Skoda's Superb future

Emerging Czech brand Skoda has taken its first major step towards being a serious player in the Australian market with the launch of the new Superb large car. The arrival of the brand's third model is seen as a move away from its small car range, which has been Skoda's focus since the brand launched in this country 18 months ago.

Head of Skoda Australia, Matthew Wiesner, said the Superb marked a shift away from being the "Octavia car company" and this model expansion is will continue when the Yeti compact SUV debuts here in 2010.

The new Superb is the new flagship model for the brand locally. It is designed to compete against both upper medium and large cars in Australia and Skoda has indicated everything from European prestige models to Japanese sedans and even local large cars are in the Superb's sights.

Skoda Australia is launching the new large car with three engine variants and two trims levels at a starting price of $42,990 (price guide not including statutory and government charges). The first engine is the 1.8-litre TSI four-cylinder that produces 118kW and 250Nm with claimed fuel economy figures of 8.4L/100km, thanks in part to its seven-speed DSG gearbox. There is also a 2.0-litre TDI capable of 125kW and 350Nm and 6.9L/100km, paired with a six-speed DSG. The final powerplant is the 191kW/350Nm 3.6-litre V6 that drives through a six-speed DSG and a Haldex four-wheel drive system. It returns consumption figures of 10.2L/100km according to Skoda.

In the entry-level 'Ambition' trim the Superb is equipped with nine-airbags, electronic stability control, dual zone climate control, heated front seats, front fog lamps, a tyre pressure monitoring system, leather steering wheel, eight-speaker CD stereo system with auxiliary input, trip computer, cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels and even an umbrella hidden inside the rear door.

Stepping up to the 'Elegance' trim adds a 10-speaker stereo system, bi-xenon headlights with Adaptive Frontlight System, electrically adjustable front seats with memory function and heated rear seats. On the TSI and TDI models the Elegance rides on 17-inch alloy wheels while the V6 model gains unique 18-inch alloys.

Although the Skoda name is still new among Australian car buyers the Superb should impress those seeking a larger car with plenty of rear legroom and luggage space. Rear legroom is so good it is comparable to a Holden Statesman or similar long-wheelbase sedans.

The boot is able to hold 565-litres, making it amongst the largest in the segment, and the 'TwinDoor' system makes getting luggage in and out easier than traditional sedans. The TwinDoor system works by having a variable hinge on the boot that allows it to open either just the boot lid or the entire rear hatch.

In keeping with Volkswagen Group Australia tradition, Skoda executives aren't revealing any sales expectations for the Superb. Wiesner did admit that 100 examples have been ordered by the local operation and based on price and specifications, we believe it should sell that number comfortably by the end of the year.

Looking further ahead, Wienser revealed that the company was aiming to have the Combi (wagon) variant of the Superb join the local line-up sometime next year; ideally in the first half. He confirmed that the plan was to have the same line-up of engines and trim for the Combi when it does arrive. But he was less definitive about the potential for an RS performance model, even though he didn't rule it out.

"You never know what might happen down the track," Wiesner smiled.

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