Reviews
Gallery 1
Skoda’s voluminous new-gen Superb transforms itself into a strikingly handsome and individual left-field alternative.
WHAT IS IT? Skoda’s opportunity to demonstrate what it can do with the Volkswagen Group’s ‘Modular Transverse Matrix’ (MQB) platform when stretched to a sizeable 2841mm wheelbase for its impressive all-new liftback-sedan and wagon.
WHY WE’RE TESTING IT Given the dynamic and packaging excellence of Volkswagen’s closely related B8 Passat (launched here in October), it’ll be interesting to see if Skoda’s approach can produce an even more compelling medium-to-large alternative. With greater room for the money, a pair of Volkswagen Golf GTI/R-related turbo-petrol engines and a range-topping all-wheel-drive variant, the slick new Superb may well be the antidote to Australia’s indulgence with SUVs.
THE WHEELS VERDICT If punters aren’t won over by the new-gen Superb’s palatial interior space and reasonably trim sticker price, then maybe its exceedingly handsome styling will do the trick. Given the visual awkwardness of the old Superb sedan, Skoda has performed a miraculous turn-around in making the new sedan the looker of the range, complete with a neat liftback tailgate, a ginormous 625 litres of boot space and an Octavia RS engine, all for 40 grand. More dynamic panache would be appreciated but at least the grippy 4×4 variant gives the Skoda Superb a genuine point of difference over its relatively conservative rivals.
PLUS: Beautifully proportioned styling; unbeatable space; excellent quality; sweet turbo-petrols; refinement; ride; solidity MINUS: Not as dynamically poised as a Passat; adaptive dampers only available as part of a pricey options pack; 206kW turbo-petrol deserves a fruitier exhaust note
Skoda buyers, on the other hand, have sporty wagons in their DNA. The biggest-selling model in the Aussie Octavia line-up is clearly the RS wagon, so Skoda (wisely) paid close attention to this phenomenon when decking out the all-new B8 Superb for its Down Under debut.
Indeed, our ‘base’ Superb scores the Octavia RS’s excellent 162kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four, also shared with VW’s Golf GTI, while the Skoda flagship nabs the Golf R’s 206kW engine and Haldex-coupled all-wheel-drive system. Both drivetrains also feature in the VW Passat in Europe, yet they’re conspicuously absent here, giving the Superb a sizeable leg-up over its German sibling if you value performance. And while the Superb’s 140kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel might seem familiar (and priced $2K cheaper than VW’s Passat TDI), its loping nature and improved refinement somehow suit the more laid-back Skoda better than they do the sportier Volksy.
The $39,990 Superb 162 TSI will hit 100km/h in just 7.0sec, which is bang on what a 210kW V6 Commodore can manage, yet it drinks just 6.4L/100km on the government cycle – nearly a litre less than the old 118kW base model. It’s a sweet thing to drive, too, with a subtly raspy engine note and acres of load-lugging torque (the same 350Nm as the 206kW version).
Jump to the 19-inch-wheeled Superb 4×4 and the first thing that comes to mind is ‘cut-price Audi Avant Quattro’. Given the 4×4’s 110kg weight gain, the primo Superb’s claimed 5.8sec-to-100 time is bolstered by its off-the-line purchase and thrust, but it still feels respectably agile on really tight roads, especially when kicking drive to the rear when exiting hairpins – the uprated engine’s throaty chubbiness proving particularly satisfying between 4000 and 6000rpm.
Thing is, the Superb doesn’t overwhelm you with its hard-driven chassis poise like a Passat does. While it has the muscle its VW sister lacks, the Czech limousine clearly favours interstate effortlessness over ultimate amusement. Adaptive dampers are optional – packaged in a $3400-$4700 Tech pack with premium audio and safety electronics – and welcome if your driving enthusiasm covers freeway blasting and back-road carving. But even then, the Superb is more about confidence-inspiring composure than egging its driver on.
Elevated enough for a clear view in all directions, yet close enough to the road to feel connected to the experience, the Superb treads a rare path in offering the best of both worlds – car and SUV. If you purchase a ‘4WD’ simply to sit higher, without giving the new Superb some attention, then that’s your problem.
With a very comprehensive equipment list, an abundance of practical storage ideas, a trio of tempting options packs ($1500 Comfort, $1700 Image and $3400-4700 Tech pack) and one of the most attractive styling efforts to hit the medium-to-large category in many years, the suave, yet subtly quirky Skoda Superb could well set the benchmark for what an Aussie sedan and wagon should be.
SPECS Model: Skoda Superb 206 TSI 4×4 Engine: 1984cc 4cyl, dohc, 16v, turbo Max power: 206kW @ 6500rpm Max torque: 350Nm @ 1700-5600rpm Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch Weight: 1573kg 0-100km/h: 5.8sec (claimed) Fuel economy: 7.3L/100km Price: $50,990 On sale: Now
