You can now show up in the new Skoda Superb not only in a business suit but also in an elegant tuxedo — the car has transformed that much. From a simple work tool, it has turned into a status representative of the business class. The introduction to the new model took place in Austria, the birthplace of Mozart, and the first thing heard from the audio system speakers was a symphony by the great composer.
A specialist would hardly find common features between the old and new Superb — except that the dimensions remain the same. The front part is adorned with a massive radiator grille that smoothly flows into the headlight units, which slightly resemble Audi optics. However, this is not surprising: the concern is one. The car received adaptive bi-xenon, which not only turns the headlights in the direction of the turn but also changes the width and range of the beam depending on speed. At low speeds, around 15–20 km/h, the light is distributed as widely as possible to illuminate the roadsides well, and as speed increases, the headlights begin to shine farther, simultaneously improving illumination of the left side of the road.
In the exterior of the new Superb, features characteristic of the latest Skoda models can be traced. For example, the rear lights have a C-shaped form. The license plate has moved from the trunk lid to the bumper, giving way to the Superb badge. It looks unusual.
Special attention deserves the trunk lid with the patented Twindoor design, which allows the car to be both a sedan and a liftback. The lid can open either separately or together with the rear window. With unchanged dimensions, the trunk volume has grown by 85 liters — to 565 liters, and with the rear row folded, it reaches 1670 liters.
The interior is done in the traditions of Audi and Volkswagen, and only the Skoda badge on the steering wheel reminds of the Czech origin. The instrument panel is new, with moon lighting, and the central console is also changed. Ergonomics remain at a high level: all controls are at hand and intuitive. Seat adjustments are so diverse that they can satisfy the most demanding drivers.
The Superb has become noticeably quieter. Starting the engine, even a diesel one, can only be determined by the instruments — silence is maintained in the cabin during movement as well. The suspension is a successful compromise between comfort and handling. The engineers did not reinvent the wheel but used a modular system based on elements from the Octavia and Passat. The only feature is the front McPherson suspension on an aluminum subframe, which is due to the dimensions and mass of the car. As a result, the Superb obediently follows the steering wheel, without annoying rolls and pitching. Everything is as it should be for the business class.
In Russia, buyers will be offered four engines. Three of them are familiar from the previous generation: the most powerful diesel 2.0 TDI (170 hp) with excellent traction and modest appetite, as well as two petrol units — 1.8 TSI (160 hp) and V6 FSI (260 hp). But the new engine can surprise: with a volume of only 1.4 liters, it develops 125 hp. The dynamics are quite good: acceleration to 100 km/h takes 10.5 seconds, and the top speed is 201 km/h. True, you have to pay for this by constantly keeping the engine in good shape and "revving" it.
Another innovation is the appearance of all-wheel drive, but only for the V6 FSI version. The fourth-generation Haldex system distributes torque between the axles. Under normal conditions, the Superb remains front-wheel drive, and on asphalt, the presence of all-wheel drive is almost not felt. But on loose surfaces, it shows itself with better trajectory following and rare ESP intervention.
With any of the engines, either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DSG "robot" with two clutches can work. The manual pleases with clear shifts, although the lever travel could be shorter. The automatic, on the other hand, gets along well with all engines in the lineup and quickly adapts to the driving style. In Russia, the new Superb will be available in two trim levels — Ambition and Elegance, and the cheapest Comfort version was decided to be abandoned. The minimum price is 790,000 rubles.
As the soul desires
Skoda engineers patented an original trunk lid design called Twindoor. Its uniqueness is that an outwardly ordinary sedan can turn into a liftback when the trunk opens together with the rear window. The first model with such a fifth door was the Superb. The Twindoor system simplifies loading large items, and given the trunk capacity (from 565 to 1670 liters), this is really important. The lid is controlled by two buttons located above the license plate: one in the center, the other on the side. To open in sedan mode, just press the central button. To open the trunk together with the glass, you need to hold the side button for a couple of seconds, and after the stop signal blinks, press the central one — and the trunk opens completely. Twindoor is a unique Skoda development, and it is interesting what competitors will come up with in response.
Driving
The Superb obediently follows the steering wheel. The suspension perfectly handles all irregularities. Rolls and body pitching are minimal.
Interior
An abundance of quality materials. Everything is strict, as befits the business class.
Comfort
Passenger comfort is taken care of not only by the tuned suspension but also by the abundance of space both in the back and in the front.
Safety
In the base configuration, the Superb is equipped with a number of active and passive safety systems.
Price
The new Superb, like the previous one, can boast one of the lowest prices in its class.
Advantages and disadvantages- + Spacious interior and trunk, comfortable suspension, informative steering.
- - Mediocre rear visibility.
- Make and model — Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI
- Dimensions — 4838x1817x1462 mm
- Engine — petrol, 1390 cm³, 125 hp/5000 rpm
- Transmission — automatic, 6-speed
- Dynamics — max 201 km/h; 10.5 s to 100 km/h
- Competitors — Volkswagen Passat, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Grandeur
With the new Skoda Superb, it turned out like with good wine: to become a noble drink, aging is needed. Skoda, perhaps, dragged out this process a bit, but one cannot say that the result did not meet expectations. The new Superb has become significantly more solid than its predecessor and can now confidently compete with premium brands, having the main trump card — the price.