Launched in 2004, the distinctly XXL-sized Superb proved to be a consistent seller for Skoda over the years. It’s imposing size, massive interior space; impressive levels of quality and semi-affordable sticker endeared it to the chauffeur driven set. Powered initially by a 191bhp petrol V6 motor, it was however the 163bhp smooth-running diesel V6 launched later that proved to be the more popular.  The car maker has also consistently provided that something extra. Skoda previewed the twin clutch DSG automatic in India on the Laura and the Fabia provided luxury car comfort in a hatchback – all pioneering steps for the India market.

The new Superb promises to deliver all these core Skoda values and more. More comfort, more luxury, better driving manners and more performance and economy from its next-generation direct-injection petrol motor too…so does the new Superb live up to its promise? This first-ever test of Skoda’s flagship, on Indian soil, conducted by AutoCar (March ’09), provides all the answers…

Design & Engineering

While the earlier Superb was a conservative design with simple lines and traditional proportions, the new Superb is more radical. Its dimensions are unconventional, a lot of the details are edgy and this makes it a design that’s difficult to relate to immediately.
The attractive-looking wraparound headlamps have a sharp edge and upward sweep to them and there are cuts and details on the nose section that look attractive. The skinning of the body is taut, there’s chrome detailing everywhere and this gives the car an up-market look.

However, the Superb’s silhouette is where it all goes a bit wonky. The stubby nose, upright cabin and large rear overhang don’t gel perfectly, and the proportions tend to look odd at certain angles. But there’s a method here. The short nose is down to the transverse engine, the cabin looks bulky as the rear windscreen is pushed well back for greater headroom and the large rear overhang helps stretch the platform to its limit. Built on an extended VW Passat floorpan stretched to 2761mm, the car’s wheelbase is however shorter than the earlier Superb’s.

This car also differs from the earlier car under the skin. The earlier Superb had longitudinally-mounted (north-south) engines – the engines on this car, however, are mounted transversely in time-honoured front-wheel-drive tradition.

The new Superb also shares its lineage and platform with both the current VW Passat as well as the Laura but has its own unique bits and pieces.

The front suspension for example uses struts and a lower A-arm for better control and some aluminum supports have been used to improve rigidity here as well. Its electrical steering system is developed to deliver much more feel and feedback than other cars on this platform and the chassis, which is considerably stiffer than the outgoing Superb, also helps the new car’s dynamics. The tyres come with a 55 profile which means a shorter sidewall than the 60 profile rubber its competitors like the Accord or Camry use.

The most unique bit on this car, however, is the Twindoor rear, feel AutoCar testers (March ’09). One can either get access to the boot by lifting up the giant hatch or select a neater but smaller conventional bootlid. And at 565litres, there’s plenty of space here. Also very useful are the adaptive headlights – they incorporate turning lights, spread out at low speeds and deliver a better spot at faster highway speeds. Most impressive however is the high quality and tough build of this car say AutoCar testers (March ’09). It feels as indestructible as a battle tank, everything fits perfectly, and paint quality is striking and the finish of the chrome exceptional as well.

Interiors

The sense of a well-crafted thoughtfully put-together car is carried over to the interiors as well. The amalgamation of rich tones, quality textures and perfectly finished real chrome are simply stunning, worthy of a luxury car twice this price. It’s so good, one immediately starts looking for for blemishes and low quality bits – of which there are none.

The quality and shape of the steering wheel is exceptional, its comfortable hold, chrome ‘smile’ and Skoda badge make it look special. The hooded circular dials look terrific, the air con is easy and intuitive to use and the puddle lights inside the cabin add to the luxurious feel. Even the quality of the ‘wood’ and manner in which small knobs have chrome piping is impressive.

The Superb also comes with an easy to use central touch screen that controls everything from the radio and in-dash CD-changer to the phone and navigation system. With acres of legroom and full sized seats, one is unlikely to find more comfortable seating anywhere in this class. The front seats are ample, very supportive and electrically adjustable in every direction. There’s seat memory, electric lumbar support and fining one’s ideal driving position is easy. The rear seats give one a true limousine-like experience with generous legroom, shoulder and under-thigh support.

There’s sufficient storage space too approves AutoCar (March ’09). There are cup-holders under the sell-finished roller stutter, the glove and elbow box provide additional storage for CDs and other stuff and the door pockets are nice and wide. Other niceties include electrically retractable rear sun blinds, footrests for rear passengers and a built-in umbrella plus drainage system in the left-side rear door. Other goodies include tyre pressure monitors and parking sensors. The Superb also provides you first-rate protection with anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and eight airbags.

Engine, Gearbox & Performance

Conventional wisdom would state that an almost 1.5-tonne car would need more than 1800cc of engine capacity to propel it. And conventional wisdom is right. But Skoda and the VW Group have moved past convention. For starters, the 1.8 motor uses direct petrol injection and a turbo-charger to augment power, with max power rated at 160bhp. Turbo-charged direct-injected motors also produce more torque than normally aspirated ones, this motor making a massive 25.5kgm from just 1500rpm on, really low down for a petrol motor. While the large V6 that powered the earlier Superb made more power, this 1.8 TSI makes almost as much torque.

Also an all-new seven-speed DSG double clutch ‘box takes up the responsibility of transmitting power. Shift times on the twin clutch ‘box are faster than anything available on conventional automatics, as the second clutch has already pre-engaged the next gear for a quick shift, and seven gears also mean better use of the top end of the power band, which means better acceleration. To put the 1.8 Superb’s performance in perspective, it beats the previous, bigger and more powerful V6 by 2.3 seconds.

Key to the new Superb’s terrific performance is the lusty mid-range and strong top-end. There’s a throaty snarl that’s clearly audible when one winds the motor. Using paddle shifts allows one to really carry on at a quick pace and the gearbox always has just the right gear to drive in. Stay in the punchy midrange with the turbo spinning past 3000rpm and one gets a nice slug of power.
On the Road

With the suspension raised 20mm and almost 160mm of ground clearance, Skoda has had to stiffen the Superb’s springs and dampers for good straight-line stability. The car responds in a measured manner to every tweak on the wheel and the feeling of confidence even when barreling along is very high. This allows one to carry masses of speed into corners, even on upcountry single-lane highways. Grip from the tyres is very strong and the new electric steering transfers masses of feel. Very direct and with no slack, this is one of the best electric power steering units AutoCar testers have used (March ’09).

On tighter corners, the Skoda doesn’t turn that eagerly and a bit of extra steering lock needed is called for. But get used to this, says AutoCar (March ’09), and the Skoda allows one liberties not expected of a car of this size. However, what takes a bit of getting used to at times are the brakes. While stopping power and bite are great, there seems to be a bit of mushiness to the pedal initially.

Still, it’s a fabulous drive overall, not something one expects of a car of this size and the uninvolving Accord just can’t compare.

Fuel Efficiency

AutoCar (March ’09) was very impressed by the efficiency of the petrol Superb. It gave 8.3kpl in the city and 12.5kpl on the highway to take it straight to the top of its class. This is not easy as it has both a Toyota and a Honda to contend with. But its smaller displacement engine, direct injection system and torque converter-less seven-speed gearbox help deliver a technical knockout here.

Verdict

Skoda has gone all out with the new Superb to make one feel one is buying a Rs. 40 lakh car for nearly half the price. It has technology, features and safety equipment that befit seriously expensive luxury cars. The comfort and quality are in an orbit shared with BMW’s and Mercs. There are simply no signs of economizing and that’s what makes the superb so special. The seven-speed DSG ‘box, the massive interior space and the clever twin-door tailgate are special features which will delight customers. But the big surprise is the thoroughly capable 1.8TSI petrol motor which has the performance and fuel efficiency to threaten the Accord. At the Superb’s estimated price of Rs. 22 lakh, nothing comes close. AutoCar 9March ’09) can’t wait for the diesel.