Skoda Superb Expert Review

The Superb is the flagship model for Skoda and the second-generation that was launched in India has been a runaway success for the Czech Republic manufacturer. The second-generation was launched in 2009 and this was a completely new design of the Superb as it has a streamlined design. In 2014, Skoda will introduce the facelift version of the Superb and we get our hands on this new upgraded flagship and tell you how good it is. Read further as we share our experience.

Design:

The Skoda Superb’s design was streamline and sharp when you compare it to the previous generation. The facelift gets a brand new front as it has a newly designed front-grille and there sits the brand new black-and-white feathered-arrow Skoda logo at the centre. The headlamps have been tweaked too and this new fascia looks a lot aggressive than before. The headlamps now even have daylight running LEDs and even the side indicators at the front are LEDs. The new fog lamps are round and the cornering lamps are still retained on the Superb.

The side profile remains untouched on the Superb and the only new thing is the alloy wheels. The rear gets a massive change. It has new tail lamp design, the number plate is also moved up from the bumper and there is a chrome strip running across with Skoda and Superb badges ok each side. You could mistake it for an Audi or a Jetta also. It has the C-shaped tail lamp design still retained. 

Interiors:

The interiors of the Skoda Superb get some subtle changes. Step in and you shall notice the new three-spoke steering wheel. This is a similar steering that one can see on the new Octavia as well. It is a lot sleeker and wears the new Skoda badge. The Superb now gets push-start.

However, the button is oddly-located at the key-slot location. Skoda SuperbThe interiors of the Skoda Superb are subtle and very-German-like. Everything is inch-perfect and good quality. There is no doubting about the build and fit-and-finish of Skoda cars and Superb is the flagship.

The front row seats are large and comfy for long distance travel. Move into the second row and get astonished by the legroom that this Skoda flagship offers. It has been designed for its King customer and there has been no bargain. There are two thrones for the customer, and these rear seats are extremely comfortable. It has a boot that can even open as a hatch for better accessibility. The downside of the Superb are the limited features it offers as it doesn’t reverse parking camera or even satellite navigation, a feature seen even on cars that are a segment below. 

Engine and Transmission:

The Superb comes with two engine options, one is the 1.8-litre turbo petrol that produces 160bhp of power and the second is the 2.0-litre diesel that churns out 140bhp of power. There are only two engines on offer and the petrol is available with a six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The power produced by this engine is sufficient to overtake in city or on the highway, however if you need that quick acceleration, you need to shift to the sport mode on the transmission, as it shift to a higher gear when the engine speed inches closer to the redline. 

The petrol is definitely a lot peppier than the diesel engine. The diesel does feel a bit sluggish when compared to the petrol and even the power produced should have been bumped up a bit as the Superb is heavier. Despite all this, the diesel engine is fuel-efficient as it returns about 11-12km/l even while driving in city.

Driving Dynamics:

Skodas are always fun to drive and the Superb is no exception. The ride is a bit on the stiffer side, but still the suspension does a decent job of absorbing all the jolts and shocks from the road. For the Indian market, they haven’t introduced 17 or 18 inch wheels for these reasons as more rubber improves the ride quality. It is only on extremely bad roads where the ride is bad, else it does a good job even at high speeds.

The handling of the Superb is just any good like any German car. It doesn’t feel like a long car when you are driving on winding roads or highway. You feel the length only when driving in chaotic city traffic. The steering wheel too is good and as good as any Skoda.

Verdict:

The Skoda Superb facelift is definitely notches better than the previous car when it comes to design, however there aren’t many changes when it comes to features. But the biggest USP of a Superb is its space and comfort and it offers probably the best in class. Hence, Superb is still a great buy. Pricing of the facelift will be revealed at upcoming Auto Expo in February. There won’t be a major change in the pricing.