Only a madman or a fool would mess around with a winning formula and thankfully, Skoda has taken that advice on board with its flagship Superb.

Now in its fourth generation, the sleek fastback (the saloon was consigned to history a few years ago) has built on its reputation for offering luxury, comfort and reliability at a reasonable price.

From its launch in 2001 as a limo-like Passat for the Chinese market, the Czech firm has consistently tweaked, improved and finessed its star car into a serious contender that’s more than worthy of a front-row space in the executive car park.

Although the styling stays close to its predecessor, the subtle upgrades, such as the slimmer LED lights, chrome detailing in the lower bumper, sharper shoulder-line creases and 3D light clusters in the rear, all scream premium.

Inside, the cabin is, as expected, super spacious, with exit-like legroom (up 65mm on old model) for rear-seat passengers, while the cabin is an eclectic mix of hipster lounge meets tech geek’s dream.

Open the door and you will be greeted with sumptuous cognac leather interior (or black for the less adventurous), twinned with bleached ash inserts in the upper dash and doors.

The mega-comfy seats are ventilated and come with the option of massage function and memory mode. Dainty door handles add to the elegance, as does the art deco slatted surround that curves around the entire dash. It is further enhanced by ambient lighting, while the crystal-clear binnacle with interchangeable dials is second to none. Add to that a larger 13-inch touchscreen, which is home to the car’s infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Auto Android. The design team has also upgraded the three-dial climate-­control system, which now double up in functions. All come with individual screens and separate menus.

The wheel in the centre can switch from fan to drive mode, to music volume, to phone with the press of a button, while the outer ones control temperature and heated-seat function. Absolute genius and no need to be stabbing at a screen as the windscreen fogs up. The automatic gear select has also been moved to the right-hand side of the floating steering wheel, which frees up more room in the centre console. The boot is best in class too, with a cavernous 645 litres, which expands to 1,195 with the rear seats folded flat.

Irish customers can opt for a mild hybrid, HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) ­compatible diesel and for the first time, a PHEV. Granted, it’s not going to set your hair on fire with 0-100kmh in 9.1 seconds, but what it lacked in straight-line speed, it more than made up for in comfort and composure on long motorway journeys.

Skoda has overachieved again with its latest offering.