Škoda is growing its market share in Ireland on a daily basis and for many years the Octavia RS Combi has been the choice of the family man who needs a bit of zip in his family car. The Superb is the Octavia’s bigger brother and when I say bigger I mean monstrous.

Sitting into the Superb’s big figure-hugging seats the vastness of this car becomes apparent. The back window seems to be in a different parish.

On the road

This car comes with the 190bhp two litre turbo diesel that is also found in the popular Octavia RS. Considering the size of it, there is more than enough power on tap to get around swiftly and in serious comfort. The cabin is laid out with all the knobs and switches you need within arms reach.

The Škoda Bolero 8in colour touch screen radio has all the bits you require from standard old radio to the capability to use Android-auto or Apple car play apps to use your phone safely when on the move.

I find this Škoda infotainment system one of the easiest to use and best on the market. Being the sportline, this car gets the gorgeous Zenith 18in wheels and black accent pieces around the twin exhausts and grill which make this a very striking car to look at.

It goes nearly as well as it looks, considering the sheer size. When the direct shift gearbox (DSG) is put into sport mode and the go pedal is used aggressively the Superb gets down the road very briskly. Even when the road gets a little bit twisty, the big estate feels surprisingly agile.

Verdict

This big Škoda is a serious option for the family that needs five seats and a massive amount of boot space. In this sportline version you get all the comforts of a big estate car with the added bonus of the sporty handling and the slightly boy-racer style look. It is a great way to have your cake and eat it.