Skoda Superb road test: Superb is a lot for price

It was particularly brave in 2001 when the car was first introduced, at a time when the company was just starting to build its now enviable reputation for quality and value.

But it wasn't only a statement of intent or ambition, as it also harked back to a luxurious Skoda of the 1930's, designed to carry heads of state in the manner to which they were accustomed.

Twin themes of comfort and refinement mark out today's Superb, too, but with prices from £18,400 and the latest range of highly efficient engines it's likely to be mainly business users and families who are today's kings of the road.

Where the Superb really earns its name is in terms of space. This multi-award winner is based on a stretched VW Passat platform. It's hard to think of better in terms of rear legroom and cargo space in a family care.

In fact it affords more space than premium brand executive cars at two or three times the price, and cheaper run than many family saloons and hatchbacks.

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The test car was the most economical of the Superb family, the £20,900 GReenline, powered by the Audi VW Group's latest 1.6-litre turbo diesel. It's tuned for economy and keeping your tax bills down, but if you want sharper performance there is a range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines including a mighty 290PS option (the same engine which powers the racy SEAT Leon Cupra).

Progress in the 120PS, 1.6-litre diesel is naturally a little more sedate (0 to 62mph in 11 seconds) but its purpose is to be kinder to your pocket. Official tests credit it with 76.3mpg: in my time with the car in real world conditions it managed a still impressive 58mpg, and on one open road excursion hit 64mpg. Its CO2 rating is 95g/km, so there's no road tax to pay, with the Benefit in Kind tax rate for business users at a low 17 per cent. Insurance is group 13E.

This new generation Superb is sharper and bolder in its styling, even sporty-looking with its short front overhangs, low nose, wide meshed air intakes and angular lights.

The interior is a place to sit back and relax, particularly if you're in the rear seats where you can stretch out with masses of legroom (actually twice that of some of its big-selling competitors). The ambience is enhanced by the low noise levels and supple ride.

The test car's part-alcantara seats were generously sized and comfortable, with electrical adjustment and heating for the driver and front passenger.

The driver, of course, has a multi-function steering wheel but thankfully it's simple and intuitive to use (because you don't need to spent hours pouring over the manual to make sense of it). The cruise control switch on the column allows you to control its various functions with just one finger.

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A nice, clear driver information display between the speedo and rev counter keeps you up to date with a wide range of functions, and there's an even more comprehensive touchscreen system atop the centre console. There's even a constantly updated green bar chart if you want to monitor how environmentally friendly your driving is.

This screen is effectively a computer, also controlling and monitoring the navigation, audio, hands-free phone and traffic information amongst much more, with access also available from your smartphone with the relevant app - useful perhaps if you're sitting in the office and have forgotten your business mileage.

It also means even those in the back can control the infotainment system (which may cause a little friction if they're teenagers!)

Some of the many technical systems help to take the workload off the driver, too. The electronic handbrake works better than some rivals, easing off smoothly as you let out the clutch and applying itself automatically when you stop the engine. That's useful with a fuel-saving stop/start system.

The adaptive cruise control system is effective and particularly smooth, too, maintaining your distance from the car in front without drama as traffic speeds ebb and flow. In fact, it was while trying out this system, set at 55mph on a rural A-road, that I achieved my best economy figure (or perhaps that says more about my driving style).

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Add to that a dual-zone air conditioning system (with separate outlets for the rear) and a premium audio system and you have right ingredients for the consummate cruiser.

Whether you're carrying business samples or the family's luggage on a holiday trip, you'll be glad of the class-leading 625 litres of boot space (1,760 litres if you fold the rear seats down).

The Superb Estate, which model for model costs an extra £1,200, has even more space - very nearly 2,000 litres.

The ride is compliant and well damped, but sufficiently resistant to cornering forces to allow you to exploit the car's agility on twisty roads.

Steering provides plenty of feedback, brakes are powerful and the slick, six-speed manual gearbox is a pleasure.

There is a multitude of engine, transmission and specification choices in a range which starts with the acclaimed 125PS, a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine up to the 280bhp petrol turbo in the highest trim level, 'Laurin & Klement', with four-wheel drive and DSG transmission at £34,505. The same car powered by the top-rated 190PS turbo diesel is £850 less.

All Superbs have seven airbags as standard, and there is a long list of technical safety features.

With its range of prices, engines and specifications, the 2016 Superb is very much a car for all reasons.

The Greenline version tested is a clear option for the fleet user because of its low running costs and tax rates, but for the 30 per cent or so forecast to be buying or leasing a Superb with their own money the same applies.

At nearly £21,000 it's hardly bargain basement, but when you look at the competition, it's hard to think where you'd get so much car for the money.