JOHN MURDOCH'S DRIVE TIME: We take a spin in the new Skoda Superb Estate and preview Vauxhall's refreshed Mokka compact SUV
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In this instalment of John Murdoch's Drive Time, Johntakes a spin in the new Skoda Superb Estate and discovers that Vauxhall is about to launch a refreshed version of its Mokka compact SUV.
The new Skoda Superb Estate arrived back in June and this fourth generation model ticks all the boxes if you are looking for a large family wagon.
It excels when it comes to practicality and is sure to continue its success right across Europe.
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Skoda has sharpened the car's looks and it now has a more elegant design that looks premium and its streamlined lines have also helped to improve its fuel efficiency.
There is also improved quality inside with some really nice touches.
A large 13.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display is clear and easy to use and manual dials in the central console provide easy access to a range of functions, including climate.
That means things are easy to adjust without having to rely on the touchscreen when on the move.
Passenger space is massive with stacks of head and legroom front and rear and the boot space has been increased to 690-litres going up to 1920 litres if the rear seats are folded. The tailgate is powered as is the load cover.
You can choose from three petrol and two diesel power plants and the most popular will be the 1.5-litre mild-hybrid I sampled which uses electrical assistance to boost the fuel economy.
The 1.5-litre TSI mild-hybrid petrol produces 150PS and features ACT+ active cylinder technology that turns off two cylinders during relaxed cruising to help fuel economy.
It has a 0-62mph time of 9.3 seconds and a top speed of 137mph.
It is mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox and is very quiet and refined. It's a great motorway mile muncher and you could cover huge distances in this wagon without getting tired.
The Superb Estate now starts at just over £36,000, but that is still really good value as it's a lot cheaper than premium German rivals that could cost you between £15-£20,000 more.
The interior is much more sophisticated than before and my SE L version featured all the equipment and tech you could possibly want including navigation, powered and heated seats, Care Connect and Remote Access for three years and a virtual cockpit.
Wireless charging for two smartphones and ambient lighting are also included.
The exterior comes with roof rails, puddle lights, ambient lighting on the door handles and smart silver polished alloy wheels.
There is also privacy glass and LED lights front and rear.
Materials are all of a good quality and everything looks stylish and feels built to last.
My car came with Skoda's Dynamic Chassis Control system which changes the adaptive suspension system according to the driving mode you select.
In Comfort mode the Estate handles all kinds of uneven road surfaces very well to make for a smooth comfortable ride.
You can also choose Sport which firms the suspension to improve handling and adds more weight to the steering. There is also Eco and Individual settings.
The big estate has all the latest driver and safety aids and boasts the top NCAP rating.
It may not be the bargain it used to be but the Superb Estate still delivers on every front while achieving a combined 52.8 mpg.
Skoda has got the balance just right and I would certainly recommend you consider it if you are in the market for a big comfortable stylish estate.
You can also personalise the car by choosing from an extensive options list.
FAST FACTS:
Price: £39,530.
Mechanical: 1.5litre, 4 cyl, 148bhp petrol hybrid engine driving 2 wheels via 7-speed automatic gearbox.
Max speed: 137mph.
0-62mph: 9.3 seconds.
Combined MPG: 49.4-51.
Insurance group: 18.
CO2 emissions: 130g/km.
BiK rating: 32 per cent.
Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles.
Overall rating (out of 5): 4.8.
In other motoring-related news, Vauxhall has revealed its refreshed Mokka SUV which comes with design changes and other improvements.
At the front there are changes to the bumper and headlights which now get a three block style to be used on the new Frontera.
Chrome is being dropped from the body and the current entry-level 99hp petrol version is being removed from the line up.
Inside, the new car has changes to the centre console which sees some buttons being moved into the display screen while there is also a new look to the steering wheel which is now flattened at the top and bottom.
The newcomer will be available in the Design, GS and Ultimate trims with a choice of a petrol engine or two electrified alternatives - a hybrid with 48-volt technology and a battery-electric.
When fully electric, the new Mokka has a 156hp motor and a 54 kWh battery giving it a range of up to 250 miles.
The hybrid combines a 136hp 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 28hp electric motor and a new electrified six-speed dual-clutch transmission which Vauxhall says significantly reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to a comparable conventionally powered vehicle.
At low speeds it can negotiate city traffic purely electrically.
Prices and the new Mokka's release date are to be revealed in a few weeks’ time.
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