I SOMETIMES think it slightly strange there are relatively few truly cavernous estate cars any more.

Think back to those ludicrously large American station wagons of the seventies and you get the picture.

Okay, there are a few that stand out, most notably the capacious Mecedes E-Class and Volvo V70. But why can't one get an Audi A8, a BMW 7-Series or even an S-Class estate.

The reality I guess is that giving cars in the executive segment the estate treatment might seem a little bit daft or even disrespectful.

Added to that the proliferation of SUVs we have these days means there are plenty of other options available if you want a comfortable and large family car.

So what's all this got to do with the Skoda Superb I hear you ask? Well, put simply the Superb is probably the closest you'll get to one of those non-existent executive estates - for the time being at least.

Even by E-Class and V70 standards the Superb offers the kind of rear legroom that's in a league of its own - to the degree you might expect to find in an S-Class or A8.

And while it might not have stopped my children fighting on long journeys it certainly ensured the battles were a little less intense.

Spaciousness is the defining strength of the Superb and in estate form you get all that load-lugging practicality too.

Big as it looks, you really need to sit in one of the rear seats yourself, just to experience the generous level of legroom and comfort offered.

I'm often asked what the best option is when it comes to snapping up a decent new car at a reasonable price and nine times out of ten my answer will point would-be buyers to a Skoda.

The brand has just come up trumps in the Which? Annual car survey too, which would seem to endorse that viewpoint.

In terms of bargains the Superb is probably the pick of the bunch as you can have all that space for what seems like a relative snip.

Alternatively you can go for one of the top of the range models and spec it up to maximise that executive estate character.

An entry level 1.4 TSI model for £18,560 is extraordinarily good value for money but if you want to flash the cash you can opt for the top of the range 2.0-litre diesel model which is just over £27,000.

The 1.8-litre petrol-powered Elegance DSG model represents a good in-between choice. Combined economy of 38.7mpg is decent enough and it's a great performer too with a deliciously sweet, smooth and potent engine.

From a driving point of view the Superb handles commendably too and a decent ride completes an impressive package.