Skoda Superb moves upmarket

Skoda's large passenger car, the Superb, is shortly to go on sale in this country, priced from just under $40,000 and offering suave new looks, better equipment and enhanced performance across the range.

If the price seems far removed from the previous model's starting price, that's due to Skoda Australia launching the new model in a range comprising performance variants only. Gone is the 118TSI model that was the bedrock for the previous model.

The importer decided, after looking at the popularity of the Octavia RS 162TSI that similar variants of the new Superb should be the foundation stone for the range. According to Michael Irmer, director of Skoda Australia, 47 per cent of all Octavia sales in Australia have been the high-performance variant. And that's among a model – the Octavia – that accounts for nearly 50 per cent of all Skoda sales in Australia.

So Skoda is leading the range with a 162TSI variant to satisfy the Australian consumer's need for more performance. Under the bonnet is the same EA 288 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder that powers the petrol Octavia RS. But despite the difference in power between the old 118TSI and the new entry-level model, the 162TSI is not the most powerful Superb in the range. That accolade goes to the flagship 206TSI, with a retuned engine from the Golf R, driving through a six-speed DSG (dual-clutch) transmission to all four wheels.

In between the two petrol variants is a diesel – the Superb 140TDI producing 140kW and 400Nm – and all three drivetrain variants come with the six-speed DSG transmission, but only the range topper comes with all-wheel drive.

All the model names reflect peak power in kilowatts – 162, 140 (diesel) and 206. All the drivetrain variants produce higher performance, for lower fuel use. Both the petrol engines develop 350Nm and the diesel is rated at 400Nm. Combined-cycle fuel consumption for the Superb ranges between 4.8L/100km (diesel) to 7.3L/100km (206TSI). The 162TSI falls in between, at 6.4L/100km. Acceleration times for 0-100km/h vary between 5.8 seconds (206) to 7.8 (diesel wagon).

From the very launch of the new model, the Superb offers a 'Combi' wagon style to complement the liftback sedan in the new range, just like the old model.

Built on the MQB modular platform, the new Superb is larger in every dimension, but lighter. While the kneeroom for rear-seat passengers has not changed, there's more room to stretch out, according to Skoda, to the tune of 157mm more legroom. Elbow room front and rear is 39mm more than the previous model's.

Already assessed by Euro NCAP and found to be worth a five-star crash safety rating, the Superb is standard across the range with the following life-saving features: Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, extended electronic differential lock, Multi-Collision Brake, reversing camera, side curtain airbags, knee airbag for the driver, rear/side airbags, automatic flashing brake lights for emergencies, tyre pressure monitoring, fatigue detection, rain-sensing wipers and auto-on/off headlights.

Both the 162TSI and 140TDI variants are trimmed to the same level, and standard comfort and convenience features comprise: multi-function leather-bound steering wheel, trip computer, 12-Volt power outlets (three) in boot and front/rear centre consoles, chilled storage under front armrest, 60:40 split-fold rear seat, multi-media holder (for tablets), powered tailgate, electric parking brake and two umbrellas (with separate holding slot in each front door).

Additionally, the three variants come with bi-xenon headlights, Alcantara upholstery, adaptive cruise control, triple-zone climate control, front heated seats, electrically-adjustable driver's seat with memory, chilled glovebox/centre armrest storage bin, fold-in electric door mirrors and remote central locking.

Over the 162TSI and 140TSI specification, the 206TSI comes with keyless entry/start, shift paddles, Driving Mode Selection, ambient lighting, 19-inch alloy wheels (up from 18-inch alloys) and chrome-tipped exhausts.

The infotainment system across all three variants consists of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto-compliant eight-inch colour touch screen, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming, voice control, USB/Aux input, 2 x smart card slots, CD player and eight speakers.

Three option packs are available. Priced at $1700, the Image Pack offers features that are standard for the 206TSI model for buyers of the 162TSI and 140TDI variants. Features included in the pack are keyless entry/start, ambient lighting, 19-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, shift paddles and driving mode selection.

The Tech Pack is available across all three models, for a price of $4700 for the lower-grade variants and $3400 for the Superb 206TSI. Features included are Adaptive Chassis Control, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Assist, 12-speaker premium audio, hands-free tailgate opening, Emergency Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, Traffic Jam Assist and Automatic Parking Assist.

At $1500, the Comfort Pack bundles together perforated leather seat upholstery, electric adjustment for the front passenger's seat, front ventilated seats, rear heated seats and electric seat adjustment for the front passenger seat from the rear.

Prices for the Superb are as follows:
162TSI - $39,990
162TSI wagon - $41,690
140TDI - $43,990
140TDI wagon - $45,690
206TSI - $50,990
206TSI wagon - $52,690

Read the review here