2015 Skoda Superb Revealed with Up to 280 HP and Class-Leading Space

Skoda worked really had on this sedan, which is going to be their biggest debut of 2015. From 2001 until January 2015, they sold 700,000 units of the first- and second-generation, but we expect this new one to do even better. Why? Because it's huge inside, almost stately. The wheelbase, for example, has grown from 2,760mm to 2,840mm (108.6 inches to 111.8 inches), which is almost as much as a Mercedes E-Class.

With 157 mm legroom the rear space is about twice as much as in the nearest competitor model, Skoda says. As for the trunk, this measures 625-liters, 30 liters more than in the second-generation Superb.

The engine range is going to be just as complex and tricky to understand as that of a VW counterpart. However, after driving all of the cars based on the MQB platform, we think Superb buyers will pick one of the 2-liter diesels, which offer the most miles per tank. Still, the latest generation of TSI petrol engines make a very good case for themselves.

New engines give the Superb up to 30% lower fuel consumption

Thanks in part also to a weight reduction of 75 kilos, the Superb is more efficient. In some cases, the engines are up to 20% more powerful ad this may have a big effect on driving dynamics. The flagship will be available with a total of 8 new direct-injection turbocharged engines based on MQB technology (five TSI petrol, three TDI common-rail diesel). All powertrains comply with EU6 standards and have Stop-Start technology and brake energy recovery as standard.

The base unit is a 1.4 TSI making 125 PS, being the only one not available with DSG. It also delivers 200 Nm of torque and will take the Superb 3 to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds. Next up is the 150 PS of the same engine that actually consumes less fuel because it has a cylinder shutoff system. The 1.8 TSI turbo is also available, delivering 180 PS. Finally, the petrol range is completed by 220 PS and 280 PS versions of the 2.0 TSI. The latter model is claimed to reach 100 km/h in a mere 5.8 seconds.

The diesel engine mirrors that of the Passat B8 and includes a 1.6 TDI with 120 PS, followed by the 150 PS version of the EA288 2.0 TDI. The most powerful diesel you can get packs 190 PS plus 400 Nm of torque and demands between 8 and 7.6 seconds to reach 100 km/h, depending on the gearbox.

Styling inspired by VisionC

As we predicted, the styling of the new Superb is inspired by the VisionC Concept car shown, which has resulted in a more streamlined roof, pronounced grille and somewhat triangular headlights. We don't think it looks as good as a Ford Mondeo, but then again many customers will value discreteness and reliability over Aston Martin flare.

In the interior department, the Superb is a collection of parts from the VW bin. The air conditioning, navigation system, part of the steering wheel, some of the door trim and even the indicator storck stalk are shared with the Passat or the Leon and Golf. That's not necessarily a bad thing, because they all have a very sold, well put together feel to them.

Skoda CEO Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland had this to say the new Skoda Superb in front of 700 people gathered to see it in Prague: “This car marks the beginning of a new era for Skoda. In recent years, we have renewed and expanded our model range. The new Skoda Superb demonstrates our aspirations in the automotive mid-class segment. In terms of creativity and technology, it reaches a new level of performance, shows Skoda’s reclaimed position and leads the way into the future of the brand. This fantastic car will attract new private and business customers to Skoda."