Škoda Superb

Škoda Superb II
Overview
Manufacturer	Škoda Auto
Production	2008-
Body and chassis
Class	Executive car
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Related	Volkswagen Passat, Skoda Octavia
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 1.4L TSI 92 kW (123 hp) 1.8L TSI 118 kW (158 hp) 3.6L FSI 4motion 191 kW (256 hp) Diesel: 1.9L TDI PD 77 kW (103 hp) 2.0L TDI PD 103 kW (138 hp) 2.0L TDI common rail 125 kW (168 hp)
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic DSG 7-speed automatic DSG
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto mm
Length	Template:Auto mm
Width	Template:Auto mm
Height	Template:Auto mm
Chronology
Predecessor	Skoda_Superb

The Škoda Superb is an executive car built by the Czech car manufacturer Škoda Auto. It is based on the platform of the Volkswagen Passat (but was elongated by 10 centimetres (3.9 in)) and shares its mechanicals with that model. It is currently the largest and most luxurious model in Škoda's lineup. The Superb name is a resurrection, originally used by Skoda for a similarly large 1936 model.

First generation (2001-2008)

Characteristics

The Superb is available with several petrol and diesel engines. The base model, the Classic, is available with a 1.9 litre TDI turbodiesel rated at 74 kW, or a 2.0 litre I4 engine rated at 85 kW. The Comfort and Elegance models are offered with a with a 1.8T (110 kW) Petrol or either a 142 kW V6 2.8 litre petrol engine, or a 2.5 litre TDI rated at 120 kW. Transmissions available are a six-speed manual or five-speed tiptronic. As well as offering Volkswagen's older 1.9 litre PD engine, the Superb also uses the new 100 kW 2.0 litre TDIs found in other cars of the Volkswagen Group.

The Superb was facelifted in 2006 to incorporate Skoda's new grille, headlights and tail lights. A Laurin and Klement model became the top of the range, deposing the Elegance model from that position. A range of new engines was introduced and the interior featured real wood as part of some trim levels. Akin to the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Comfort, Elegance and Laurin & Klement models even have an umbrella secreted in the rear door panel.

Although the Passat upon which it is based competes with the likes of the Ford Mondeo and Peugeot 407, the Superb is marketed as an alternative to the more prestigious likes of the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, though it is actually cheaper than the Passat.

The Superb got minor facelift in August 2006 - a new radiator grille, additional blinkers have been integrated into the vehicle's wing mirrors, the tail lights were C-shaped in style of Roomster and Octavia and interior was redesigned.

Second generation (2008-present)

A replacement for Superb was unveiled at Geneva Motor Show in early March 2008.

Based on the body of the Golf yet with a stretched wheelbase the new Superb's styling is completely different with more executive and aggressive looks.

It will actually be a hatchback with an innovative tailgate that can double as a regular separate sedan boot and full hatchback known as Twin-Door!

The new model will aim to steal sales from Ford’s new Mondeo, and Skoda has high hopes for its new five-door and estate models. The firm expects UK sales to leap from 3,000 a year to 4,500.

Buyers after petrol power will be able to choose five VW-sourced units including an entry-level 125bhp 1.4-litre TfSI, a 160bhp 1.8 TfSI, a flagship 3.6-litre V6 complete with four-wheel drive. Diesel options will include 2.0TDI 140bhp PD, a 2.0TDI 170bhp and a 1.9TDI called Greenline with reduced fuel consumption.

Gearboxes include 5 and 6 speed manual gearboxes and 6 and 7 speed DSG gearboxes and an option on almost all engine/trim combinations.

External links

• Škoda Superb official website