New Skoda Superb faceliftaction shots

New Skoda Superb Facelift Review: Simply Superb

Ride and Handling

New Skoda Superb faceliftaction shots (11)

The Superb rides on McPherson struts stabilized by a torsion bar at the front, the rear is taken care of by one longitudinal and 3 transverse links with torsion stabilizer bar; coil spring suspension. The spring, damper and torsion rates are of course tweaked as per the engine, but Skoda has done a good job of offering a near balanced ride on all three versions (TSI manual, TSI – DSG and TDI – DSG).

New Skoda Superb faceliftaction shots

To start with the TDI DSG, the low speed ride is a bit stiff and the suspension mildly crashes through ruts and sharp edges. The diesel`s ride quality is directly proportional to speed, as we found, and it improves vastly once it gets into cruising speeds this is not to say the low speed ride is bad by any comparison. The Superb is equipped with electro mechanical power steering and thankfully not an entirely electronic power steering. At low speeds, the steering is delightfully light and remains that way up to speeds of 40-50kmph after which it starts feeling weighty. The diesel does feel slightly nose heavy if driven enthusiastically, however the body roll is well contained for a sedan of this proportions. Cruising at higher speeds in the TDI makes it slightly nervous, it is best to keep it up to 140, which still is fast enough.

New 2014 Skoda Superb facelift exterior (12)

Driving the TSI after the TDI is guaranteed to plaster an ear to ear grin regardless of whether it is a chauffeur or a petrolhead. Even though this version is 46 kgs lighter than the TDI, the boffins at Skoda have managed to endow the car with impeccable road manners. The lag from the Turbo if any is barely noticeable and what makes you grin is the linear power delivery as well as the sheer refinement of the entire package. The free revving engine sounds sonorous and along with the paddle shifters in the party it blatantly encourages to be driven hard. The steering offers decent feedback but we would have enjoyed it even more if it were more direct especially at lower speeds. This luxury sedan feels light and agile on the move thanks to the near spot on suspension setup which treads the golden middle path between ride quality and handling. Chuck it into corners, floor it while going up tight twists and turns, try it the way you want it and the TSI does not disappoint whatsoever. Hill Hold Control, Traction Control system, Anti Slip regulation, Electronic Differential lock, Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Brake Force distribution, Mechanical Brake assistant & Hydraulic Brake assistant are the driver aids that silently work in making the Superb fast and enjoyable, yet safe.

New Skoda Superb faceliftaction shots (16)

Another aspect worth mentioning on the Superb remains the brakes. Discs all round with Dual Rate system assist ensure that they scrub speed at a mere touch. The pedal feel and feedback is fantastic, rarely will anyone be in a situation to `jump on to the brakes`. Let’s not forget the ground clearance of 159 mm, which in itself isn`t a number to boast of, but the Superb startled us all with its `bad` road manners. During the test, we encountered nasty broken patches with large potholes-the kind of roads which could make any car owners heart sink, but the Superb surprised us with a scrape-free drive even with a full load of passengers! Mumbai`s monsoon blessed roads? Bring `em on!! Skoda claims 13.1 kmpl for the TSI and 17.2 kmpl for the TDI, we haven`t tested those but expect them to be a km or 2 shorter of the claim which still is pretty impressive.

Next page for conclusion, tech specs and image gallery>>>

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