Skoda has just managed to sell 1 million cars before the end of 2014, an impressive figure, considering they were relatively unknown outside Europe a couple of decades ago. But that's not enough for the Czechs, no. A new design language is being put into place, starting with the all-new Superb flagship sedan.
The 3rd generation Superb will debut three months from now at a private event organized in Prague mid-February, after which it will be presented at the Geneva Motor Show. Last week, a few official spy photos were joined by our our own scoop images. And now, we have the very first sketch to preview.
As expected, the Superb looks a lot like the Vision C concept car, which many wrongly interpreted to be a four-door coupe, Skoda's version of the Volkswagen CC. In fact, the Superb has somewhat adopted the personality of a coupe, as its rear window is very sloped.
For such a pompously named car, the Superb isn't all that superb. We're kind of disappointed with the design of the headlights. Come on Skoda, this is 2015! SEAT has been offering LEDs on the smaller and cheaper Leon for a while now, so why stick with the xenon projectors?
Using the new MQB platform, the Superb 3 will be made lighter by about the weight of a person (75 kg). However, it will also be bigger. Total length will increase by 20 mm to 4.86 meters, while the wheelbase will be stretched by a massive 80 mm to 2.84 meters. Most of that is done by shortening the front overhang.
That's good, but here's what's even better. The standard Superb will be a little cheaper than the Passat. So there should be money left to indulge in special options, like adaptive dampers, costing €1,500. The total engine range will include 8 units, but not all will be available at launch. Base models are supposed to come with a 125 hp 1.4 TDI or a 1.6 TDI diesel alternative.
We're not 100% sure about the 1.6 TDI, because our sources state the 120 hp entry-level 2.0 TDI will also be available on the Superb. This weirdly underpowered 2-liter is said to be slightly more efficient than the 1.6. Regardless, most diesel buyers will want more power and torque, so we expect them to go for the 150 or 190 hp version of the 2.0 TDI.
The maximum output of the new Superb 3 will be 280 hp, provided by a 2.0 TSI unit sharing many components with the SEAT Leon Cupra and the Golf R. This will be channeled by a new 7-speed DSG and standard 4x4.
As expected, the Superb looks a lot like the Vision C concept car, which many wrongly interpreted to be a four-door coupe, Skoda's version of the Volkswagen CC. In fact, the Superb has somewhat adopted the personality of a coupe, as its rear window is very sloped.
For such a pompously named car, the Superb isn't all that superb. We're kind of disappointed with the design of the headlights. Come on Skoda, this is 2015! SEAT has been offering LEDs on the smaller and cheaper Leon for a while now, so why stick with the xenon projectors?
Practicality
We have a rendering now, so you guys can make up your own mind if the Superb is a looker or not. Let's talk technology instead. From what we gather, the navigation/infotainment system is just like the biggest screen offered on the Golf. It will be available with MirrorLink, a technology that allows you to mirror you phone screen with the car device. They will also install wireless charging.Using the new MQB platform, the Superb 3 will be made lighter by about the weight of a person (75 kg). However, it will also be bigger. Total length will increase by 20 mm to 4.86 meters, while the wheelbase will be stretched by a massive 80 mm to 2.84 meters. Most of that is done by shortening the front overhang.
That's good, but here's what's even better. The standard Superb will be a little cheaper than the Passat. So there should be money left to indulge in special options, like adaptive dampers, costing €1,500. The total engine range will include 8 units, but not all will be available at launch. Base models are supposed to come with a 125 hp 1.4 TDI or a 1.6 TDI diesel alternative.
We're not 100% sure about the 1.6 TDI, because our sources state the 120 hp entry-level 2.0 TDI will also be available on the Superb. This weirdly underpowered 2-liter is said to be slightly more efficient than the 1.6. Regardless, most diesel buyers will want more power and torque, so we expect them to go for the 150 or 190 hp version of the 2.0 TDI.
The maximum output of the new Superb 3 will be 280 hp, provided by a 2.0 TSI unit sharing many components with the SEAT Leon Cupra and the Golf R. This will be channeled by a new 7-speed DSG and standard 4x4.