Calling a car Superb smacks of either arrogance or confidence. It’s hard to believe it’s the former, especially when the manufacturer is Skoda, but when the first model rolled off the production line in 2001 to most observers that confidence would have appeared misplaced.

The second generation introduced some innovative features, such as the Twindoor boot lid that could be operated either as a saloon or a hatchback, but also slightly awkward styling. While it was an obvious improvement over Its predecessor, it once again fell short of the Superb billing.

They say that third time’s a charm and so it proved because the model that arrived in showrooms last year, and on my doorstep last week, rights all its ancestors’ wrongs.

Gone is the clever, but compromised, Twindoor boot. Gone with it is the awkward styling and, in its place, is a sharp-suited, contemporary and classy automobile that looks far more expensive than the £18,500 you could pick one up for.

The SE L Executive that I drove was, of course, a little more costly but, even at a starting price of £24,200 you get a lot of car for your money.

Viewed head-on it’s not too much of a stretch to imagine you’re looking at an Audi, another marque from the VW stable. It’s a handsome, imposing and suitably upmarket face that sets the standard the rest of the car unerringly follows.

Unlike the previous model the profile is far more balanced, far more coherent. The wheelbase still looks stretched but, with bold creases running down its flanks and the familiar kickback in the rear pillar, the styling sits far more comfortably on the elongated platform than its ungainly predecessor. It still looks like a saloon, but it very much remains a hatchback.

Underneath is VW’s modular MQB platform which helps shave as much as 75kg off the previous model despite it being bigger in every direction.

The standard list of equipment is a lengthy one and includes 8in touchscreen with sat nav, Bluetooth audio streaming and handsfree calling, cruise control and bi-xenon headlights with adaptive front light system (AFS).

You’ll also find a pair of umbrellas stowed in the driver’s and front passenger’s doors. Just in case.

The sumptuous part-leather, part-Alcantara (heated) seats are gloriously comfortable. The rest of the interior isn’t too shabby either. In fact, it’s more than a match for anything else that emerges from the VW stable.

The materials on show in the cabin are all soft touch and the fit and finish is first class. Much of the switchgear has been borrowed from the Passat while there’s plenty of flexibility in the seat and steering wheel to allow you to find the perfect driving position.

The dashboard is thoughtfully laid out and all the controls are within easy reach. The centrepiece in the SE L Executive is the 8-inch touchscreen. It’ll be familiar to anyone who’s driven a VW group car but this version comes with a feature-packed Columbus sat-nav.

To say that the cabin is spacious is an understatement. It is cavernous. That space is particularly noticeable in the rear, where passengers of all shapes and sizes will have no trouble getting settled in for the long haul, even with the front seats pushed all the way back.

What’s remarkable is that Skoda have liberated all that passenger space without compromising on the luggage compartment. Put simply, the boot is huge. It’ll swallow 625 litres of your precious cargo with the rear seats in place but, stow those seats away, and you’ll have room for a massive 1,760 litres. Folding away the split rear bench is easy, too, using the pair of handles in the boot.

The 2.0-litre TDi unit under the bonnet of my test car will, again, be familiar to fans of cars from the VW stable so it won’t come as a surprise to learn that it remains a refined, frugal and capable unit. There’s little clatter audible from inside the vehicle, even when the engine’s working hard, rather a distant hum.

It’s a willing power plant, too, with enough torque to ensure relaxed progress whatever gear you’re in. Opt for the DSG gearbox and you’ll enjoy even more serene progress. It’s slick, impeccably behaved and intelligent, making the steering wheel-mounted paddles almost redundant.

I say almost because, every now and then, who doesn’t want to take control of their own destiny.

The ride is remarkable. Initially I wasn’t too enamoured with the slightly softer settings as I felt the car had a tendency to waft but, as I adjusted to its qualities I started to appreciate the chassis’ compliant, isolating properties.

The handling isn’t too shabby either. In spite of the increased body roll that the softer settings allow there’s more than enough grip to keep the enthusiastic driver satisfied on a jolly punt through the countryside.

The previous generation Superb was a good effort but it was let down by the awkward styling. The latest model has put that right, and then some. Dressed in a finely chiselled, lean body with sharp lines and neat geometric shapes it now has a handsome, contemporary look.

Inside it might not quite match the luxury of its Audi stablemates but, given the stark differences in price the compromises are minimal. Of course, it doesn’t have the same kudos of anything wearing a three-pointed star or four interlocked rings and those Skoda jokes still won’t go away but, at the wheel of the Superb, you'll be having the last laugh.

Skoda Superb SE L Executive Hatch 2.0 TDI 190PS DSG SCR

Price: £28,720

As tested: £31,625

Engine: 2.0-litre TDI

Transmission: 6-speed DSG

Max power: 187bhp

Max speed: 145mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 7.8sec

Urban: 52.3mpg

Extra urban: 68.9mpg

Combined: 61.4mpg

Emissions (CO2): 119g/km

For more information visit www.skoda.co.uk