The transformation of Skoda in recent years is remarkable. From bad joke to sensible choice, the change was swift and certain.

No-one mocks the Czech firm now. The best-selling models like Fabia and Octavia are neat and tidy cars which cost less than their main rivals.

They are smart but somewhat staid. But the arrival of more unusual models like Yeti and Roomster have expanded the range from the merely sensible to rather desirable.

Now a range of estates have expanded the Skoda family even further.

Here we have the Superb Estate. Superb is a fine car. It comes as a hatchback which looks, feels and drives like a saloon, and for those who need serious space, there is some no-nonsense spaciousness.

These are proper load-luggers. The Superb hatchback already holds 1,670 cubic litres but the estate version squeezes in more than 1,800 cubic litres.

So, how exactly does the Superb shape up? Well, pretty well, apart from the name. If, like me, you believe it’s up to you whether a car is superb or not, you may balk at such a title. What next? The Skoda Excellent... the Skoda Fantastic?

But that gripe apart, it’s hard to find much wrong with this car. I’m not sure how many Audi, BMW or Jaguar drivers would swap their executive expresses for such a badge, but believe me, some already are.

The Twindoor tailgate was a winner. It looks like a saloon, but has the benefit of opening as a saloon or hatchback, and Skoda had crafted a genuinely innovative and highly cost-effective large saloon rival to models in both the D and E segment.

It was only a matter of time before an estate version followed, even if it did mean sacrificing the intelligent rear end design for something more traditional.

It comes as a pleasant surprise that in the Superb Estate, Skoda has built a model that’s as attractive as the original saloon-hatchback hybrid. The curvaceous and neatly-styled rear end gives the model a stately appearance. Of equal importance, it gives the model a spacious appearance, an allusion that the cavernous interior is more than capable of delivering upon.

Without sacrificing the limousine-like legroom for rear passengers, the Superb Estate offers a capacious 633 litres of load space. Drop the rear seats and that increases to an enormous 1,865 litres. Estate drivers can often be heard questioning why anyone would opt for a less practical body shape. With the Superb Estate, it’s not hard to see why.

Particularly as there is such a wide range of proven engines and transmissions on offer. Diesel engine options include the Volkswagen Group’s 103bhp 1.9-litre TDI unit and 138bhp TDI or 167bhp TDI CR versions of the 2.0 engine.

Those with a preference for petrol engines are notably spoilt for choice, able to choose from 1.4 litres in the form of the highly-admired 123bhp TSI unit and 3.6 litres, and the 256bhp V6 engine, via the 158bhp 1.8-litre TSI.

Bearing in mind the Superb Estate’s considerable size, the smaller petrol units do a fantastic job of providing economical performance at a lower purchase price, and with greater refinement than the naturally torquey diesel units.

The 1.8-litre turbo-charged TSI unit, when combined with the part-time, Haldex clutch-driven four-wheel drive system available on the model (of particular benefit to those eying the spacious Superb as a caravan-pulling alternative to an SUV for the summer months), offers zero to 62mph acceleration in 8.7 seconds.

It’s an unflustered experience too. Ride quality, an area in which the Superb hatch proves very competent, has not been sacrificed with the addition of a larger rear end. The rigidity of the chassis translates as a reassuring firmness, but the model’s ability to soak up bumps and provide a cushioned ride over less impressive motorway services makes it a great tourer.

Of course, anyone with a passing interest in cars knows that, as part of the Volkswagen Group, Skoda has long since outgrown the post-Cold War innuendo once directed at the brand. The UK remains one of the last markets in which a Skoda badge can still be viewed as a less desirable acquisition. Like the Superb hatch, the Estate model ought to be one of the final hammer blows to the myth of sub-par quality.

Business-like exterior styling is complimented with choice detailing such as the Superb motifs in the headlights. Rear passengers get their own central ventilation unit, the boot features clever additions such as a self-charging torch and pop-out umbrellas can be specified for the doors.

Trim quality easily meets expectations and, although some materials are not as plush as elsewhere in the group, due attention has been paid to the areas that regularly come into contact.

While some manufacturers are looking at improving the quality of its smaller cars to tempt drivers wary of the economic downturn into downsizing, Skoda offers an attractive alternative.

Skoda Superb Estate 1.8 TSI:- PRICE: £18,810. The range starts at £17,715.

ENGINE: A 1.8 litre unit generating 158bhp via front-wheel drive.

PERFORMANCE: Top speed 135mph, 0-60mph in 8.7 seconds.

COSTS: Average 38.7mpg.

EMISSIONS: 171g/km.

INSURANCE: Group 20.

WARRANTY: Three years, 60,000 miles.

Steve’s Ratings: Performance: 4/5 Ride/Handling: 3/5 Space/Practicality: 5/5 Equipment: 4/5 Security/Safety: 4/5 OVERALL: 4/5