2024 Skoda Superb teased ahead of local release

The 2024 Skoda Superb is still tightly wrapped in camouflage, though the Czech carmaker has revealed a host of details about its flagship large car including engines and updated cabin contents.

Twinned in development with Volkswagen’s new Passat, Skoda’s indicated a local Superb release is likely in early 2024, following the arrival of the Kodiaq. Globally, the Superb is available with seven powertrains; three petrol, two diesel, and two hybrids. Only one is likely to hit Australia after brand director Michael Irmer told Wheels earlier this year that the Superb will be marketed as a premium car, with ‘the top-spec engine’ and “no base models”.

It's fair to expect that a 195kW tune of the Superb’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder – an 11kW drop compared to the third-gen six-speed DSG Superb 206TSI sold in Australia, and a 5kW drop on its 200kW European counterpart – will be the choice for us.

8

Blame emissions regulations for the power drop, with the new Superb featuring a petrol particulate filter and cleaner tune than the previous-gen car. The new Superb's most powerful engine will be teamed with an AWD system and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

As for other engines, there are two tunes of the same 2.0-litre diesel, a 110kW mild-hybrid four-cylinder, and a lower tune 2.0-litre petrol with 150kW.

8

There's also the plug-in hybrid. Developing 150kW, it’s based around the 110TSI Evo engine with an electric motor and generous 25.7kWh lithium-ion battery boosting power and guaranteeing 100km of electric-only driving range.

Backed up with 11kW AC wall-charging and up to 50kW DC fast charging, the plug-in hybrid could be a frugal alternative to the 195kW petrol down the track, though is unlikely to be offered at launch in Oz.

8

Design – inside and out

Although not fully unveiled, Skoda’s crisp pictures give a pretty good indication of the Superb’s new design direction with its ‘crystalline’ headlights and broader grille resembling the Fabia small car.

Viewed in profile, the doors look suspiciously similar to the ninth-gen Volkswagen Passat – because they’re the same items. The Passat wears different front and rear clips but is nearly identical to the Skoda down the flanks.

Underneath the skin is the MQB Evo platform and the Superb, although 40-43mm longer than before (liftback/wagon), is 15mm narrower in the body and rides on an identical 2841mm wheelbase to the car it replaces.

8

It means the Passat – with which it now shares a wheelbase – will be much larger in ninth-generation form

The Passat will also be sold as a wagon exclusively. Intriguingly, despite the general recession of wagon sales, the Superb's long-roofed variant accounts for 56 per cent of current Superb sales.

With all Superbs using automatic dual-clutch transmissions, Skoda’s been able to reimagine the cabin. Moving the gear selector to a stalk behind the steering wheel (like Mercedes-Benz and VW's electric ID range) frees up the centre console for more storage.

Though Skoda hasn’t released pictures of the new cabin yet, we’ve seen glimpses of the Passat’s cabin. Given how close these two cars are this time around, it’s likely to be rather similar inside the Czech car.

8

Interior of the 2024 VW Passat

Skoda has added more ‘Simply Clever’ features to the new Superb, bringing the total to 28. An electronic cargo cover, tablet holder integrated into the rear armrest, dual seatback storage pockets, and integrated funnel for the windscreen washer reservoir join the typical door umbrellas and garbage bins that snap into the door pockets.

Also new is a 12.9-inch touchscreen with Skoda touting a mix of digital and physical controls for various functions – addressing criticisms of the current z cabin – and presumably our high-spec Australian cars will get digital driver’s displays and wireless smartphone mirroring.

Skoda has yet to finalise Euro NCAP or ANCAP testing, but the new Superb is packed with safety features, including the usual driver assistance features and 10 airbags, as well as junction assist for the improved AEB system.

8

Availability

Skoda hasn’t confirmed the Superb's Australian arrival timing yet, but it’s expected to land later in 2024 once variants with the 195kW head into production.