Generously influenced by the Vision C Concept that made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, the MQB platform based 2015 Superb made its world premiere at the Forum Karlín in Prague.
Design
Styled by Skoda design chief Josef Kaban, the overall visual philosophy will move away from the current Superb’s bulky stature towards a more edgier, athletic physique. The front will borrow those sexy, sharp head-lamps from the Vision C, although they have been toned down to a more production friendly specification. Even the new bonnet’s contours are analogous to the Vision C’s and culminates in the new Skoda corporate grille, along with new, edgier front bumper-work. The sides get a high set waist line, and a much narrower glasshouse than its predecessor, again, quite like the Vision C and also the new Octavia.
The two-part, broad and narrow taillights shine with LED technology as standard and sharply intensify the Škoda-typical ‘C’ shape of the lights.
At the same time, crystalline elements provide the taillights with additional luminosity.
Inside, it’s a sober affair with the dash featuring the brand’s familiar, but conventional style.
Like the exteriors, the interior design is crisp, familiar and understated, with a slight cascading effect of the dashboard – and bears an uncanny resemblance to the Octavia’s cabin.
The center console is dominated by four, completely new infotainment systems based on Volkswagen Group’s MIB technology (Modularer Infotainment-Baukasten).
Below that, there’s a chunky aluminum gear selector lever for the DSG transmission, similar to the one in the Octavia, surrounded by an array of buttons for parking sensors, the auto stop-start and the handbrake.
The steering wheel is a re-trimmed version of the one that sits inside the Octavia RS.
The space of the new Superb has once again increased in comparison to the previous model. The driver and front seat passenger enjoy 39 mm more elbow room and more headroom. While legroom at the rear is 157 mm, the headroom measures 980 mm. The rear elbow room has also increased by 69 mm. The 625-litre boot capacity is the top value in its segment, 30 litres more than in the second-generation Superb.
Instead of one umbrella in the rear left door there is now one umbrella in each of the front doors. The new, electric tailgate can now be complemented with an optional virtual pedal. The electric tailgate and virtual pedal work in combination with the KESSY automatic locking and starting system. The new Superb comes with the latest generation of Park Assist for automatically driving in and out of parking spaces. In addition, the car features a rear-view camera for the first time. The traditional handbrake is replaced by an electric parking brake as standard.
Connectivity
Connectivity features make their entrance in the third-generation ŠKODA Superb. There is a total of four, completely new infotainment systems based on Volkswagen Group’s MIB technology (Modularer Infotainment-Baukasten). The Columbus top model is available on request with an integrated high-speed internet connection based on the LTE standard. This is a first for ŠKODA. The ŠKODA Superb can be connected to a smartphone for the first time and selected apps can be operated from the infotainment system’s screen.
SmartLink includes MirrorLinkTM, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SmartGate interface, developed by ŠKODA, allows certain vehicle data to be accessed and on the user’s smartphone apps. The new ŠKODA Media Command app and the Wi-Fi hotspot integrated into the Columbus system allows the infotainment system to be controlled remotely from the rear seats for the first time. The Canton Sound System with twelve speakers and 610 W output turn the new ŠKODA Superb into a concert hall on wheels.
Engines
The new Škoda Superb comes with direct-injection turbocharged engines based on MQB technology (five TSI petrol, three TDI common-rail diesel). All powertrains comply with EU6 standards and have Stop-Start technology and brake energy recovery as standard. The petrol engines have a power output of between 92 kW (125 HP) and 206 kW (280 HP), the diesel engines between 88 kW (120 HP) and 140 kW (190 HP). Except for the entry-level petrol version, all engines are available with modern dual-clutch transmission. Four engines are available with all-wheel drive based on the Haldex 5 clutch.
The new Škoda Superb is the brand’s first model offering adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) including Driving Mode Select. New air-conditioning systems, including for the first time the new three-zone air conditioning, provide optimum temperature control and top air quality. The sliding and tilting panoramic electric roof is optional in the new ŠKODA Superb. Auxiliary heating, heated seats, wireless heated windscreen and heated washer jets are available for the colder months. The rain/light sensor switches the windscreen wipers on and off automatically and automatically switches between daytime running lights and dipped beam as required.
Some UK spec details have been revealed, and there will be five trim levels. S models will get 16-inch wheels, city emergency braking, Bluetooth and DAB, while SE versions add 17-inch wheels, sat-nav and phone mirroring. Topping the range will be SE-L and posh Laurin & Klement models, while the GreenLine will have its own spec reflecting its eco credentials.