An overview of the Skoda Superb

Competing against the likes of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, and Hyundai Sonata, the Skoda Superb is the most expensive model in the brand’s line-up in this segment. The Skoda Superb made its appearance back in the early 2000s, when the Czech automaker unveiled the first-generation Superb -- it was then based on the Volkswagen Group’s B5 platform. The marque launched the new and better second-generation Superb in 2008, and it was now built upon VW’s PQ46 platform, which the Superb shared with the Volkswagen Passat. And while the first avatar was only sold in a traditional sedan form, the second-gen model was also made available in a station wagon body style in certain markets.

Skoda updated this Superb in 2013, giving it a facelift that now added a few cosmetic changes and comfort features. Finally, at the Geneva Motor Show in 2015, the brand announced the latest, third generation of the Superb. Borrowing its parent company’s widely used MQB architecture, the new Skoda Superb was now larger, more modern, comfortable, and introduced several up-to-date on-board technologies and uprated safety features. Just like its precursor, this third-gen Superb is also available as a sedan and station wagon in many markets (excluding the UAE).

Exterior

The Skoda Superb is a pretty vast sedan, though it’s technically classified as a “liftback” since its tailgate opens similar to that of a hatchback. Of course, this doesn’t become obvious unless you open it up. Compared to its softer second-gen predecessor, the exterior styling of the newer model sports a many more sharp creases, pronounced ridges, and its front & rear ends are now far more chiseled in their appearance as well. While there were a few people who didn’t appreciate the old Superb’s smooth but bulky styling, the new model draws attention with its overall sharp and dynamic poise. As for its dimensions, the third-gen Skoda Superb is 4.861 meters in length, 1.864 meters in width, with a wheelbase of 2.841 meters and a total trunk volume of 625 liters.

Unlike its more distinctive precursor, this new Superb looks more like a larger Octavia, as the Czech automaker tries to bring out the “family look” out of each of their newer cars. So the front fascia gets the familiar Skoda grille, contoured hood, slick projector headlamps, and a sporty bumper with large, horizontally-placed fog lights and a comprehensive central air-intake opening. Showcasing its longer wheelbase and shorter front overhangs, the side view also emphasizes the Superb’s special ‘tornado line’ and ‘wing line’. There are also the smart 19-inch wheels, muscular front fenders and sloped C-pillars. The rear of the new Superb houses edgy LED tail lights and a sculpted bumper with a well-integrated air diffuser.

Interior

Some of the most noteworthy mentions within the cabin of the new Skoda Superb are its immense passenger room and great build quality. Almost every surface and trim piece feels more expensive than what the car’s price tag might suggest, and Skoda has been nailing it when it comes to fit-and-finish, interior practicality and comfortable seats. There also aren’t too many buttons and switches, making this interior feel less cluttered and busy than some of its rivals.

The Superb can be availed with adaptive Bi-xenon headlights, adaptive dampers, individual drive modes, all-LED interior lighting, leather upholstery, 12-speaker Canton sound system, digital instrument panel, push-button engine start, ventilated front seats, electronic parking brake, tri-zone climate control, motion-activated boot release, mood lighting, cruise control, and all-round parking sonar with a rearview camera. Among its several safety nannies, there are eight airbags, electronic stability & traction control, and blind-spot monitoring.

Engine and performance

Power for the new Superb comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mill that develops 220hp and 350Nm of torque. This goes through a 6-speed DSG automatic transmission that directs power to the front wheels. The Superb can go from 0-100 km/h in 7.0 seconds, while top whack is 245 km/h -- making this one of the fastest cars in its class.

Verdict

In the UAE, the new Skoda Superb is only available in the top-spec L&K trim, and it costs AED 143,500.