THE latest Skoda Superb is a brilliant car but the previous model - which looks very much the same - was at also the top of the heap in the large family class.
Built between 2008 and 2015, it has more interior space than many luxury cars costing five times as much, plus the added practicality of a gargantuan boot with a wide hatch opening - even though it looks like a saloon.
There is even an estate version that has enough space for a bowling alley in the back.
They all waft you along in great comfort whatever the surface, making them marvellous long distance cruisers, as well as cosseting driver and passengers at low speeds around town.
A facelift in 2013 brought restyled front and rear and the petrol engine line-up starts with a turbo 1.4 producing a very good 125bhp.
Next there is a turbo 1.8 with 160bhp, and at the top of the range is a rare and thirsty 3.2 V6 with 260.
There are four diesels - a 105bhp 1.9 TDI, a 2.0 TDI with 140 and a later version of the same engine with 170bhp.
The 1.9 was later replaced by a smoother 1.6 with the same power output that gives a government economy of no less than 64mpg and just 114g/km emissions in economy special Greenline form.
However, it takes a leisurely 12.5 seconds to reach 62 miles an hour, while the 2.0-litre 140 manages 9.7, with 61mpg and 119g/km.
The 170bhp and later 140bhp common rail engines are smoother and more refined - although none can be called noisy - as well as being quicker.
The higher powered model covers the 62mph sprint in 8.8 seconds with emissions of 120g/km and also gives official economy of 61mpg.
By comparison, the 1.4 turbo petrol, which is only available in base S spec, is also pretty economical, capable of 47mpg with emissions of 138g/km. The 1.8 TSi is also good, with an average of 41mpg and reaching 62mph from rest in 8.3 seconds.
All apart from the earlier 1.9 TDi have a six-speed manual gearbox, but many secondhand examples will have been fitted with the excellent VW Group DSG twin clutch automatic, which is among the quickest changing in the world but adds considerably to the cost new.
Some models were also available with four wheel drive (4WD), both hatch and estate, but unless you need it, remember that it will have an adverse effect on economy.
On a fast twisting country road, the excellent steering and lack of roll, plus superb grip even from the narrowest tyres available, make it a joy to drive.
There is limousine legroom in the back, allowing rear seat passengers to cross their legs with ease, and the level of equipment is excellent.
But it's the little touches that, for some, will make this car so special, such as a built-in umbrella in the door and a hard drive to store music.
In fact the whole interior looks great and has a real touch of class. The finish is excellent and this is partly achieved using very good quality materials.
Entry S models have electric windows all round, electric mirrors, stability control, seven airbags, split folding rear seat, air conditioning and a good stereo with aux-in.
SE adds rear parking sensors, cruise, integrated six-CD changer and a multifunction leather steering wheel, while Elegance adds bigger 18-inch alloys, xenon lights, touchscreen sat nav, leather upholstery with electric heated front seats and Bluetooth.
Top Laurin and Klement specification includes such little luxuries as a 10-speaker sound system, a boot net, brown leather upholstery with ventilated front seats and a TV tuner.
Pay about £5,400 for a ‘13 13-reg 1.4TSi S, or £11,050 for a '15 15-reg 2.0TDi CR Elegance.