Times change. This applies not only to the digitalization of the media, traditional things are also changing. For decades, quality and design in the Czech Republic mainly came in the form of the famous pink porcelain from Chodov near Karlovy Vary.
In September, after its world premiere at the Frankfurt IAA, these attributes also apply to an automotive product from the Czech Republic, the new Skoda Superb Combi. After the sedan was successfully launched on the market a short time ago and not only celebrated for its design, the wagon version, which is important in this country, is now following.
But is the new Skoda, is the new image, which started with the equally stylish Fabia, also perceived? Is Skoda with one foot on the threshold of the premium area? We give it a try and drive the new Skoda Superb Combi in advance in a region that is otherwise teeming with premium vehicles. The route leads us from Munich Airport to the sophisticated surroundings of Lake Tegernsee.
"Drive & Style has never been so sexy in the station wagon class"
The new Skoda Superb Combi starts at 25.590 euros, so you have to put 1.000 euros more than for the sedan on the Skoda dealer's table. For our StyleCheck, however, we move the top model in the L&K (Laurin & Klement) equipment variant. In terms of price, the 36.550 euros are based on the premium segment. The "Active" version offers entry into the space giant from the Czech Republic. Many current features are already standard, including the front radar assistant including the city emergency braking function, the electronic stabilization control ESC including multi-collision brake, the electronic differential lock XDS +, manual air conditioning, tinted windows, electromechanical handbrake, electric windows front and rear, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors , Central locking with radio remote control in the key, the Swing music system with 5-inch touch display and the multi-function display with maxi dot display.
31 “Simply Clever” solutions, of which the new Skoda Superb Combi has all of the new 21 on board, are already part of “Active”. Then on board are 1,5-l bottle holders in all four doors, safety vest holders in the front doors, cup holders in the front, storage pockets on the front seats, four foldable bag hooks in the trunk, the semi-automatic roll-up and removable trunk cover, a removable LED battery torch with magnetic base in the Trunk, the ice scraper in the tank lid and the bonnet with gas spring.
The "Ambition" and "Style" lines lead to the top version Laurin & Klement. The name is based on Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, the two founding fathers of the Czech manufacturer. In our test car, for example, we find exclusive leather upholstery, decorative strips in piano black and LED interior lighting.
What is interesting for us is the standard infotainment system "Bolero", which includes a CANTON sound system with twelve speakers. With 610 watts of output power and chilled lounge music, we glide in "comfort mode" of the electrically adjustable undercarriage around Lake Tegernsee and the Bavarian mountains.
A 6,5-inch touchscreen display is available to passengers at the front, which can be used to control the latest functions based on the “MIB - modular infotainment kit” from the Volkswagen Group. For the first time, the Skoda Superb Combi can be conveniently connected to a smartphone via SmartLink (MirrorLink ™ / Apple CarPlay / Android Auto). The operation is familiar from other Volkswagen products and is therefore easy. As simple as the plastic used for the switches. In terms of feel, this is not as nice as the rest of the interior and lacks the "Premium Touch feeling" that is otherwise so pleasant in Superb.
In the version we drive, the processing quality of the materials is very good. Even after three days of testing and eager searching, we cannot see any negative points.
This applies not only to the front, but also explicitly to the rear passengers. Our lifestyle expert Katharina takes it backwards. Why? Not only because you can enjoy information and entertainment on a tablet while driving. Fixed to the front seat with a holder, it not only offers normal entertainment via WiFi, but also access to the vehicle's information system. Just download the “Skoda Media Command” –APP and the rear passenger can also change the music selection in the vehicle, the volume and other parameters.
"The real size shows the Skoda Superb Combi at the back"
I used to like to sit in the front left behind the steering wheel. In the Skoda Superb Combi, however, the best place seems to be in the rear. 157 mm legroom means the best in the segment. This is as much as you can only find in the long version elsewhere. Travel is a pleasure and there is no need to save on luggage. The trunk almost with 660 liters more than before and up to 1.950 liters with the rear seat folded down. This is also a top figure in the market segment. The trunk is so easily accessible with the tailgate opening of 1.075 mm in width and 1.902 mm in height that, like Katharina, it can also be used spontaneously as a sundeck.
Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing:
“With its outstanding qualities, our flagship has established itself very well in the market in recent years. We want to expand this success and also inspire new customers. We have made the new Superb and the new Superb Combi even better in all dimensions. "
It is less the VW Passat than the Ford Mondeo tournament and the station wagons of the import brands that the new Skoda Superb Combi is targeting its bi-xenon headlights. In addition, numerous everyday solutions, such as the stowage compartments for two umbrellas in the doors. This is not only practical, it also has a certain lifestyle. Matching the dynamic and stylish appearance of the body.
Big and practical on the inside, sexy on the outside. The new Skoda Superb Combi gets full marks on the style barometer!
Text: Bernd Schweickard | © Photo: Skoda, Bernd Schweickard