THERE might be a new Skoda Superb on the way - it's due to hit UK showrooms in September this year - but until then there's plenty to recommend about the existing model.

When it was originally launched the Superb, which revived a Skoda name of old, really was a breath of fresh air - proving that limo-like luxury could be delivered at a bargain price.

The current but soon to be outgoing model is the second generation of a car that in many ways re-wrote the rule book.

2013 saw a heavily revised version of the original, where Skoda took what was an already good car and made it even better, delivering levels of quality and refinement that were pretty much on a par with more upmarket stablemates Audi and Volkswagen.

The refresh saw a modest price hike and generous standard equipment offerings such as cruise control and a leather multi-functional steering wheel.

Diesel emissions were significantly reduced through the introduction of stop-start technology with the most frugal of them all being the one fitted to this GreenLine III 1.6 TDI, which has CO2 emissions of just 109g/km.

The current Superb has a fair few cosmetic modifications compared to its predecessor, including a new bonnet, wings, bumper and grille with the Skoda badge sitting prominently above a chrome strip. New lights have also complemented the enhancements.

The original Twindoor system which allows drivers to utilise a traditional boot lid or a full hatch is still a feature, though interestingly this will not continue on the forthcoming all-new model.

Build quality feels top-notch and equipment and switchgear also represent a step up from the earlier model.

Spaciousness is the real strength of the Superb though and its a prevalent theme throughout.

There's a truly cavernous and deep boot but as ever the car excels in the cabin.

Think Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8 and arguably even a Bentley and you start to get the picture. Suffice to say the amount of legroom offered in the rear really does have to be seen and experienced to be believed.

The Superb is ultimately defined by two key features though and along with space the other is its price.

It's almost incredulous to think a car that offers so much space, quality and versatility can be bought for as little as £18,640. That's for an entry-level 1.4 TFSI in S trim.

This SE GreenLine III model has a price tag of £21,665 and had a few more creature comforts such as a Columbus navigation and heated front seats, which took the price up to £24,650.

Despite its frugality, a claimed overall economy figure of 67.3mpg, and those low CO2 emissions the 1.6 TDI is still a very capable performer.

Powerful, smooth and refined it is a very pleasing car to drive, with plenty of performance punch to call on when one needs it.

Ride quality is excellent and notching up a fair few motorway miles it proved a consummate cruiser on long journeys.

For a big car the Superb is also surprisingly nimble and manoeuvrable too, with little if any of the handling shortcomings one might expect in a fairly large car.