review Skoda Superb 2.0 TSI 280 4x4 DSG 2016

If you like QMobile, then they do not come again this cloaked Skoda Superb 2.0 TSI DSG 280 4x4. You will need to MI6 recruiting for twin exhaust tailpipes poking out from under the rear bumper - the only clue to the additional potential.

Which come courtesy of a turbocharged petrol engine 2.0-liter 276bhp who've supported Seat Leon Cupra 280, and combined with permanent four-wheel drive and six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox quick-shift.

Those attributes are useful, because they pretty much guarantee no bogging down, Flood wheelspin, or fluffed gear changes when you wipe the smile off the hot hatch is spotty-faced youth like you disappear away from the lights.

How does it feel?:

For all but the exhaust, it is absolutely identical, inside and outside, to one another at the same Superb slim; even a 4x4 badge on the tailgate is not unique. So not only will others be surprised by the speed, but there is a good chance you will too.

You see, even when you've studied the form book and know it will crack 62 mph from a standstill in 5.8sec, there was something about his ordinary demeanor that lulls you into indifference about its potential. When you leave some nuts and rocket off to the right of the old lick, the first question of your brain, and then the pleasure in the experience. To the outside world, this is transmitted as a smile.

It really is a beautiful machine. Quiet and smooth when you want to hang the 'do not disturb' and cruise - something assisted by bending journey when you replace the optional adaptive dampers for Comfort and let it waft you along on a (mostly) magic carpet ride. Then, when you rev ​​it, he developed a hoarse, four-pot growl, reminiscent of the early 1990s Peugeot 405 Mi16, reduced induction rumble.

As an old Peugeot, Superb has a lot of top-end strength, are willing to give thanks to the rev-happy character; if not, and does not like Mi16 pale, turbo big enough to add a healthy slug from around 1500rpm lower end and mid-range solid, too.

Where the Superb is not so good in the corners. Even when your movie stiff suspension into Sport mode, you will never find the finesse or control body which BMW 330i M Sport presents.

The Superb is still quite heavy lean through turns and the steering is quite numb, but gearing is either not at least make him feel instantly. It also weighs too much in Sport mode for my liking, so it's good that you can mix and match-fixing and slack use individual mode.

While Superb can not offer the thrill of handling 3 Series, if you pursue one along country roads wet, I guess you'll have little trouble keeping up. First, it is just as fast as 330i, and you get the grip of a four-wheel drive system dynamic must make up for shortfalls elsewhere. As much as I tried, I could not get the tires to spin up even on cold, wet roads, and it was very easy to drive quickly thanks to the front limited predictable bias.

If you do not try to compete with the BMW or the emerging 17-year-olds in the light, you can enjoy another great talent hack as a very nice family.

The cabin is spacious as anything you'll find this side of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and the fit and finish was not much of one, either. Indeed, there was little fanfare in a way it was laid out - red stitching and carbon fiber trim are famous for their absence - but you can not blame the layout can be used or a very good material.

As the only engine available in two trims, you will not want toys. This is a cheaper version of SE L Executive, and is equipped with a 8.0in touchscreen sat-nav, DAB radio, xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control and electric driver's seat with memory function.

Should I buy one?:

Objectively, no you're not supposed to. It costs about the same as the BMW 330i M Sport, will lose more money and do not handle as sharply, plus drink more fuel and emit more CO2.

However, this is one car that has something - that 'thing' that makes you want one, apart from a pile of evidence against it. I must say, it makes me after the time at all. I really enjoyed the Jekyll and Hyde aspect - which some crazy trying to break through all the sensibleness. And do not forget that with sensibleness, I mean this car is very practical, which makes for a comfortable highway cruiser was fine.

Nevertheless, I can not buy one for 3 Series. Within a few years, though, when it was a few quid cheaper and looks handsome in the front yard somewhere? Yes, then I think I would be pretty tempted.

Skoda Superb 2.0 TSI DSG 4x4 280

Location Surrey; Sale now; The price of £ 31 020; 4 cyls engine, 1984cc, turbo, petrol; Power 276bhp at 5600-6500rpm; Torque of 258lb ft at 1700-5600rpm; Gearbox 6-spd automatic dual-clutch; Kerb weight 1540kg; 0-62mph 5.8sec; a top speed of 155mph; Economy 39.8mpg (combined); Band CO2 / tax at 160g / km, 27%

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