So far, the was Skoda Superb as the inexpensive alternative to the VW Passat sister company. On the plus side of the two model generations of the mid-range vehicle that have been available since 2001 were the ample space, the good workmanship and the solid technology. In view of the good price-performance ratio, most customers accepted that the engines and the infotainment systems were not always the very latest from the VW shelves and that the design was more useful than an elegant design.
The third generation, which starts in Germany from mid-June, now wants to radiate more independence and self-confidence and should go on conquest course. 30 percent more buyers want to convince the Czechs of their flagship, of which they have sold over 700.000 vehicles to date.
The designers have worked hard to achieve optical self-confidence. As the 2014 Geneva study Vision C has indicated, there is now an end to shifted proportions that are more reminiscent of an inflated octavia than a chic case. The wide front including a large grille, eye-catching headlights and striking folds on the bonnet now give a confident appearance. The Superb looks grown up, especially the side lines with their slightly sloping roof height rely on classic limousine design. The typical C-shape of the rear lights has been retained. The standard LED lights are now wider and narrower. The one-piece large tailgate is now also classic. Overall, design similarities with other representatives of this vehicle category - especially the one from Wolfsburg - cannot be overlooked.
Speaking of the tailgate: This swings open wide - also electrically if desired - and reveals a large gorge. The trunk volume is 625 liters. If you fold down the backrests, the value increases to 1.760 liters. Not bad for a sedan. If you have the foldable passenger seat on board (option), you can even stow objects up to 3,10 meters in length. The question remains whether you still need the station wagon, which will debut in the fall. In fact, the German Skoda executives expect that the proportion of the station wagon variant will decrease. So far, more than 90 percent of buyers in this country have opted for the cargo version.
As usual, there are also with the new Superb generation close kinship technical relations to the VW Passat. What is new, however, is that the Superb is not used as a remanufacturer, but can use the current technology such as the motors from the modular transverse modular system of the group.
The engine range consists exclusively of direct-injection turbo engines. It includes five petrol engines (from 92 kW / 125 PS to 206 kW / 280 PS) and three diesels (88 kW / 122 PS to 140 kW / 190 PS). Except for the basic petrol, a DSG is available for every unit. The 110 kW / 150 PS powerful units as well as the most powerful engine can be combined with all-wheel drive technology for both the petrol engines and the diesel engines. Sparmeister is the end of 2015 available Superb GreenLine. In conjunction with the 88 kW / 120 PS diesel, this consumption-optimized variant only requires 3,7 liters (CO2 emissions: 95 g / km).
For the platform, the Skoda engineers also make use of the modular transverse modular system. Passat and Superb use the same basis, but they have been modified for their use with the Czech flagship. The wheelbase is an impressive 2,84 meters here: that's 8 centimeters more than the previous model and at least 5 centimeters more than the Passat.
The longer wheelbase gives an idea: there was no saving in terms of space and legroom. Despite the slightly sloping roof line, long-standing passengers can sit in the rear without any problems. Thanks to a plus of 4 centimeters in width, there is plenty of room for maneuvering for the extremities even for the long buzz from the bench. Here, the 4,86 long Superb (plus 3 centimeters) not only loosely outperforms the group's own competitors, but also external ones such as Ford Mondeo or Opel Insignia are left behind. Even rear users in the 5er BMW or Mercedes E-Class will be jealous. And if you want to experience the real chauffeur feeling: The front passenger seat can be electrically moved from behind for even more space.
During the static presentation, you could not only test the airy feeling of space, but also look forward to the noble materials: leather, chrome, piano lacquer, the individually changeable ambient lighting or a three-zone air conditioning system create a feel-good atmosphere. Of course, these ingredients are not available for the basic version, which is again almost 25.000 euros, but reserved for the higher and more expensive equipment variants. This also applies to the assistance systems now available for the Superb for the first time - including a parking and lane keeping assistant as well as adaptive cruise control (ACC) and traffic sign recognition. The adaptive chassis, the new, modern navigation systems or the so-called Smartgate option for coupling all common smartphones also cost extra.
Some of the "Simply Clever" ingredients are always on board as standard. These include the well-known ice scraper in the fuel cap and a flashlight in the trunk. And there are two umbrellas in the front doors as practical accessories.
Author: Elfriede Munsch / SP-X