Superb Skoda saloon could be best in its class

* Superb's smart front end.

* New high-tech dash.

* Acres of room in the back.

Skoda Superb road test by Steve Rogers

Bentley one week, Skoda the next. Such is the varied life of your car tester.

Turn the clock back 25 years and you could fairly say this was the sublime to the ridiculous but while the brands are poles apart times have changed for the underdog. 

Volkswagen buying the Czech company opened up a whole new world. I've been a fan since my first drive in the Octavia in 1997 and have been banging the Skoda drum ever since.

The cars are still built in the home country but the parts come from Wolfsburg so it is no surprise to see matching gear in Volkswagen, Audi or Seat models, in fact there is a small connection with Bentley.

The blind spot warning strip in the Superb's door mirrors is identical to those in the Bentley Continental, another VW company.

The Superb has been the flagship model since 2001 building a reputation on a ginormous cabin. Never mind six footers, there is space for seven footers in the back of a Superb and no one in its class can match the size of the boot either.

Not that Superb has been having an easy ride. Its market has been in decline for years with customers turning to big SUVs for space and versatility and Skoda is well placed there as well with the excellent Kodiaq.

Yet Superb's unique selling point of class leading space and value for money has given it a strong fan base in the fleet and company car markets where it has been a regular pain in the backside for main rivals Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia and even its Wolfsburg cousin, the VW Passat. What a genius move on Skoda's part to distance itself from Passat by making it roomier.

The hatchback's 625 litre boot capacity is streets ahead of the opposition and gets even better with the seats down - 1760 litres and if that's not enough then go for the estate where there is nearly 2000 litres of space. You will find just how big the boot is when you try to retrieve something that has spilled into a far corner. It requires long arms or a very big stretch.

To give it a bit of context the hatchback's boot easily swallowed two full sets of golf clubs and trolleys with the seats up.

Dwelling on space is an injustice to Superb which is a fine all rounder. The new dashboard layout is practical rather than stylish with a central eight inch touchscreen for infotainment - that's navigation, radio and smartlink technology for Android, CarPlay and Mirror Link along with other car related features.

This comes in at SE L level which is the start of the premium trim and there is the option to spend £475 on the virtual cockpit. It offers five different views, easily selected from a button on the steering wheel. The show's highlight is a full width 10.2in Google map gifted, eventually, by its masters at VW-Audi. Skoda always has to wait its turn for the top tech.

Equipment level is generally good with leather heated seats, powered for the driver, LED headlights, keyless entry, and a host of electronic safety features yet there is one inexplicable omission - a reversing camera.

It is a £385 option unless you buy the 39 grand top of the range Laurin & Klement model and with the saloon's high rear window it's needed. Parking sensors with rear proximity lines on screen don't cut it on a car at this price.

A couple of weeks ago I was lauding the 1.5 litre petrol engine in the new Golf but raised an eyebrow when I saw it was powering the much bigger Superb. Again it was another revelation and would be my choice over a diesel easily topping 50mpg. 

With the extra weight and size the economy and performance was even more spectacular than the Golf, so sharp and refined, and working beautifully with the seven-speed DSG auto gearbox. It too has cylinder deactivation right up to 70mph to help save fuel.

Handling is safe and predictable and airs on the side of comfort. For performance seekers this is no BMW 3-Series or Audi A4, not even a Peugeot 508 or Mazda6, but if you want to stick with Skoda and have some fun then go for Octavia.

Superb is what it is, a comfortable, very competent large family saloon or estate and arguably the best car in its class.

Need to know

Superb SE L 7sp DSG auto

£29,545 - £31,570 tested

1.5litre TSI; 147bhp

0-62mph 9.2secs; 135mph

42.2mpg combined

153g/km. 1st year tax £540 then £145

Boot: 625 litres

Insurance group 19

 

 

 

 

Local roadworks alert

Latest local roadworks alert from one.network is: 

Butlers Hill, Llangollen, Denbighshire

10 September — 10 September

 

Delays likely - Road closure

 

Works location: FROM OUTSIDE MIN Y NANT TO OUTSIDE PEN Y MAES...

 

Works description: REPLACEMENT OF CABLES . OVERHEAD WORKS ONLY...

 

Responsibility for works: MANWEB

 

Current status: Advanced planning

 

Works reference: GY0302100388892G

 

 

Denbighshire libraries re-open for appointment visits

 

* Llangollen Library in Castle Street.

Libraries in Denbighshire are now open for customers to choose books, use a computer and print, use a photocopier and access One Stop Shop services via appointments.

The appointment system will help ensure social distancing measures are adhered to and appointments can be made by phoning your local library.

Visits to browse and choose books are limited to 20 minutes, and computer sessions are currently limited to 45 minutes, and one per week.

You will need your library card number to book a computer session.

If you require help at the One Stop Shop with a Council query or to make a payment, please call the library and ensure you have all the relevant details, so that we can deal with your query, and arrange an appointment if you need to come in.

Cllr Tony Thomas, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “I’m pleased we are able to offer further services to residents wishing to use the library service.

“Customers will now be able to book appointments to use a range of services in their local libraries. Our popular order and collect service will continue for those who prefer staff to choose books for you to collect or have delivered to you.

“Our home library service is making deliveries of books to anyone who is unable to visit their local library – please get in touch to find out more about this service.”

All books currently on loan are being automatically renewed and no fines will be issued, but customers who have finished with books are asked to drop them off at the library to ensure stock levels are maintained.

Special unit helps violently abused mum-of-three

 

A mum-of-three has told how her violent partner tried to kill her by deliberately crashing his car at speed into a stone wall when she was pregnant.

Terrified Annie, 30, not her real name, miraculously survived the impact but suffered whiplash, stomach pains and severe headaches while her raging partner tried to smash the car with a rock.

On other occasions he punched her stomach after finding out she was pregnant and tried to strangle her.

As well as inflicting a catalogue of horrific injuries to Annie, the cruel, controlling brute also threatened to throw acid in her mother’s face.

Thankfully, she escaped after turning for help to the Domestic Abuse Safety Unit (DASU) which operates across Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham.

Annie says the organisation saved her and her children, providing them with a safe haven in a refuge.

DASU provides a 24/7 service for women, men and their children affected by domestic abuse.

The organisation receives financial support from the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner who has made tackling domestic abuse one of the key priorities in his Police and Crime Plan, the blueprint for policing North Wales.

In addition to the regular funding he provides to them and other organisations who work with abused victims in North Wales, Mr Jones has accessed an extra £238,000 from the Ministry of Justice to help them cope with the extra challenges caused by the coronavirus crisis.

As a result, DASU has received an extra £71,400 to support service users and purchase safety screens and signage and source personal protection equipment (PPE) and cleaning materials.

According to DASU, Annie’s horrific story is all too common place and they were grateful to the Police and Crime Commissioner for his vital support.

When Annie first met her partner, there was nothing to suggest he would turn into a vicious monster.

She said: “I met him through a mutual friend. He was a year younger than me and was a real smooth talker at first. He bought me gifts and was great for two or three months but then he changed.

“I had my own house, it was in my name and although he never officially moved in he was always there. Very quickly he would stop me from going out and always demanded to know who I’d spoke to or who I’d seen.

“I had two children from a previous relationship but when he found out I was pregnant with his child he went mad and said he didn’t want the baby. He punched me in the stomach and on one occasion tried to strangle me.

“I then discovered he was giving my son emotional abuse, telling him he was fat and that his real dad didn’t want to see him or want anything to do with him. My son was only six. My son told his dad who spoke to my mum. She rang the police.”

“The police came up and social services. I was given a choice really him or my kids. l That was no contest. On the Wednesday I managed to get out saying I had to go town for a medical appointment with the kids. 

“I went to the refuge and never looked back. I had nothing, just the clothes we were wearing. My former partner went berserk and threatened my mum that she’d never see her grandchildren again and that he would throw acid in her face.

“With all the stress I went into hospital early to have the baby. He found out I was in hospital and tried to get in to see me but I had a restraining order in place and he never got in.

Annie says she suffered numerous physical injuries as a result of attacks by her former partner but she also suffered mental torture and coercion.

She said: “The worst was when I was pregnant. He got me in the car and said if he couldn’t have me no one would. He drove like an idiot and drove at speed into a stone wall.

“I managed to get out of the car, which was his, while he was smashing it up further with a rock. He was screaming. Luckily someone I knew passed and I jumped in their car and got away. He’d just totally lost it.

“I’m sure if I hadn’t finally got away he’d of killed me. I’m still terrified of him but I’ve come to terms with his behaviour. He just had to control me and abuse me physically and sexually. For him it was all about control.

“The Domestic Abuse Safety Unit saved me, there’s no doubt about that. They have been amazing. They got me into a lovely refuge and we felt safe right from the start.”

Commissioner Jones was pleased DASU had provided an escape route for Annie and her children.

He said: “Domestic abuse in all its forms is an abhorrent crime and is something I have addressed through my Police and Crime Plan.

“It’s important to realise that domestic abuse isn’t just about physical assault. Domestic abuse comes in many forms including control, coercion and sexual abuse.”

He added: “The Covid-19 pandemic has really affected the service too and it’s important they have the funding in place to manage the expected spike in calls for help over the coming few months.

“I’m hoping the money I have been able to find for the DASU means they can continue helping lots of other women, like Annie, to get to safety and to start building a new life away from their abuser.”

DASU chief executive Gaynor Mckeown  said they have up to 41 refuge spaces across the region.

She said: “When a new service user arrives we will put together a care plan, a safety plan and help the service user to access support and advice. We offer specialist practical and emotional support and advocacy to access accommodation, financial support, medical and educational opportunities and assistance with reporting to the police and attending court if appropriate.

“We rely on the help of our commissioners and partners. The support we receive from the Police and Crime Commissioner is invaluable, we couldn’t help anywhere near the number of victims we do without the financial backing we receive.”

“The additional funds from the PCC will be crucial going forward if we are to help more women like Annie.

“She is doing fantastically well. When she arrived, as is so often the case, her self-esteem was rock bottom and she basically only had the clothes she and her children were wearing.

“She has now moved on and is getting her independence back but she also knows we are there if and when she need support in the future.”

* Anybody needing support can contact DASU via their website www.dasunorthwales.co.uk/contact or by ringing 01244 830436 (Flintshire), 01745 814494 (Denbigh),01492 534705 (Colwyn) or ​01978 310203 (Wrexham).

Cat Meade explains what happens to help group as lockdown eases

* Cat Meade and her young son Connor.

The woman who spearheaded Llangollen's fightback against coronavirus has spoken of what happens to the support organisation she founded as lockdown gradually eases.

Immediately the Covid-19 crisis began back in March Cat Meade, whose day job is at Wingett's estate agents in Castle Street, launched the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group.

Since then she and a team of dedicated volunteers have devoted many unpaid hours to ensuring people isolated in their homes have been supplied with everything from food to daily newspapers.

The group also supplied many items of PPE to the vulnerable and organised deliveries of vital medication to those self-isolating in their homes across town.

To finance the work and support hard-hit local businesses she started a series of highly popular daily raffles offering a host of valuable prizes.

There have also been regular updates about the group's work on a dedicated Facebook page.

* The Coronavirus Help Group page on Facebook launched by Cat Meade in the early says of the pandemic. 

Now, as the pandemic crisis winds down and life gradually returns to normal, Cat has taken to Facebook to explain what happens to the help group.

Yesterday she posted: “It’s been a while since I’ve posted, which is good on one hand, on the other I hope you are all keeping well ... keeping safe, responsible and mindful.

“I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to every volunteer and resident that has assisted and kept this group going during lockdown, the fundraising, gifting, hours and hours of volunteering to our wonderful community. 

“I have had to put my role to one side as work life is taking over, most volunteers are back to their daily routine, kids back at school and a little normality forming. 

“The page will stay here (hoping we do not need it again). 

“In months to come we may be able to turn it into a different page of support for the community, for now, we will leave it open and our mainstream originators will be here, IF and WHEN, hopefully not needed again. 

“Big thank you Llangollen.”

Funding boost for railway welcomed by MP

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has welcomed news that Llangollen Railway has received £161,000 of National Lottery support to help address the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

As revealed by llanblogger recently, the National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded the money through their Heritage Emergency Fund which provides assistance to organisations within the heritage sector struggling during the pandemic.

Mr Baynes previously highlighted the importance of Clwyd South tourism and hospitality businesses in Questions to the Prime Minister on Wednesday May 13, and asked him to congratulate the Llangollen Steam Railway team for their hard work fundraising during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Mr Baynes said: “Everyone in the area knows how tremendously important Llangollen Railway is to us as a community. So I’m delighted to see it benefitting from vital National Lottery Heritage Emergency Funding.

“The whole railway team work incredibly hard to ensure visitors to Llangollen receive a warm welcome and a great experience so I’m very happy to see them secure this much needed help.”

Former chamber chair says businesses oppose Castle Street parking ban

* The county council plans to remove parking bays along Castle Street.

The former chair of Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism claims banning parking in Castle Street is a waste of money and will have a “negative, deadening effect” on the town centre.

Removing the parking bays along the main street is part of the county council’s plan to provide social distancing measures in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

But David Davies said: “Castle Street businesses are angered to see that the county council is proceed with the traffic order banning all parking and deliveries in the street on the pretence of Covid-19 social distancing and active travel reasons.

“Twenty eight businesses - 80% of all operating businesses in the street - individually signed letters of objection to DCC.  

“It is understood they were deemed unacceptable and irrelevant and unfortunately our two local county council representatives, Graham Timms and Melvyn Mile, failed to support the businesses objections fuelling the view that the traffic order is being used to further the plans of the 2020 Group to permanently ban all parking, 24 hours a day, in Castle Street.”

Mr Davies added: “No parking in the street will lead to loss of significant business to a number of shops including Spar and Chatwins, with no pop and shop and trades people unable to park to purchase break and lunch foods.  

“The Bull will need to unload barrels of beer in Market Street and roll them along the road into Castle Street posing a safety issue to pedestrians. 

“People delivering to the charity shops will have to carry all their contributions from the nearest car park and parking in the street to use Barclays Bank or the cash machine or access the Town Hall will not be possible.

“The idea is a waste of money and will have a negative, deadening effect on the atmosphere of our town centre.

“During the past 12 years, six professional consultants have reviewed the town’s traffic and parking and none have recommended banning all parking,  24 hours a day, along Castle Street. 

“Traders are continuing their objections to the plan.”

In a joint response, Llangollen county councillors Graham Timms and Melvyn Mile said: "These works are Welsh Government and Denbighshire County Council’s response to the very real threat of the C-19 pandemic to Llangollen. 

"We have visitors from far and wide being jammed together on our narrow pavements. A perfect scenario for the spread of C-19. How would the businesses react to another lockdown?

"The safety measures will be in place for a limited time and it’s just a coincidence that Llangollen 2020 objectives are similar.

"These measures are designed to help people move about the town in a safer manner than the chaos that we experienced in July and August, when some residents stayed away from Castle Street, literally in fear of their lives.

"They would also have been introduced much earlier if David Davies and others hadn’t gone about the traders organising their objection. 

"Those 28 objections were not ignored but were taken into consideration, as were the 146 letters of support from residents and visitors and the 95% support from those who completed the official consultation.

"We make no apologies for trying to make Llangollen a safer place for its residents, visitors, shop workers and traders."