Skoda unveils new fourth-generation flagship Superb

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ seems to be the sensible watchword of Skoda as it unveils its new fourth-generation flagship Superb in hatchback and estate options. Well, not too much, anyway.

There is a choice of two 2-litre petrol models, and two 2-litre diesels, the more powerful versions being four-wheel drive, and a new range-topping 1.5-litre mild hybrid petrol Superb iV with a battery capability of up to 60 miles.

But significantly no pure electric version. Expect prices from £35,000 when they go on sale next year.

At first glance you’d be hard pressed to spot the exterior styling tweaks aimed at making it look sleeker and more aerodynamic, including slimmer and brighter matrix LED headlamps. 

Both versions are slightly longer and taller than previous incarnations, with more boot room.

Sales of second-hand pure electric vehicles double

While new electric cars may be beyond the reach of most motorists, sales of second-hand pure electric vehicles have doubled over the past three months (compared to same time last year) reaching a record market share of 1.8 per cent at 34,021 sales, official figures show.

Record share: Sales of second-hand pure electric vehicles have doubled over the past three months (compared to same time last year)

However, that still represents fewer than 1 in 50 used cars sold. The UK used car market grew 5.5 per cent in the third quarter of 2023, with almost 1.9 million vehicles changing hands. 

The top sellers are the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, VW Golf, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra.

• New car sales in October rose 14.3 per cent year-on-year to 153,529 vehicles, of which 23,943 were pure electric. Trade body the SMMT said though this was up a fifth, the overall market share had risen only marginally to 15.6 per cent, with private registrations making up fewer than one in four new electric cars this year.