All-new Skoda Superb makes global debut

Skoda has finally taken the wraps off the all-new fourth-gen Superb liftback sedan and estate. The new Superb gets multiple powertrain options, including diesel and plug-in hybrid options, depending on the country.

1. Fourth-gen Superb could be the last all-new ICE car from Skoda
2. Design follows new Modern Solid language
3. Interior similar to new Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda’s fourth-generation executive flagship returns in liftback sedan and estate bodystyles. The Superb could be the final all-new internal-combustion car Skoda launches in some markets, as the brand pivots to offering solely electric cars by 2030. But the Czech firm is yet to confirm whether each of its current ICE cars will go electric in their next generation.

The brand has yet to detail the performance yielded by these engines, but it is expected to match the outgoing model in a straight line. For reference, the previous 218hp Superb iV plug-in hybrid dispatched the 0-100kph sprint in 7.3 seconds.

New Skoda Superb: exterior 

The new Superb’s exterior design has subtly, but obviously, evolved over the current car. The bolder shoulder line and more angular LED headlights are among the features introduced as part of the brand’s new Modern Solid design language.

Skoda design boss Oliver Stefani said, “The Superb has traditionally shaped Skoda’s design language and the fourth model generation will continue to do just that. Its looks are characterised by sharply drawn lines, clearly defined dynamic proportions, and a modern sculptural and crystalline styling.”

Stefani also highlighted the importance of aerodynamics in the exterior design, with the brand claiming a 10 percent reduction in drag for the sedan and 15 percent for the estate.

It is around 40mm longer and 10mm taller than the outgoing car – with dimensions varying by body type – but both the sedan and estate are 15mm narrower than previously. Nonetheless, luggage capacity has increased by 20 litres in the sedan (to 645 litres) and 30 litres in the estate (to 690 litres).

New Skoda Superb: interior

Inside, the Superb joins its SUV sibling, the new Skoda Kodiaq, in adopting a trio of ‘smart dial’ controls on the dashboard, which can be set to control different functions according to user preference. The two outer dials can be set to control seat heating and interior temperature, while the centre dial can be used to adjust the infotainment volume, fan speed, air-conditioning and drive modes – and zoom-in and -out of the sat-nav.

There are also physical buttons across the centre console and steering wheel for critical controls, such as the window demisters and audio settings. Infotainment is hosted on a central touchscreen measuring either 10 inches or 13 inches (depending on specification).

Skoda said that all of the textiles used inside the new Superb are 100 percent recycled, and that the ‘cognac’ brown leather option is tanned using waste water from olive processing – enhancing the car’s sustainability credentials.

The brand also highlighted a new series of ‘simply clever’ interior features intended to offer extra convenience, including a clip for parking tickets, a USB port in the rear-view mirror, and storage for hi-vis vests in the doors.

New Skoda Superb: engines

Skoda has announced the global engine lineup for the new Superb. The petrol lineup opens with a 150hp, mild-hybrid 1.5-litre, while the 204hp and 265hp 2.0-litre options – the latter driving both axles – forego electrical assistance. The two-wheel-drive diesel produces 150hp, while the four-wheel-drive version makes 193hp. The range-topping PHEV pairs the entry-level 1.5-litre petrol with a single electric motor to send 204hp through the front wheels. Pure-electric propulsion is powered by a 25.7kWh pack that can be recharged at rates up to 50kW (DC), allowing a 10-80 percent charge in 25 minutes, Skoda said.

New Skoda Superb: India launch timeline

For India, Skoda is readying an India re-entry for the third-gen Superb in limited numbers. There is no news of the fourth-gen Superb making it to India anytime soon.

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