06 Mar 08
The new-generation big Skoda saloon goes on sale in the UK in September 2008.
It's 35mm longer and 18mm wider than the outgoing model, but 8mm lower-riding, sharing much of its underpinnings with the latest Audi A4 and upcoming new Volkswagen Passat.
Its front end is similar in style to that of the latest Fabia , and whilst it is still effectively a four-door, booted saloon, its tail end has a more hatchback-like slope and the new TwinDoor bootlid gives access to the rear passenger compartment over a fixed shelf.
The Superb will gain the new 160bhp 1.8 TSI engine and more TSI (turbocharged and supercharged) and FSI (direct injection) petrol engines, with outputs ranging from 105bhp to 260bhp, as well as 140bhp and 170bhp diesels, and the option of manual or DSG (direct-shift) gearboxes. There will be a low-emissions 105bhp Greenline diesel model, emitting less than 135g/km of carbon dioxide, and a sported-up vRS - with styling inspired by Skoda's S2000 rally car - will follow.
New features in the range will include adaptive bi-xenon front headlights with automatic rain-sensors; these act on information on speed to direct their beam in 'city' (wide and short beam), 'intercity' (like regular dipped-beam), 'highway' (long reach for high speeds) and 'rain' modes, the latter with a wide and short beam specifically directed to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers with its reflection off the wet road. Equipment available will also include automatic parking assistance, a new air conditioning system and nine airbags.
Skoda will price the Superb well below equivalent Passat models: it's to start from around £15,000, with three trim levels on offer. By the time it goes on sale, Skoda will also have revised and updated the smaller Octavia: the vRS will gain the new 170bhp diesel engine, with both refinement and economy improved.
Check out the rest of our Geneva Motor Show coverage.
