Outsider view: Value for money

Skoda are now following up on the success of the Superb saloon with an estate version. When they first joined the VW group, they began by building smaller cars. Recently, however, the Yeti marked Skoda's entry into the compact SUV class and the two Superbs now represent a step up into the major league. It all seems to be paying off for the Czech carmaker. Good quality and a sensible balance between price and performance are the basis for sustained sales success. Also helpful to their cause are smart design and a steadily improving image. In cash-strapped times like these, it not only makes sense to base vehicle purchase on bang for bucks, it also makes you look intelligent. It will be interesting to see the extent to which the saloon and now the estate version of the Superb enable Skoda to make inroads into sales of the VW Passat and other premium marques.