Photo: SH ProShots
A new set of spy shots landed in our inbox earlier this week, showcasing the next-generation Skoda Superb in prototype form. Still sporting thick camouflage all around, it was caught doing the rounds at the Nurburgring and driving on the roads around the famous German racetrack.
Don't let the three-box looks trick you because it will be a liftback featuring a rear hatch for increased hauling. Those who want an even more spacious cargo area will get to order the estate, as both models will make up the next-gen Skoda Superb family, unlike the mechanically-related upcoming Volkswagen Passat, which will only be offered as a station wagon.
Last time we spotted it, it had a slightly different front bumper design, and the rear lighting units were a bit more visible. This prototype came with bigger wheels that didn't have any sensors on them. With a tablet-like design, the generously-sized infotainment screen is partially visible in certain images, so long as you zoom in, which will look like a downgrade compared to the current car's central display that sits below the central air vents. Nonetheless, this move will allow drivers to keep their eyes on the road more, as they will have to look slightly to the right (in left-hand drive cars) to see the new screen.
With a 2,841-mm (111.9-in) long wheelbase, the third-generation Skoda Superb is already extremely spacious. However, unofficial intel suggests that the space between the axles might be further stretched in the upcoming car, which would give backseat occupants even more legroom. It is possible that the next-gen VW Passat might have an identical wheelbase length, but this information has yet to be confirmed. Both cars will be made at the Bratislava factory in Slovakia, with the assembly expected to kick off in the coming months.
Skoda still keeps the details surrounding the powertrain family close to its chest. However, we suspect it will launch with the usual gasoline models and mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid assemblies. Diesels are still a thing in Europe, so chances are the next-gen Superb will get one or two low-revving mills. But what about a pure electric variant? Not yet, as an all-quiet derivative isn't in the pipeline.
Chances are the fourth-gen Superb will be the last of its kind, given that such body styles have lost popularity to crossovers and SUVs, though that's our two cents on the matter. We think that if the nameplate survives for a future generation, it will probably be used on an electric vehicle that may or may not feature a different body style (ahem, high-riding). That's a story for another time, as right now, we will remind you that the new Superb will premiere this fall.
Last time we spotted it, it had a slightly different front bumper design, and the rear lighting units were a bit more visible. This prototype came with bigger wheels that didn't have any sensors on them. With a tablet-like design, the generously-sized infotainment screen is partially visible in certain images, so long as you zoom in, which will look like a downgrade compared to the current car's central display that sits below the central air vents. Nonetheless, this move will allow drivers to keep their eyes on the road more, as they will have to look slightly to the right (in left-hand drive cars) to see the new screen.
With a 2,841-mm (111.9-in) long wheelbase, the third-generation Skoda Superb is already extremely spacious. However, unofficial intel suggests that the space between the axles might be further stretched in the upcoming car, which would give backseat occupants even more legroom. It is possible that the next-gen VW Passat might have an identical wheelbase length, but this information has yet to be confirmed. Both cars will be made at the Bratislava factory in Slovakia, with the assembly expected to kick off in the coming months.
Skoda still keeps the details surrounding the powertrain family close to its chest. However, we suspect it will launch with the usual gasoline models and mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid assemblies. Diesels are still a thing in Europe, so chances are the next-gen Superb will get one or two low-revving mills. But what about a pure electric variant? Not yet, as an all-quiet derivative isn't in the pipeline.
Chances are the fourth-gen Superb will be the last of its kind, given that such body styles have lost popularity to crossovers and SUVs, though that's our two cents on the matter. We think that if the nameplate survives for a future generation, it will probably be used on an electric vehicle that may or may not feature a different body style (ahem, high-riding). That's a story for another time, as right now, we will remind you that the new Superb will premiere this fall.
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