Skoda has officially revealed its second-generation Superb ahead of the premium saloon’s official launch at the Geneva motor show in March. The Czech brand’s new flagship is a significantly larger and more luxurious proposition than its predecessor, however its most innovative feature is a practical one. Called the ‘twin door system’, it allows the saloon boot lid to open on its own or - to allow for bulkier items to be loaded – it will open in tandem with the rear window. The added convenience will prove ‘revolutionary’ says Skoda, and the new Superb’s larger dimensions mean that luggage space is up to an estate car-rivalling 1670 litres with rear seats folded. Another surprise is the second Superb’s aggressive front end, with imposing grille and oversized Skoda badge that perhaps won’t suit all tastes. But in the cabin we can expect a high-end affair, with most models benefiting from upmarket soft-touch materials, a 30GB MP3 multimedia system and satellite navigation. Petrol engines on offer range from a tiny, tax-friendly 1.4-litre TSI with 125bhp, to a better-suited 3.6-litre FSI V6 with a Haldex clutch four-wheel-drive system. And the most popular model is expected to be a 1.9-litre TDI diesel. Autocar’s Hilton Holloway has already been behind the wheel of a near-production Superb and rated its smooth drive very highly. With this new model Skoda could be about to shake up the premium market.
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Re: New Skoda Superb in detail
The Superb just doesn`t look right!
I have seen a couple in the flesh and they just look very odd from the side and rear 3/4. Its hard to imagine that a professional styling team felt satisfied with the signed off product. But i guess they must.
It would certainly put me off venturing into the showroom for an extended look. But then the Fabia 2 is an odd looking thing too in both hatch and estate. The original Fabia was a great looking car whats gone wrong since?
Re: New Skoda Superb in detail
Interesting banter here regarding Skoda's generally.....
Here is my experience - Alfa's are really emotive characterful cars however having had a few the novelty wears off with each successive electrical failure.....
I've done the Golf too, solid if a little bland and anonymous and, with Labrador and child and a passion for the outdoors, far too small for me.
I tested the Seat Altea 2.0 tdi DSG - loved the gearbox but the elevated stance affected the handling and the boot was only good for tall narrow boxes, which I have few of.
I plumped for a very practical and fun Octavia VRs TDi estate in Race blue which with 18" alloys and the extra styling additions gives it presence without looking like a Max Power refugee. 350nm of torque surprises drivers of more expensive metal too....
I sat in a new Superb yesterday and it oozes class. Rear legroom is vast and that boot really is a great idea - it does give you the flexibility of an estate without the utilitarian looks.....
Hope this helps those with a sudden demand for more room?
Re: New Skoda Superb in detail
I'd recommend you're careful about which engine you choose. I've been driving a few different Leon's for work over the past three months and the difference between the 1.9Tdi and the 2.0TDi is like day and night. I found the 1.9 needs the throttle floored to get anywhere, vibrates so badly the rear view mirror 'buzzes' and thanks to it's five speed gearbox is tiring at motorway speeds. The 2.0 on the other hand with it's six speed box is a far better cruiser and has great shove and flexibility. Still sounds like a bag-of-nails round town though! Hopefully that will be helped by the new VW common-rail diesels coming on-stream, presumably across the extended VAG family.