Discreet, understated, quiet. These may not be the qualities young drivers search for in a hot hatch, but you’d find them in this latest Superb. And you’d also find the performance to see off those hot hatches without a chirrup from the tyres or a scream from the engine. Classy.

In fact, if you were looking hard you might notice the twin tailpipes at the rear, but otherwise there are absolutely no clues that this is anything other than a cooking car for the quiet family man. Some people are definitely going to like that. Because when you put your foot down you’re going to be keeping up with far more showy cars, like the BMW 330 M Sport.

The engine originated in the Seat Leon Cupra 280, so it’s a goer. The four-pot turbocharged petrol engine gets a right move on from low down the rev range, but it can rev up happily with a throaty growl. So you can cruise around in stealth mode, or you can put your foot down and simply rocket away.

The six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission shifts quickly and seamlessly and integrates nicely with the four-wheel drive system. The drive just pours onto the road so smoothly and controllably that you’ll wonder at the levels of grip.

The enjoyment is slightly tempered by a fair amount of lean in the corners. This is the case in either Comfort or Sport mode, and does limit the amount you’d want to press on, but that’s countered by the confidence engendered by that four-wheel drive system.

If you want this engine then you have to go for the top two trims, so you get lots of toys to play with. You’ll also be sitting in a large and well put together cabin. It’s not flashy, perish the thought, but it is solid, dependable and really spacious. There are definite comparisons with a Mercedes-Benz S-Class here, and they are well deserved.

The comparison with the BMW 330i M Sport is a difficult one. The BMW handles better, uses less fuel and will depreciate slower. And it is much more eye-catching. But if you want a car that can switch seamlessly between family-man saloon or destroyer of hot hatches, then this is the one. We really liked it, but would find it hard to commit at that price. Perhaps in a year or two.

Skoda Superb 2.0 TSI 280 4x4 DSG

Location: Surrey

On sale: now

Price: £31,020

Engine: 4 cyls, 1984cc, turbo, petrol

Power: 276bhp at 5600-6500rpm

Torque: 258lb ft at 1700-5600rpm

Gearbox: 6-spd dual-clutch automatic

Kerb weight: 1540kg

0-62mph: 5.8sec

Top speed: 155mph

Economy: 39.8mpg (combined)

CO2/tax band: 160g/km, 27%