,000 miles — average rather than generous. And the Superb's one enduring weakness is badge snobbery: at Laurin & Klement money, many private buyers simply choose the BMW 3 Series instead.
UK price from: £24,655
Specifications
| Engine | 1.5L TSI ACT turbo petrol (1,498cc) |
| Power | 150 PS (147 bhp) |
| Torque | 250 Nm |
| 0-60 mph | 8.8 seconds (manual) |
| Top speed | 138 mph |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual (7-speed DSG available) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy | 44.8-46.9 mpg combined (WLTP) |
| CO2 emissions | 137-143 g/km |
| Boot space | 625 litres (hatch) |
| Kerb weight | 1,393 kg |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars (tested 2015) |
| Insurance group | 20 |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60,000 miles |
Features
- 1.5 TSI ACT 150PS petrol with cylinder deactivation — 0-60mph in 8.8 seconds
- Full LED Matrix headlights — first on a Skoda production car
- Predictive Cruise Control using navigation and camera data
- Virtual Cockpit 10.25-inch digital dials and 9.2-inch Columbus infotainment with SmartLink (higher trims)
- Superb iV plug-in hybrid: 218PS, ~35-mile electric range, 3.5-hour wallbox charge
- Laurin & Klement luxury kit: leather, ventilated and heated front seats, heated rear seats, heated windscreen, Dynamic Chassis Control
- Simply Clever touches: electric tailgate with foot gesture, luggage nets, umbrella in door
- 625-litre hatch / 660-litre estate boot; up to 2,000kg braked towing (2.0 TDI 4x4)
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £34.99 | Pattern part; OEM specification |
| Front brake discs (pair) | £84.99 | |
| Oil filter | £11.99 | |
| Engine air filter | £19.99 | |
| Cabin pollen filter | £15.99 | |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £24.99 | Bosch AeroTwin flat blades |
Pros
- Class-defying space — best rear legroom in the segment; 625/660-litre boots
- Huge engine breadth: frugal 2.0 TDI, 272PS 4x4 Q-car and value-leading iV plug-in hybrid
- Value against premium rivals — L&K kit for BMW 3 Series money
- Strong residuals and fleet demand; excellent parts availability in the UK
- Five-star Euro NCAP with predictive cruise and blind-spot monitoring
Cons
- DQ200 dry-clutch DSG on the 1.5 TSI needs recall-status checks — less robust in urban crawling
- Only a 3-year/60,000-mile warranty — behind Kia and Hyundai
- Known niggles: water ingress, alloy lacquer corrosion, KESSY faults, 2.0 TSI water-pump leaks
- Badge snobbery: at Laurin & Klement money many buyers simply choose the BMW 3 Series
