Skoda Superb

When you are buying a new car, key questions always pop up: Is it affordable? Is it safe for my loved ones? What about maintenance and company service? And does it have all the cool features? Balancing these needs for a premium yet practical car can be tough. Today, we focus on a vehicle that aims to excel in all these areas: the new Skoda Superb. A long-standing favourite in India for its executive feel and solid build, let us explore what the latest Superb offers for Indian car buyers.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the new Skoda Superb for India is expected to be a refined and powerful engine, continuing its legacy of strong performance.

• Engine Type: 2.0-litre TSI Turbo Petrol
• Power Output: Around 190 PS (horsepower)
• Torque: Approximately 320 Nm
• Transmission: 7-speed DSG automatic

This engine is known for its smooth delivery, quick shifts, and impressive highway cruising capabilities, making long journeys a breeze.

Design Overview

Exterior:

The new Superb adopts Skoda's Modern Solid design, appearing sharper, more aerodynamic, and distinctly premium.

• Front: Features a larger, hexagonal grille, sleeker Matrix LED headlights with crystalline elements, and a redesigned bumper for a bold presence.
• Side: The classic Superb silhouette is enhanced with crisper lines and new alloy wheels, making it look longer and more imposing.
• Rear: Updated LED tail lights with dynamic indicators and the SKODA lettering across the boot give it a modern, elegant finish.

Interior:

Inside, the Superb truly lives up to its name with a cabin that is a masterclass in space and luxury.

• Layout: A completely revised dashboard focuses on minimalist design and high-quality materials.
• Comfort: Plush seating, especially the limousine-like legroom in the rear. Ventilated and heated seats (feature dependent) ensure comfort.
• Materials: Expect soft-touch plastics, chrome, and premium upholstery, elevating the experience.

Key Features

• Large 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Digital instrument cluster (Virtual Cockpit)
• Panoramic sunroof
• 3-zone automatic climate control
• Wireless phone charging pad
• Ventilated and heated front seats (and possibly rear)
• Massaging seats for driver (feature dependent)
• Heads-up display (HUD)
• Electric tailgate
• Ambient lighting
• Powered front seats with memory function
• USB-C ports for charging
• 360-degree camera system

What is the Ground Clearance of Skoda Superb?

The new Skoda Superb offers a practical ground clearance, optimized for Indian road conditions. While exact figures for the India-spec model are often around 140-150 mm (unladen), it is designed to comfortably tackle common speed breakers and undulations.

What is the Boot Space of Skoda Superb?

One of the Superb's legendary strengths is its cavernous boot space. The new model continues this tradition with an impressive 645 litres of boot capacity. This makes it one of the most practical sedans for long family trips or airport runs, easily swallowing multiple suitcases.

What are the Dimensions of Skoda Superb?

• Length: Approximately 4912 mm
• Width: Approximately 1849 mm
• Height: Approximately 1481 mm
• Wheelbase: Approximately 2841 mm

These dimensions highlight its imposing road presence and the fantastic cabin space it offers, especially for rear passengers.

Powertrain Options

For the Indian market, the new Skoda Superb is likely to stick to a single, well-proven powertrain option:

• Engine: 2.0-litre TSI Turbo Petrol
• Transmission: 7-speed DSG Automatic

This combination delivers a blend of thrilling performance and refined everyday driveability, making it ideal for both city commutes and high-speed highway cruising. While global markets might get diesel or plug-in hybrid options, the petrol automatic is expected to be the sole offering in India for now.

Safety Features

Skoda has always prioritised safety, and the new Superb is no exception. It comes packed with advanced safety features:

• Up to 9 airbags (driver, passenger, side, curtain, knee)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with EBD
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Multi-collision brake
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) Level 2:
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Lane Keep Assist
  • Blind Spot Detection
  • Front Assist (autonomous emergency braking)
  • Park Assist
  • 360-degree camera with parking sensors

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are crucial for any new car buyer, and Skoda vehicles consistently perform well.

NCAP Rating Agency	Rating (expected/achieved)	Comments
Global NCAP	5-star (Euro NCAP)	The new Superb is expected to achieve a full 5-star rating in the stringent Euro NCAP crash tests, reflecting its robust build and comprehensive safety features.
Bharat NCAP	Not Yet Rated	As of now, the new Skoda Superb has not been tested by Bharat NCAP. However, given its Euro NCAP performance and robust safety kit, a strong rating is anticipated when it is eventually tested.

Rivals of Skoda Superb

The Skoda Superb operates in a niche yet competitive segment, facing off against both mainstream premium sedans and entry-level luxury offerings. Its main rivals include:

• Toyota Camry Hybrid
• Audi A4
• BMW 3 Series
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Superb often offers a compelling value proposition against its luxury competitors, providing similar levels of space and features at a more accessible price point.

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Pros (Advantages):

• Unmatched Space: Class-leading cabin and boot space, especially for rear passengers.
• Premium Design: Elegant and sophisticated exterior, luxurious and well-appointed interior.
• Powerful & Refined Engine: The 2.0 TSI with DSG offers a fantastic balance of performance and smoothness.
• Feature-Rich: Loaded with modern technology and comfort features, including ADAS.
• High Safety Standards: Robust build quality and comprehensive safety features, expected 5-star Euro NCAP.
• Comfortable Ride: Excellent ride quality that soaks up bumps effectively.

Cons (Disadvantages):

• Price: Being a CBU (Completely Built Unit) import initially, the price might be on the higher side.
• After-Sales Service Network: While improving, Skoda's service network, compared to some mass-market brands, could be a concern for some buyers in smaller towns.
• Fuel Efficiency: The powerful 2.0 TSI petrol engine might not be the most fuel-efficient option, especially in city traffic.
• Limited Powertrain Options: Only one engine-gearbox combination expected for India, unlike global markets.
• Resale Value: Historically, Skoda cars, while reliable, sometimes face slightly lower resale values compared to certain Japanese or Korean rivals, though this is changing.

Conclusion

The new Skoda Superb continues its tradition as a top choice for luxury, practicality, and performance. With its stunning design, massive interior, powerful engine, and comprehensive features and safety, it presents a compelling package. While buyers should consider its initial CBU price and service network, the Superb delivers an executive experience akin to much pricier cars. If you seek a sophisticated, spacious, and safe sedan that stands out, the new Skoda Superb is well worth a test drive. It promises to be a superb addition to your garage!