2025 Skoda Superb TSI 195kW 4×4 Review

The Skoda Superb is somewhat of a novelty in 2025. It’s one of the dwindling wagon choices in a sea of SUVs. Is the new one really superb? 

There used to be plenty of choices in the wagon realm but now the pickings are slim. The market is flooded with wagons of a different guise; SUVs. If you’re not convinced by the genre, there is but one large wagon option under $100k, and you’re looking at it. The closest you might come to a competitor is the Outback, but that’s more of a crossover. There are a few options in the luxury market, and a few smaller in size (like the Skoda Octavia) but that’s about it. And so, this new Superb finds itself in a class of its own.

What’s new? 

Now in its fourth generation, the Superb is a new take on the big car from the VW group. Skoda engineers took the development lead on the platform that also underpins the Passat, which is yet another sedan/wagon offering that is no longer sold here. While Superb can be had as a hatch in Europe, it’s only the wagon we get here. That’s largely dictated by Skoda’s biggest local customer. If it wasn’t for the Police, perhaps the Superb would be another car option lost to NZ.

This new one has a bit more space to help carry the baddies and the tools required to catch them. While it’s a little narrower and the wheelbase is unchanged, it’s a touch longer. With some subtle repackaging there is more headroom in the rear and 30L more luggage space, now out to 690L. The tailgate is wide (and power operated), the space well shaped and you get a few of Skoda’s ‘simply clever features’ to help secure your load. 

The boot expands to 1920 litres when the rear seat folds flat. This is a quick process when using the remote levers in the boot and you’re presented with a load area almost 2m in length. Superb can also tow up to 2200kg (vertical down ball load 90kg) making it quite handy. 

Quite flash inside

The redesigned cabin has a bigger screen for the infotainment, which is vibrant and reasonably snappy and intuitive. You can also try your luck with the ‘Hi Laura’ voice control but she can be trying. Nice that they included a duster thing to help tidy up those finger prints on the screen, though it’ll likely be lost at some point. Underneath said screen, Superb has the same multifunctional ventilation knobs as seen in the Kodiaq. The outer ones control the temperature while prodding them activates the seat heating/ventilation. The middle one can alter the fan speed, air flow and acts as a volume knob.  

Along with the swisher looking design, the finishing is solid with nice touches like the lined door pockets and glovebox for that semi-premium feel. The seats are welcoming with plentiful adjustment giving equal measures of support and comfort. The heating and ventilation functions help there too, while the massaging gizmo is sweet icing. 

Space on the console has been liberated with the movement of the gear selector to the column. This is easy to get used to, a simple twisting motion engaging the gears. Thanks to the added room, the cupholders are a more useful size and still with the ‘easy open’ function that grips your bottle so you can twist the top off with one hand. The charge pad is within easy reach too (as are the USB ports) and the centre bin’s bigger as well. You can hide all your bits thanks to twin sliding covers for a well ordered look. 

Superb has always maxed out on rear seat space, especially leg room, which is in plentiful supply here. Except for those occasional souls in the middle as the trans tunnel is large.

What about choice? 

There are two variants to choose from; this TSI is priced at $74,990, while the other option is the Sportline, a slightly sportier take. It’s coming along later in the year with a black styling kit (removes the shiny chrome of this model) and gains more spec. Some of which includes adaptive dampers with selectable drive modes, new generation Matrix LED headlights, sports seats, upgraded Canton sounds and bigger wheels. It asks $83,990.

The 2.0-litre turbo is the only engine offered; there are no diesels, nor a PHEV. The latter is available overseas, a new plug-in that offers up to 100km of engine-off running via a 25kWh battery. It can be recharged at 50kW DC/11kW AC. But as demand is low and the price is high, Skoda NZ is keeping the line-up simple. The four pot makes 195kW with 400Nm dialled in from 1650-4350rpm. It uses a seven-speed twin-clutch, while AWD is standard. 

This is a decent performer too, 0-100 said to take 5.7sec, while it’s okay on gas for a big wagon (8.2L/100km, 186g/km). We found it averaged around the 10L/100km mark when charging around town and sevens on the motorway.

Go alright?

With the torque on quickly and assured traction, this is both quick and easy to drive. And refined, the twin-clutch smooth with the shifts. With genuine grunt from 1600rpm, it rarely leaves you hanging. The idle/stop isn’t too quick to shut the engine off and refires it in a jiffy.

Its safety assistants include a driver monitor but you must have to actually nod off before it will sound an alarm. The active cruise works effectively and is easy enough to control even if the remote is hidden behind the wheel. The speed recognition is pretty good too, and without any audible alerts if you go over. Lane keeping you might want to remove, which is easily done without having to delve into the touchscreen.

Is it the most exciting thing ever to drive? Yeah, nah but it is one of those machines that doesn’t do anything really wrong, so it’s hard not to like. It’s all very easy, composed, competent. The ride is sorted over a variety of surfaces, it’s fairly quiet too in terms of road noise and suspension clunks. 

There are no drive modes but twisting the gearlever forwards enacts an S setting, which is enough to stir things up a bit. The Superb favours comfort over cornering prowess, but maintains its composure when stressed. An innate desire to push at the front is controlled by way of targeted brake nipping to keep you on line. 

The turning circle is on the larger side but it is a big car. Its steering is light, and quick to help compensate. The outward vision is sorted, though the absence of a surround view camera is strange on a $70k vehicle. 

That pricing for this new model remains roughly the same as it was is a good thing in 2025. As mentioned, there are few competitors if what you want is a large wagon. For something slightly smaller, cheaper and with a bit more character, the Octavia RS is worth considering.  

Skoda Superb TSI 195kW 4×4
$74,990  /  8.1L/100km  /  184g/km
0-100 km/h 5.7s
Speedo error  98 at an indicated 100km/h
Ambient cabin noise  72.3dB@100km/h
Engine  1984cc / IL4 / T / DI
Max power  195kW@5000-6500rpm
Max torque  400Nm@1650-4350rpm
Drivetrain  7-speed twin-clutch / AWD
Front suspension  Mac strut / swaybar
Rear suspension  Multilink / swaybar
Turning circle  11.2m (2.2 turns)
Front brakes  Ventilated discs
Rear brakes  Discs
Stability systems  ABS, ESP, TV
Safety  AEB, ACC, BSM, LDW, RCTA, ALK, AHB
Tyre size  f/r-235/45R18
Wheelbase  2841mm
L/W/H  4902 / 1849 / 1481mm
Track f-1580mm  r-1565mm
Fuel capacity  66L
Luggage capacity  690-1920L
Tow rating  750kg (2200 braked)
Service intervals  12 months / 15,000km
Service plan  $1795  3yrs / 45,000km
Warranty  5yrs / 150,000km
ANCAP rating  ★★★★★ (2024)
Weight (claimed)  1799kg