Back in March, the new Skoda Superb turned heads at this year’s Geneva Motor Show and the third generation of the model is set for its Irish debut in mid-July, with prices for the diesel models starting from €27,795.
The brand’s new flagship is, according to the brand, the best Skoda of all time and features emotive design, the most room of any vehicle in its segment, and innovative MQB technology from the marque’s parent Volkswagen Group.
The previous version sold over 1,150 here in Ireland last year. The new vehicle differentiates itself from the previous version with a new and more dynamic appearance but still maintaining what the Czech carmaker accurately describes as its cavernous proportions and functionality.
The latest generation of the Superb still maintains the best in class legroom and luggage space. The new car is 28mm longer and has an 80mm longer wheelbase than the already vast current model and the already impressive luggage capacity has increased to 625-litres in the saloon model. The new Combi model will arrive in September 2015.
Skoda says that the new Superb has reached a new dimension in terms of technology. For the first time in one of their cars, the vehicle features Dynamic chassis control (DCC), including drive profile selection. Alongside this there is a brand new air-conditioning system, including three-zone climate control.
The carmaker says that the Superb is easier to manoeuvre thanks to the new parking assistant, the park distance control and the new rear camera. The original Superb back in 2001 was famed for the storage compartment with umbrella. The new Superb now comes with two umbrellas with new compartments neatly tucked away in the front doors.
The Superb enjoys very advanced infotainment technology, with the ‘Ambition’ and ‘Style’ (but not the entry level ‘Active’ version) models all functioning with Apple Car Play, Mirror Link and Smart Link via large new colour touch screen interfaces.
The new Superb boasts of record values in fuel consumption and emissions. All engines in the new Superb are turbocharged and EU6 compliant.
Five new petrol and three TDI common rail diesel engines have been added. The volume seller in Ireland is expected to be the 1.6 TDI 120bhp that boasts 14per cent more power and 13 per cent improved fuel economy when compared with the outgoing unit. There is a 15 per cent improvement in fuel economy on two new 2.0 TDI units that have been introduced with 150bhp and 190bhp.
New transmissions have also been introduced including a new 7-speed DSG for the smaller diesel derivative and 6-speed DSG that can also be combined with 4×4 transmissions if one desires. A high performance 2.0 TSI, 4×4 with 6-speed DSG replaces the normally aspirated 3.6, V6 that was offered previously.
There are three specifications from launch; Active, Ambition and Style. A premium L&K model is expected at a later date. Pricing for the petrol models have yet to be finalised.
Diesel entry prices start from €27,795 with standard equipment including Dual-zone climate control, 7-airbags, Bluetooth, Front assist, Electric handbrake with Auto hold.
The Ambition model receives Colour touch screen sound system, Bi-Xenon lights with front and rear LEDs, 16” Alloy Wheels, Front Heated Seats and Rain sensing wipers.
The top ‘Style’ model receives Columbus Sat Nav unit, 3 Zone climate control, 17” Alloys, Full leather interior and a reversing camera.
Commenting John Donegan, Brand Director at Skoda Ireland said, “The new Superb is arriving just in time for the 152 plate. The car is exceptional in every way and really needs to be test-driven to be appreciated. The car is 75 kg lighter than the previous version and when combined with improved aerodynamics ensures the new Superb has superior acceleration, fuel efficiency and emissions than the outgoing car.”
