Skoda revises its flagship Superb and gently traces the eyeliner. More has changed in terms of technology: there are digital instruments, new infotainment systems, matrix lights and more assistants. And a new diesel is also in the program.
Almost at the same time as the VW Passat, the Czech brother of the mid-range bestseller is upgraded. The Skoda Superb, available as a sedan and station wagon, is now optically carefully modernized and with new technology extras to continue its success story. Since the launch of the Superb series in 2001, Skoda has brought more than 1,2 million units of its flagship to the people, more than 500.000 of which are attributable to the now revised third generation.
The renewed Superb, which is available for at least 28.850 euros, is recognizable - only to the connoisseur - through slight retouching on the front and rear. The radiator grille has grown, the double ribs protrude further down, and new, wider headlights flank it on the left and right. From now on, they always shine through the night with LED technology, on request and for around 1.800 euros extra, Skoda also mounts matrix lights that should illuminate the road as much as possible without dazzling oncoming traffic. The technology is known from the VW group, but is being used for the first time by the Czech subsidiary. The engineers also rely on LED technology at the rear, and the distinctive Skoda lettering is now also emblazoned on the Superb. A little chrome trim is also provided for the top version Laurin & Klement.
The first thing you notice in the interior are the digital instruments with various display options - provided you are ready to invest the almost 400 euros for the 10,25 inch display. The basic infotainment system comes with an 8 inch display, the top version comes with an 9,2 inch touchscreen. Behind it is the latest corporate software, which not only understands gesture control and is always online if desired, but also allows a smooth connection of Apple and Android smartphones. They can now be inductively charged in a phone box in front of the gear lever, alternatively there are several USB ports and an 230 volt socket.
The Czechs have also improved the driver assistance systems: as with his VW brother Passat, the cruise control in the Superb now reacts to speed signs and automatically adjusts the speed to the permitted Vmax; in addition, the system automatically accelerates before cornering so that you can smoothly get around the corner without having to brake. It almost goes without saying that he also keeps track on his own. However, the Skoda very often urges you to hold the steering wheel - even if you have not taken your hand off the valance. If the driver is actually no longer able to intervene, for example as a result of a medical emergency, the Superb automatically initiates emergency braking at the edge of the road. And he gets on the iron when he sees pedestrians on the road.
In the future, no fewer than ten motor-drive combinations will be available under the hood, with the 1,5 liter petrol engine, which marks the entry with 110 kW / 150 PS, coming later in the year. With it, the price drops to the aforementioned 28.850 euros, at least 32.000 euros are currently due for the new 2.0 TDI. With 110 kW / 150 PS, too, it does as much as its predecessor, but comes from a completely new generation of engines - among other things, the crank mechanism, exhaust system, turbo system, injection system and thermal management have been revised. All of this should have a positive impact on consumption, but exact trade fair values are not yet available.
What is striking: The new engine is also much better insulated and hardly noticeable in the interior. There is no question that it also provides sufficient power with around 350 Newton meters, which can be managed either by a manual six-speed gearbox or a seven-stage double coupler: Highway speed can be achieved in a good new second and a maximum of 220 km / h are completely suitable for motorways. In general, long-distance racing is the favorite discipline of the Skoda, which glides calmly and calmly.
Adaptive dampers are optionally available, with which the comfort or sport factor can be significantly influenced. In addition, Skoda offers the Superb as an explicit sports version that moves the Czechs a centimeter closer to the asphalt; the new Scout model goes the other way round with robust plastic planks and 1,5 centimeters more ground clearance (only for the station wagon).
If you like it more sporty in terms of drive, you can also use the two-liter diesel with 140 kW / 190 PS (from 38.350 Euro). The automatic is standard here, optionally there is all-wheel drive. This in turn is also part of the standard equipment for the top petrol engine with 200 kW / 272 PS (from 48.290 Euro). Among them, another, two liter large four-cylinder turbo engine, which provides 35.850 kW / 140 PS, is significantly cheaper with 190 Euro and less thirsty with around six standard liters. Speaking of thirst: If you want to make particularly economical progress, you have to wait until the turn of the year before the plug-in hybrid Superb iV starts. His 1,4 liter petrol engine (115 kW / 156 PS) developed together with the 85 kilowatt electric motor 160 kW / 218 PS, the part-time electric vehicle 55 should be able to travel purely electrically. The 13 kWh battery can be charged in three and a half hours, but limits the trunk volume by around 150 liters to 485 liters (sedan) or 510 liters (station wagon). In view of the ample storage space of up to 1.950 liters, this is bearable on the scarce 4,90 meter ship.