MOST compare the Skoda Superb to the likes of the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia, but on size, performance, specification and comfort, it is much closer to the Mercedes E-Class and the Audi A6, and a good deal more reasonable second hand.

The latest model came out in 2015 and was heavily revised in 2019. It's a brilliant car to drive and to live with.

The Superb name has only been around in the modern era since 2001, but Skoda first produced a with that badge back in 1934, with V6 and V8 petrol engines.

The updated design, engineering and safety of the company's flagship are high in the stratosphere compared to those much simpler cars of course, and they were produced before BMW or Audi even existed!

They are wonderfully refined motorway cruisers with marvellous seats and a ride that soaks up absolutely everything in its path.

And the amount of interior space is astounding, with enough room for most people to cross their legs easily in the rear seats and a boot bigger than most estates.

Talking of estates, there is also one in the range and it is even bigger than those Volvos so beloved of antique dealers years ago.

The suspension is set up for comfort, and in a car like this, that has to be the right way to go.

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.

But don't let that fool you. This is a car that still takes the corners quickly and in complete safety with excellent grip and despite its size, very good handling.

The vast majority of secondhand models will have diesel power because they are likely to have been company cars when new.

And these almost all come with the excellent DSG automatic gearbox. They start with the well-known VW Group 1.6 TDI that produces 120bhp and can achieve 66 miles per gallon. There is also a 2.0 TDI with the same output and both reach 60 from rest in 10.6 seconds.

There are then two more versions of the turbo 2.0-litre with 150 and 190bhp. These can do 65 or 60mpg and cover the sprint in 8.8 or 7.5 seconds respectively.

Three petrol engines with a choice of four outputs start with the 1.4 or later 1.5 TSI petrol, and can do about 53mpg. Both accelerate to the benchmark in about 8.3 seconds.

Range topping 2.0 TSI models come with 220 or 280bhp and bring brilliant acceleration as you might imagine. The 280 is almost in supercar country, covering the sprint in 5.6 seconds and yet still capable of 39mpg.

There is also a plug-in petrol electric hybrid that boasts 214bhp from a 1.4 petrol engine mated to an electric motor and the DSG box. This one sprints to 60 in 7.4 and is rated at 149mpg. It can also cover about 36 miles on electric power alone.

The fact that many models are only available with the DSG automatic gearbox is no hardship because it's one of the best in the business, making the changes faster than you can do it yourself and with a manual setting just in case you want to.

The top petrol models came with four wheel drive as standard, and the 190bhp diesel was available with it as an option. Top models also come with Skoda's excellent adaptive suspension system that can be tuned to the driver's preference.

The level of equipment is excellent. In fact the whole interior looks great and has a real touch of class. The finish is excellent and this is partly achieved using good quality materials.

Apple Carplay and Android auto are standard, together with a raft of electronic safety devices, and SE-L mid-range trim includes an alarm, traction control, audio remote and a CD player, sat nav with a large centre screen, parking sensors and beautiful leather covered heated seats with electric adjustment for the driver.

Pay about £16,700 for a '17 17-reg 2.0 TDI 150bhp SE L Executive auto, or £19,400 for a '19 19-reg 1.5TSI Sportline.