The Skoda Superb is a liftback from the Czech brand, but it’s not often seen on our roads. For some reason, Russian consumers prefer Korean or Japanese sedans in the business car segment. However, in terms of driving performance, characteristics, material quality, and innovative features, the Superb not only outperforms Korean and Japanese models, but also comes close to the German ones. We were convinced of this personally, having driven about half a thousand kilometers on the roads of France behind the wheel of a Skoda Superb.
This is a restyling
In the outskirts of Paris, in a parking lot in front of a hotel, there are several updated Skoda Superbs, which will be our cars for the next couple of days on a short trip around France.
At first glance, the “uninitiated viewer” will not notice the changes in the appearance of the Superb – they are minimal. You need to understand that we have before us not a new generation, but a restyling. But there are still innovations in the image of the Superb.
Firstly, the designers slightly refreshed the front of the car. Secondly, the radiator grille has grown in size and features larger chrome strips. Thirdly, the restyled front bumper can be recognized by its new, more aggressively shaped LED fog lights. Fourthly, the logo on the rear trunk lid now features the “ŠKODA” logo in large letters, right in the center. This isn’t even a stylistic decision, but rather a marketing ploy aimed at boosting brand recognition.
Well, the most important change to the Superb’s exterior is the new headlights. While the headlights haven’t changed in shape, they’re completely new. The headlights now feature a matrix technology, like those found on Audi vehicles, and the taillights are now LED and feature dynamic turn signals. That’s where the exterior changes end. However, there is one more innovation – a new version of the Superb Scout station wagon, which differs from the standard model in its increased ground clearance, off-road body kits, and all-wheel drive. This car was also present in our test, but rather so that journalists could get acquainted with it and understand European tastes. The Superb Scout version is intended only for Europe and will not be available on the Russian market.
If it were brought to Russia, the price would be too high, and the car would not compete with the Kodiaq. Sales of Skoda Superb station wagons in Russia are already low, so the Scout will not be in demand. Superb station wagons account for only 3% of all Superb sales in Russia. The lion’s share of 97% in our country is accounted for by the liftback modifications. In European countries, the ratio between liftback and station wagon is 46% versus 54%. Station wagons are even more popular in Europe, which can’t be said about Russia.
Inside
The updates to the interior are also almost unnoticeable. There is new seat trim and decorative inserts, as well as higher-quality materials. Everything was great before, too. The center console now has a larger phone box with wireless charging and the ability to connect to the multimedia system. Otherwise, it’s the same familiar Superb with comfortable seats and ideal seating geometry. The interior also now features multi-colored decorative lighting—a small detail, but a nice touch. The top-of-the-line media system with a nine-inch screen is unaffected by the update, but an electronic instrument cluster can now be ordered as an option, replacing the analog speedometer and tachometer. The electronic instrument cluster is similar in size and capabilities to the updated Volkswagen Passat, on which the Superb is based. The graphics have been slightly redesigned to match the Skoda style; in particular, the symbols on the speedometer and tachometer are arranged in a circle. So, we can finish discussing the interior updates here and hit the road.
Let’s Go
Over two days, the test drive participants of the updated Superb had to cover almost 500 kilometers to experience just how good the flagship of the Czech brand is. We leave the Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis towards Rouen along the toll highway towards the resort town of Deauville on the English Channel coast. French toll roads are fundamentally different from ours. They are much wider, and the maximum speed is 130 km/h. There is no permissible speed limit. Even for exceeding the speed limit by 5 km/h, you will receive a fine, which you can pay online. If you exceed the speed limit by more than 30 km/h, the fine will be 135 euros, and you will have to appear in court.
The maximum fine of 1,500 euros will be owed to you for driving on French roads at a speed limit of 50 km/h. The French have very serious fines. If you talk on the phone while driving, you will have to pay a 135 euro fine. If you have a glass of French wine and the breathalyzer shows between 0.5 and 0.8 ppm, you will have to pay another 135 euros. If your blood alcohol level is over 0.8 ppm, the fine will be a hefty 4,500 euros. According to French law, you must always carry a breathalyzer with you. Firstly, you can test yourself at any time. Secondly, local police won’t have a reason to pick on you and falsify the breathalyzer test with their own device, as Russian traffic cops are fond of doing.
You shouldn’t relax behind the wheel in France, although the Superb will allow you to drive in comfort. Skoda has many smart driver assistance systems. Some of them are new to the mid-segment segment; they are usually found only on higher-end models. The adaptive cruise control deserves special mention. It has the technical capability to automatically maintain a set speed of up to 210 km/h. However, don’t forget that according to French law, the speed limit on toll roads is 130 km/h. We set the desired speed and, magic! The car drives itself, brakes itself, and recognizes road signs. A 110 km/h sign appears, and the car automatically slows down. We drove through this section, and the Superb accelerated back up to 130 km/h. With the lane keeping assist feature, you practically feel like you’re driving on autopilot. We drove to Deauville in comfort, using cruise control almost the entire way. But cruise control isn’t autopilot—you let go of the steering wheel, and the car immediately signals you to return your hands.
Engines, trim levels, and prices
We drove a car with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine producing 280 horsepower. This is the top engine available for the Skoda Superb. If you drive on the highway without cruise control, I’d like to point out the good dynamics and traction. Paired with the DSG automatic transmission, the car delivers good dynamics and high torque with economical fuel consumption. A total of four petrol engines, ranging in power from 150 to 280 hp, will be available on the Russian market. The base Skoda Superb will feature a 1.4 TSI engine producing 150 hp and a manual transmission; this engine is also available with a seven-speed DSG. The remaining three engines are two-liter engines – 190, 220, and 280 hp.
Depending on the trim level, the car with the two-liter engine can be equipped with a six-speed or seven-speed transmission. However, the optimal option for Russian consumers will most likely be the version with the two-liter engine producing 190 hp. This is the version that will be in greatest demand. This car offers optimal performance, is exempt from increased vehicle taxes, and boasts excellent fuel economy.
In the combined cycle, the 190-horsepower Superb consumes 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers. The updated Superb will soon be available at authorized dealerships. The first to go on sale will be the popular 190-horsepower versions in liftback and station wagon body styles. The base and top-of-the-line versions will be available a little later, and prices are not yet available. As for the most affordable Superb Ambition 2.0 TSI (190 hp) with a DSG-7 gearbox, it will cost 2,097,000 rubles, the Style version with the same engine is almost 300 thousand more expensive.
The cost of the Superb Combi station wagon in the Style trim in Russia will start at 2,460,000 rubles. Special versions of the SportLine and Laurin & Klement will go on sale later, prices for them in Russia are still unknown. But taking into account their piece sales, we can already say that the price tag for the top-end Superb in Russia will approach three million rubles.
