Calling their new flagship car the Superb (after a luxurious model Skoda built back in 1934) left the VW-owned Czech motor company open to ridicule should anything go wrong - no matter how successful Skoda's Octavia and Fabia have been,

It was a gamble, but it paid off. Stylewise, the Superb has a real presence and unmistakable VW Passat and Audi A6 links and looks. Its platform is that of a stretched Passat and although extended by only 95mm between the axles the effect is amazing.

Superb is big, physical and aerodynamic. It shouts build quality of the highest order. Huge doors open wide and close with a clunk. The panel lines are tight and the paintwork is well applied. Chrome beading helps it stand out.

The cabin is huge. Doors open so wide you can practically walk straight in. Indeed, nothing, with the exception of a long wheelbase S Class Mercedes will come near this car for interior space.

No wonder rear passengers feel they are in limo land. Even with the front seats fully back the Superb offers leg crossing comfort. And there's still room in the boot for 462 litres of luggage/golfclubs.

Power wise the 1.9 TDi 130 bhp has it in abundance. Producing 285 Nm of torque at 1750 rpm, it runs from 0-62 mph in 10.4 seconds with a top speed 128 mph. And at the ease with which propels the Superb's body (close to 1500kg.) forward, it has few equals in the engine stakes.

Now to its economy. Superb returned 54mpg over the period of the test. In case you thinks this is a misprint and question how on earth such a large car could return supermini like fuel returns, let me tell you that a friend of mine who purchased a similar car recorded 56 mpg.

Available in three specifications, Classic, Comfort and Elegance, all Superb models come with automatic climate control, front and side airbags, electric windows, all round ventilation disc braking with ABS and EBD, alloy wheels, central locking, cd/radio system. guide me home lights, rain sensing wipers, and an umbrella which is housed in a rear door compartment that even has outlet drain holes for drips.

Another neat and practical design touch is the interior lights on the door handles. At night passengers don't have to fumble for the exit handles.

The Skoda Superb is an amazing car in more ways than one and it shows up the competition - though in truth is really doesn't have a serious rival at its price. A fine executive car, Superb actually carries the price tag of an upper medium car. And demand and supply are such ttha it will hold its value very well.