The original Škoda SUPERB was first launched in Ireland back in 2001 and has become one of the brands best-selling models with over 18,000 SUPERB vehicles currently on Irish roads. This is the third and most successful version that has been extensively revised both inside and out. Available in a Combi (Estate) and Saloon (Lift back) versions, Škoda has slightly modified the exterior of the SUPERB and has carefully refined the front section. The redesigned front bumper means the car’s length has increased by 8mm (to 4,869mm) in the Škoda SUPERB, and by 6mm (to 4,862mm) in the SUPERB Combi.
Sleek Design;
The typical ŠKODA grille now bears double slats, is larger and protrudes a little further down into the front bumper. From the entry-level version, the narrower headlights come with LED technology as standard for the dipped and high beam. At the rear, a horizontal chrome trim connects the full LED tail lights whilst the new ‘ŠKODA’ block lettering define the new ŠKODA design language.
Engine & Transmission Options;
The engine line-up features 1.5 TSI petrol units producing 150bhp, offered with 6 speed manual or 7 speed DSG automatic transmissions. The diesel offering includes a heavily revised 2.0 TDI 150bhp with new turbo charger and intercooler configuration combined with new crankshaft and injector arrangement. A 1.6 TDI 120bhp 7-speed DSG also features, as well as a more powerful 2.0 TDI 190bhp unit with a 4×4 option. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is set to join the SUPERB line-up in early 2020.
Impressive Spec & Tech;
The SUPERB update includes new technologies and an even more sophisticated interior. Full LED Matrix headlights are available for the first time in a Škoda production model, and feature as standard on SportLine and L&K models. Several new assistance systems are also making their debut, such as Predictive Cruise Control. There are five trim levels available in the new SUPERB – Active, Ambition, Style, SportLine, and range-topping L&K (in honour of Vaclav Laurin and Vaclav Klement, who founded the car company we now know as Škoda). The SUPERB SportLine differentiates itself from its siblings by using striking black features including a remodelled radiator grille and 18-inch alloy wheels – both of which come in black. The radiator grille frame and the trim between the full LED tail lights are also gloss black. Full LED Matrix headlights and a sports chassis, which has been lowered by 10 mm, are included as standard. The black interior sets itself apart with sport seats featuring Alcantara®/leather materials. In order to distinguish the ‘L&K’ model from other models in the range, Škoda has adorned the front wings of the car with Laurin & Klement’s signatures, along with insignia visible on door sill-plates front & rear. The L&K model offers identical dimensions to its siblings, but the grille, side sills and rear bumper set themselves apart with new chrome details.
Test Car;
My test car was a Škoda SUPERB L&K 2.0 TDI Combi, which was fitted with a 7-speed DSG (Automatic) gearbox, and was finished in striking Moon White metallic paint. With 190bhp, and a whopping 400Nm of torque on tap, the car can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 8.4-seconds, and is capable of a top speed of 227km/h (where permitted, of course). Annual road tax is just €200, and fuel consumption as low as 5.2l/100km’s is possible on a combined driving cycle. Standard L&K specification includes such key items as LED Matrix headlights, SunSet rear insulating glass, heated front & rear seats, adaptive suspension, Canton™ sound system, 19” Trinity anthracite alloy wheels, aluminium pedals, KESSY keyless central door locking with engine start/stop, electrically operated tailgate (with a ‘virtual’ pedal for hands-free boot opening), electronic 3-zone climatronic air conditioning, COLUMBUS 9.2” touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, and wireless phone charging, along with an impressive list of safety, comfort, and convenience features. Optional features fitted to my test car included a ‘Virtual Cockpit’, ‘Front Assist’ including Adaptive Cruise Control, black roofliner cloth, and a panoramic sunroof. The engine in my test car made incredibly light work of long journeys on the motorway, and it works well with the slick-shifting DSG transmission, while dynamic driving mode options allow the driver to make the car more responsive if they wish.
Legendary Spaciousness;
When on the move, the interior of the SUPERB is a very hushed and refined place to be. The SUPERB has elevated roominess to one of the core comfort features on board, and cuts no corners when it comes to passengers, and their luggage. The famous abundance of rear seat space has earned legendary status, and is a truly unique plus for the car’s occupants. This all-round sense of roominess can be compounded by the optional large panoramic electric roof. The space offered by the SUPERB’s luggage compartment has no equal. With the rear seats in place, a huge 660-litres of usable space awaits you, while this can be extended to a massive 1,950-litres when the rear seat backs are folded flat. In this mode, transporting a couple of bicycles in there would be an easy task – even with all the wheels attached.
Verdict & Pricing;
The amazingly-wonderful, and impressively practical new Škoda SUPERB Combi is quite possibly ‘all the car you will ever need’. Pricing starts at €32,250 (ex-works) for the 1.5 TSI 150bhp Active model, with my test car specification priced at €49,750.
