Skoda Superb: Superb "mid-range" newly revised
The Superb has not only become one of the familiar faces at Skoda, successfully surfing between the mid-range and upper mid-range, but also one of the historically most important models. A brief look back: the "original Superb" appeared in 1934 as the Skoda 640 Superb and offered space for up to seven people on 5.5 meters. Even before the first Superb went into series production, Skoda had already launched several premium models and, alongside Tatra, formed the spearhead of Czech automotive craftsmanship. The concept of the central tube frame with independent wheel suspension also comes from Tatra, and since they wanted to be "superb" in every way, they also packed a 12-volt on-board network into the car in 1934 – where many manufacturers were still content with six volts long after the war. The drives were always six-cylinder. In 1939 and 1940, they topped it off again and produced twelve Superb 4000s with eight-cylinder engines. Between 1935 and 1949, Skoda then produced a total of 2,500 Superb versions. Then they left the luxury class to Tatra until passenger car production there ended in 1998.
The Superb was always closely related to the VW Passat
In September 2001, the Superb was relaunched – as the "long version" of the Passat, not yet as a station wagon – here they remained cautious. But the success proved the reintroduction of the name right and generations two and three also came as a station wagon with a completely unique appearance. Generation four now forms the basis for the new Passat Variant, which in its current generation is actually a Skoda Superb.
The station wagon is still allowed to simply be called "Kombi" – how clever!
But while the VW now only comes as a station wagon, Skoda continues to offer the Superb as a sportily designed sedan and station wagon. The cW value of the sedan is 0.23, ten percent lower than the previous version, and the station wagon variant undercuts its former counterpart with a cW value of 0.25, by fifteen percent. Slight increases in length and height contribute to even more generous interior dimensions. The trunk volume increases by 20 liters to 645 liters in the sedan and by 30 liters to 690 liters in the station wagon, which can still be called so at Skoda!
A quick look at the dimensions: The new one measures 4,912 (+43) or 4,902 (+40) as a station wagon, became higher 1,481 (+12) 1,482 (+5), but: 15 millimeters narrower! Thanks for that! It is now "only" 1849 mm wide. The wheelbase remained unchanged at 2841 mm.
Plug-in with "over 100 km" range according to WLTP
Skoda has once again optimized the powertrains and made them even more efficient: there are three petrol engines to choose from, with outputs ranging from 110 kW (150 PS) to 195 kW (265 PS) and two diesels with 110 kW (150 PS) and 142 kW (193 PS). In addition, a new plug-in hybrid drive with 150 kW (204 PS) exclusively for the station wagon supplements the offer. However, Skoda has tidied things up a bit here: the top TDI and TSI always come with all-wheel drive, although it is to be expected that the "base engines" will make up the bulk of orders anyway. And: The plug-in should become quite important, especially since it is supposed to offer over 100 km of range. In addition, many new and optimized safety and assistance systems are added.
Superb ergonomics: The smart Dials
What should also remain "superb": the operation. Because as with the Kodiaq, Skoda relies on the Skoda Smart Dials here, which combine digital and haptic elements. They can be rotated and pressed, and each Smart Dial also has a 32-millimeter digital display. The controls allow quick access to numerous vehicle functions and are held in unique dark chrome. The two outer Smart Dials allow the driver and front passenger to control the interior temperature, seat heating, and seat ventilation. Each digital rotary knob shows the current function on its display, and it can be changed at the push of a button. The center Smart Dial controls up to four user-selected functions such as infotainment volume, fan level, direction of the air vents, Smart Air Conditioning, driving modes, and map zoom. It can be configured via the infotainment system menu, and the user switches between functions of the button by long pressing.
Four additional push buttons between the Smart Dials give access to the windshield ventilation, rear window heating, recirculation mode, and air conditioning. The menu for controlling the air conditioning will follow shortly as another feature. It allows quick adjustment of all heating functions for seats, steering wheel, windshield, and rear window via a single heating button. It sounds complex, but to put it simply: Unlike virtually all other vehicles of this category, in the Superb many things can still be operated "blindly"! Which makes the ergonomics "superb" as well!
Luxurious: Seven Design Selections up to Laurin & Klement
The new offer structure includes seven Design Selections with a wide range of sustainable solutions, such as fabrics made from 100 percent recycled materials. Klaus Zellmer, Chairman of the Board of Skoda Auto, is also pleased:
“For over 20 years, the Superb has led Skoda's combustion engine portfolio. It will continue to do so in its fourth generation, offering refined, sculptural design, outstanding space, and cutting-edge technologies. Further optimized powertrains and improved aerodynamics achieve even greater efficiency. We have completely revamped the plug-in hybrid, which now offers more than 100 kilometers of electric range. The completely new interior is even more ergonomic and features an exemplary share of sustainable materials. Finally, we are once again offering the Superb as a sedan and station wagon, meeting the wishes of our customers.”
The Superb also remains super clever
In total, the Superb offers many Simply Clever details depending on the trim line: In addition to the Smart Dials, there is the parking ticket holder, an ice scraper made from sustainable materials on the fuel cap, pen holder, coin compartment and removable sunglasses compartment in the glove compartment, an easy-open cup holder, a device to prevent misfuelling, high-visibility vest compartments in all doors, a washer nozzle for the rearview camera, a removable sunglasses compartment in the storage compartment under the center armrest, USB port in the rearview mirror, the well-known storage compartment in the driver's door with an umbrella now made from sustainable materials, and a funnel integrated into the windshield washer fluid cap.
Optionally, you can order a multi-purpose storage compartment under the luggage compartment cover of the sedan, an electric luggage compartment cover for the station wagon, a multi-purpose storage compartment under the luggage compartment cover now with additional pocket holders. Brand-typical features also include the waste bins in the door panels, the sleeping package (special headrests, blanket). Added to this is a tablet holder on the headrests and the rear armrest with integrated cup/tablet holder, which is now longitudinally adjustable. Especially the latter options show that the Superb is also following its history as a chauffeur-driven limousine. Moreover, it must also represent as the Czech state limousine. But it does so more environmentally friendly and more generously than ever. It's a shame that it doesn’t come as a BEV...
What does that mean?
The Superb now drives at a good 4.9 meters between mid-size and upper mid-size class. Actually, it clearly belongs to the latter, and if you know its history, you understand the Czechs' ambition. Together with the new Passat, however, it will be built in the Slovak plant in Bratislava. What is clear is that it too will find its way, but it could be the last of its kind: The BEV program does indeed include a station wagon again, but one that will be between the Octavia and Superb in size.
Translated automatically from German.
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