2015 Geneva Motor Show: Skoda Superb revealed

Flagship Skoda grows on the model it replaces, and throws in a user-friendly tech fest for good measure

AN all-new Skoda Superb at the Geneva motor show, revealing a more technology-laden version of the hatch and wagon that make it even more family friendly.

Built on the Volkswagen Group’s versatile front-engine, front-drive MQB platform that's underneath the VW Golf and Skoda Octavia, the Superb is longer and wider, and also sits on a stretched wheelbase to open up even more interior space.

While the larger dimensions allow an extra 30 litres of luggage space, the Superb has trimmed down 75kg in the jump across to the new platform.

The more advanced platform also allows the introduction of smarter technology, including an electric tailgate on the wagon that opens with a waved foot under the bumper, a leap to Apple’s smartphone-based CarPlay infotainment system and Android’s Google Auto, and a traffic-jam assistant that helps the driver in stop-start traffic.

It also gains autonomous emergency braking, which can help avoid a rear-end shunt.

The Czech branch of German carmaker Volkswagen said the jump to the new platform would also give it access to a range of idle-stop engines that are set up to also scab energy normally lost during coasting and braking.

Australian versions of the Superb currently sell with a turbocharged 118kW 1.8-litre petrol four-pot paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto, or a 125kW 2.0-litre diesel paired with a six-speed dual-clutch.

In the new Superb, the 1.8 jumps to 132kW, and the diesel to 162kW.