Skoda Superb Overview
The premium D-Segment sedan space has very few contenders and isn’t catching many volumes nowadays. This is because buyers at this price range stretch their budget a little and get entry level luxury brands or premium SUVs. The Skoda Superb though has had a considerable market share in this space when the Honda Accord got discontinued and the demand for diesel cars were at their peak. Now the Czech automaker has launched the latest generation Superb which is poles apart from the outgoing model. We examine the new changes and see how it drives on the beautiful twisties of Mangalore-Coorg highway. Test drive for Skoda Superb
The latest iteration of the Skoda Superb is the third generation model. First two generations were also available in the Indian market including the facelifted ones. The new Superb is based on the latest Volkswagen MQB platform and it is bigger in dimensions compared to the second generation Superb.
Skoda Superb Design & Style
Extensively redesigned now, the Skoda Superb is sharper to look at. It’s based on the vision C concept showcased at the Geneva motor show 2014 and does not depart much from the concept style. The saloon feels big enough to take on the likes of BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class and almost indistinguishable from the old car.
The modern looking grille along with the completely new headlamps and taillights appear totally in line with the new design theme that we earlier saw on the Skoda Octavia. The car is based on the modular MQB platform and weighs 75kg less than the car it replaces. The list of Skoda Superb colours on offer includes Candy White, Magnetic Brown Metallic, Black Magic Pearl Effect and Business Grey Metallic.
Skoda Superb Cabin & Space
Space and Comfort has always been a priority for Superb from the very beginning and this third generation sedan even takes the spaciousness and comfort factor to a whole new level and this was possible because of the use of MQB platform which has created more space inside. The passengers and the driver as a result of that can enjoys an extra 39 mm of legroom and headroom while the rear passengers can enjoy an impressive 157 mm of legroom.
Beside just the space the new Superb also offers Dynamic Chassis control (DCC) and also driving mode select. Beside all these this flagship sedan also gets new air conditioning and an optional panoramic sunroof and plenty of other comfort features which include auxiliary heating, heated seats (front and rear) etc. The huge spacious rear tailboot can be opened or closed by just moving the foot towards the rear bumper.
When it comes to connectivity Skoda has provided a total of 4 infotainment system inside the different variants of the Superb which are based on the Volkswagen Group’s modular infotainment matrix technology (MIB). These infotainment systems are lot faster and offer more functions. Even the top end infotainment system offers integrated high speed internet access.
Skoda Superb Engine & Gearbox
Powering the Skoda Superb are two engine options – 2.0-litre diesel and 1.8 litre petrol. The 2.0-litre TDI produces 177 PS of power at 3600 RPM and 350 Nm of peak torque at 1500-3500 RPM. We only got the 1.8 TSI DSG variant to test at the drive which makes 180 PS of power at 5100 RPM and 250 Nm of torque at 1250-5000 RPM. There is no hint of turbolag in this motor and it goes off the mark quite briskly. As you rev up the motor, the progress gets more stronger. The entire rev range is silky smooth and never does the engine feels strained or overworked. Redlining this engine is a bliss, which comes up around 7000 RPM. It sounds very sporty as you rev higher but no vibrations filter through the cabin. NVH levels are supreme and the cabin is very well insulated. For more info on Skoda Superb visit tweetcast.in
Mated to the 1.8 TSI is a 7-speed automatic DSG gearbox. The dual-clutch transmission is famous for its lightning quick shifts and is mated very well to the Superb. It changes cogs in milliseconds and with the manual pedal shifts it is super fun to drive. However, it upshifts automatically after hitting the redline. In the regular D mode it changes gears early, which is best for city driving. Put it in the S mode and it pulls strongly at higher revs holding the gear longer. We also drove Octavia TSI back to back and the younger sibling feels more sprightly with the same engine at the lower end of the rev range because of its lighter weight. Skoda claims 14.67 km/l of fuel efficiency but in real world conditions you may get around 10 km/l.
Skoda Superb Driving Dynamics
According to the Skoda Superb reviews the car exceeds expectations in terms of performance and the wide range of engines on offer makes it an overall very attractive flexible package on offer. The handling of the Skoda Superb 2016 is not its strongest area but driving modes available does offer some level of support in the ride and handling department and make it quite flexible in that area.
Skoda Superb Safety & Security
The car gets a five star rating in the Euro NCAP that says enough about the safety standards this car meets. Skoda Superb features include lane assist, adaptive cruise control system, park assist that further extend the safety. You get Skoda’s crew safety system which closes windows and tightens belts if the system detects an imminent dangerous scenario.
Skoda Superb Cost in Bangalore
Skoda Superb On-Road Price in Bangalore ranges from 31,36,519 to 37,49,621 for variants Superb Style 1.8 TSI MT and Superb L and K 2.0 TDI AT respectively. Skoda Superb is available in 5 variants and 6 colours. Below are details of Skoda Superb variants price in Bangalore.Check for Superb price in Bangalore at Carzprice.
Skoda Superb Final Thought
The Superb definitely brings the Vision C concept to production. This car promises a lot of new things and also packs lot of interesting new stuffs inside. While the MQB platform surely has done wonders for Skoda, the Superb is actually 75 kilogram lighter than the previous generation sedan. The new design language makes the car attractive and much sportier than the car it will replace. We are pretty sure that the new Superb will once again attract the attention of the people considering the fact that this car will offer a lot in comparison to the entry level premium German offerings.