Skoda Superb Estate: great for back-seat legroom

Andrew Frankel test drives the Skoda Superb – a fantastic and often underrated estate

Skoda Superb Estate 1.6TDI CR

This model from £20,885

In terms of high quality metal for your money, don’t even bother trying to match this. The Skoda Superb Estate is built to the same standards as any other car within the Volkswagen Group, but offers greater rear leg room than a Bentley Continental Flying Spur and a cavernous boot (bigger than those of BMW and Audi estates costing twice as much and more), plus its one of the best value towing cars on the market.

Better still, with VW’s ultra-efficient 1.6-litre diesel under the bonnet it combines acceptable performance with exceptional fuel economy – over 60mpg to those with a light foot. It also benefits from a high-quality interior with a classically simple design.

Drawbacks? Well, the diesel engine is a little noisy when stretched, but fine on the motorway, and at over 4.8 metres the Superb is rather long, so best suited either to those who live in the country or have off-street parking.