The current Škoda Superb is a large family car that has been produced by the Czech car manufacturer Škoda Auto since 2001. The first generation of the modern Superb, produced from 2001 to 2008, was based on the B5 platform of the Volkswagen Passat, but was elongated by 10 cm (3.9 in). The second generation Superb used a stretched version of the PQ46 platform from the then-current Passat, and was introduced in 2008. The third, and current, generation entered production in 2015. It is currently the largest and most luxurious model in Škoda's model range. An all-new Skoda Superb has been revealed, building on the current model's already-impressive credentials as a cheap-to-run, comfortable, spacious and competitively priced family car. The new Superb will be available in four trim levels; S, SE, SE L Executive and top-spec Laurin & Klement (L&K). Entry-level S models will come with a good level of standard equipment, including 16-inch alloy wheels, LED rear lights, a leather steering wheel, digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity. SE models add to the basic spec car with 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, rear parking sensors, cruise control, a 6.5-inch touchscreen and Smartlink. SE L Executive versions of the new Superb will be very well equipped, boasting 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-Xenon headlights, leather upholstery, heated front seats, sat-nav and a large 8-inch touchscreen. The L&K model offers a real touch of luxury, including upgraded cabin materials, a model-specific 18-inch alloy wheel design, tri-zone climate control, a Canton sound system, dynamic chassis control and several driver assistance systems such as lane and park assist. As the flagship of the Skoda range, the Superb has always been about offering more space, refinement and comfort than its rivals at a price that the average person can afford. Essentially a Mercedes S-Class for the masses, its reputation is forged on limo-like rear legroom and a vast boot, and this third-generation model hasn't lost sight of that. Now based on a stretched version of the VW Group's MQB architecture, it weighs up to 75kg less than its predecessor but has grown in virtually every direction. It's now 28mm longer, 47mm wider and 6mm taller, with a 80mm longer wheelbase, too. So while the rear legroom is identical (frankly, any more would have been overkill) there's more elbow room (39mm more in the front, 69mm rear) and more headroom (3mm front, 25mm rear) than before. The Superb SE Business is expected to be one of the more popular models in the range. As its name suggests, it's aimed squarely at company-car buyers, so it has plenty of equipment and only the most efficient engines in an effort to keep its Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rate low. It's based on the Superb SE model, but adds suede-like Alcantara upholstery and Skoda's Amundsen touchscreen sat nav with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, plus Bluetooth and SmartLink technology that can integrate with Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto and MirrorLink systems. Drivers can choose from eco, sport or normal driving modes, which alter the car's steering sensitivity and accelerator-pedal response. From next year, the SE Business will also feature wireless smartphone charging. Other equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone air-conditioning, lumbar support, power-folding door mirrors and adaptive cruise control. The SE Business model is priced identically to the SE, which helps keep its P11D value low. Two diesel engines are available: a 118bhp 1.6-litre and a 148bhp 2.0-litre – both with a choice of manual or DSG automatic transmission. A GreenLine model, which will return around 76mpg fuel economy and emit just 95g/km of CO2, will join the range after the Superb goes on sale. New Skoda Superb styling The sharper exterior styling of the new Skoda Superb is a departure from the conservative design of the previous car, while still retaining the tidy detailing characteristic of newer Skoda models. It features a new headlamp arrangement and front grille, both of which can also be seen on the latest Skoda Octavia and Skoda Fabia. The interior has been completely redesigned and benefits from being larger than that of the old model. There's 980mm of headroom, 157mm of rear legroom (twice as much as the Vauxhall Insignia) and a large 625-litre boot. Fold the rear seats down and luggage space increases to 1,760 litres. The boot can be opened simply by waving your foot under the rear bumper, using a system Skoda calls Virtual Pedal. Similar systems have been used on the Volkswagen Passat and Ford Kuga. The controls all look logically laid-out, with a large sat nav on SE L Executive cars and a sharp, neat finish to the dashboard. Storage inside includes front and rear door pockets that'll each hold a 1.5-litre bottle of water. There's also a tablet storage compartment in the front center armrest, cup-holders that fit smaller bottles, storage nets on the inside edges of the front seats and a special compartment for storing hi-vis vests in each door. The boot offers cargo fasteners to keep things in place. The thirsty and slow-selling 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine is being dropped from the Superb range. There will still be plenty of choice for buyers though, as a total of seven engines will be available from launch, including four turbocharged petrol engines and three turbocharged diesels. Power outputs will range from 118bhp, from the 1.6-litre diesel, up to 276bhp from the new 2.0-litre petrol engine. The 1.4-litre petrol engine will be fitted to the entry-level Superb. These engines are expected to offer up to 30% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than the outgoing Superb range. From 2016, buyers will also have the choice of a 1.6-litre GreenLine diesel, which will become the first Skoda Superb to offer tax-exempt CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km. Most of the engines will be available with front-wheel drive only but selected models will be available with Skoda's four-wheel-drive system, as well as an automatic DSG gearbox. The Skoda Superb range is predicted to eventually include the Czech company's first ever plug-in hybrid model, which could use the same petrol-electric hybrid engine as the Volkswagen Golf GTE. This offers strong performance, excellent fuel economy, extremely low CO2 emissions and the ability to travel 31 miles on battery power alone. At the Geneva Motor Show in March, it was confirmed the new Skoda Superb will start at a very competitive £18,640. UK deliveries begin in September. — SG/Agencies
