Consistent implementation of the Skoda Auto design philosophy is mirrored in the strong three-dimensional form of the front grille, while the finely modelled chrome trimmings of the front end give it a substantial and solid look. The contoured lines of the bonnet extend to the headlamps, intensifying their horizontal direction and giving the new Superb a solidly and self-assured look on the road. Emphasised roof lines are an eye-catching feature. Whilst its predecessor had a rounded, domed roof, that of the new Superb is elongated and blends elegantly into the radius of the C-pillars. This in itself is a clear indication of the exceptional interior spaciousness and unbeatable rear leg room for passengers. Chrome trim around the windows of the SE and Elegance models flows into a three-dimensional surround at the C-pillar. This and many other details emphasise the high quality of the vehicle rarely seen in its class.
The number plate holder is not integrated into the boot lid but instead is positioned lower on the rear bumper. This creates space for a large Skoda logo, confidently fitted in the middle of the boot lid and for the Superb lettering. The two-part tail lamps with one half integrated into the rear wings and the other into the boot lid are true to the Skoda design used across the brand today. In daylight they excel with a straight-lined and elegant form. In the dark, they light up to form a C-shaped light typical of the Skoda design. The new Superb is mounted on wheels up to 18 inch wide which further enhance solidity and sporting elegance communicated by the entire bodywork.
Value in the smallest detail: the interior
Despite being nearly as long as the previous generation Superb, the New Superb surpasses the already generous interior of its predecessor in almost all aspects thanks to a transversely mounted engine. At the front greater space has been achieved by moving the gear position. The central tunnel has been designed in a much leaner form. And, in the rear, leg room has been increased by 19 millimetres, offering the passengers unique travelling comfort. The new Skoda is 4,838 millimetres long, 1,817 millimetres wide and 1,462 millimetres high.
The interior, with its finely tuned mix of materials and excellent workmanship, satisfies the needs of the most demanding customer. The dashboard with its wave-shaped design groups dashboard instruments into logical individual functional units. All of the primary functions are concentrated around the steering wheel and quick access is guaranteed thanks to logical locations. This unique design practically removes operating errors. In certain trim levels, the steering wheel includes multi-function buttons for the operation of the radio unit, MFA and a mobile phone. Chrome inlay in the centre of the newly designed, wrapped steering wheel reflects the clear V-shape form of the car’s front.
This design cue is also reflected in the look of the central console on certain trims. It includes the new Columbus navigation system with advanced, operator-friendly touch screen technology and a 30 GB hard disk for rapid data access as well as dual-zone climate control system. There is a large capacity glove box and additional storage space can be found on either side of the steering wheel from attractively designed door storage and drink holders on the central tunnel to pockets on the back of front seats. New round instruments indicate their readiness with a function check after switching on the ignition and clear glass with white numerals guarantee legibility. Easy-grip foam cushioned dashboard surfaces come in threedifferent colours and three versions of the curved trim strip are available. By mixing and matching the customer can achieve a distinctly elegant, a stylishly sporty or a classically timeless feel to their New Superb.
Time for something special: the TwinDoor concept
The shape of the bodywork with its balanced proportions, timeless elegance and stylish lines incorporates is a new feature that will, once again, become the benchmark in the automotive world. Although design in this vehicle class has retained a traditional hatchback concept, the New Superb now has a tailgate which places practically no limits on what can be transported by the vehicle. The unique patented TwinDoor variable boot opening, designed by engineers at Skoda, offers a practical, functional and well thought out solution. The driver can choose from opening just the boot lid for loading smaller items into the car or the entire tailgate with a press of a button. By operating two small switches on the seal of the boot lid, the driver can activate an electro-mechanical release which lifts the boot lid and the rear window as one, allowing bulky items to be loaded. The rear window light flashes to indicate that electric motors have locked the closing mechanism. The rear aperture suddenly almost doubles in size. With rear seat backs in an upright position, the boot can accommodate 565 litres of luggage – more than 85 litres more than its predecessor. With rear seats folded, the volume increases to 1,670 litres, a volume few estate cars in this sector can equal.
Under the solid floor of the boot, fitted with high quality carpet, is another compartment for storing personal objects. Underneath that is a spare wheel (except for GreenLine versions which carry a tyre mobility kit on board instead). There are eyelets at the side of the boot to secure goods during transit while practical folding hooks provide a perfect hold for shopping bags.
Excellent crash test results achieved by the New Superb are due to extensive body improvements. For instance, a combination of high-strength and normal steel with increased ductile strength is used in the chassis and in the A and B pillars, ensuring greater safety in a head-on or side collision by means of planned energy absorption.
Safe in its stride: the chassis of the new Superb
The chassis of the New Superb uses Skoda’s modular strategy where modules from the existing Octavia (Golf) and Passat chassis have been combined. However, Skoda has taken these modules, adapted them and added new elements, giving the car its own driving character. The MacPherson front axle with triangular wishbone on the Skoda Superb is housed in an aluminium axle to provide greater kinematics while simultaneously reducing axle weight. The rear axle is attached to silent blocks, a combination of metal and rubber. This increases driving comfort and reduces tyre noise. As a result of numerous acoustic innovations, the New Superb is also among the quietest cars in its class.
When developing the chassis, Skoda Auto engineers placed special emphasis on creating a balanced relationship between agility and comfort. Uneven road surfaces are mastered excellently whilst body roll is almost completely suppressed by carefully configured chassis components. The new electro-mechanical steering ensures great driving dynamics.
Debut of intelligent lighting: AFS (Adaptive Front Light System)
Great visibility is created not only by generously proportioned front windows and larger wing mirrors but also by the new AFS (Adaptive Front Light System) headlight system. AFS adapts to the driving conditions, improving visibility and enabling the driver to recognise obstacles in the road sooner therefore enabling the driver to react more quickly. The urban lighting mode is active at speeds between 15 – 50 km/h (9 - 30 mph) and works by prompting the widening of the beam which lights the edge of the road. At speeds of 90 km/h (56 mph) plus, the motorway function becomes active. In this mode, electronic controls set the beam to illuminate the overtaking lane, the beam is also extended and raised. The third mode of AFS is similar to that of the current dipped headlamp function. This function is activated on country roads at speeds of up to 70 km/h (43 mph). AFS also features a cornering light function active at speeds of 10 km/h (6 mph) and higher.
The rain function, which reduces road glare for oncoming drivers in wet conditions, exists as part of the AFS. The tourist function can be activated for driving in different countries to avoid blinding oncoming traffic, improve visibility and ensure legal compliance. In this setting, the AFS is deactivated. In the Superb the AFS works exclusively with Bi-Xenon headlights. Headlamps also feature stylish Superb lettering in the upper corners.
No compromises: safety on all roads and in all places
Passenger protection in the New Superb is of paramount importance and first crash tests carried out by automobile clubs and Euro NCAP have demonstrated this impressively. The new Superb performed extremely well in trials carried out by these independent consumer organisations. The vehicle achieved highest possible marks in simulations of side impact and impact against a post scoring 35 points for the protection of adults and 40 for children, collecting the highest possible number of stars.
Up to nine airbags are available on the Superb depending on vehicle specification. Two front and two side airbags combined with front and rear head airbags provide comprehensive protection. The driver knee airbag and side airbags in the rear further improve the effectiveness of the restraint systems. Even in serious accidents only a small risk of injury exists across the vehicle. Pyrotechnical belt tensioners and belt force limiters also help reduce impact in a collision.
A number of systems are in place to help prevent an accident. Anti-spin regulation (ASR) is standard in all versions of the New Superb. Pedestrian protection measures considerably reduce the danger of injury in the case of an accident. ESP and ABS with Brake Assistant are part of the standard equipment in many markets. The hill hold function prevents the car from rolling backwards when the brake is released therefore helping with starts on hills.
State-of-the-art technology under the bonnet: the engine range
The range of engines for the new Superb fulfils the needs of all customers and presents a wide choice. There are three petrol and three diesel engines available. All engines operate with direct fuel injection and excel at low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Skoda‘s top model weighs as little as 1,425 kg, allowing even basic engines to generate plenty of power.
The entry level diesel engine is the 1.9 litre TDI PD, an economically-priced but nevertheless powerful introduction to the Superb. The four-cylinder 77 kW (105 bhp) engine reaches its torque peak of 250 Nm at 1,900/rpm. With an average fuel consumption of 5.7 litres per 100 km (49.6 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 151 g/km, it provides both excellent fuel economy and low emissions for its size. The driving experience is nevertheless impressive as the car reaches a top speed of 190 km/h (118 mph) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 12.5 seconds. A manual five-speed gearbox transmits the power to the front wheels.
The next level up in the diesel engine range is the 2.0 TDI PD, producing 103 kW (140 bhp). Its peak torque is 320 Nm between 1,800 and 2,500 rpm, propelling the car from 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) in 10.2 seconds and reaching a top speed of 207 km/h (128 mph). The combined fuel consumption figure of 5.9 litres per 100 km (47.9 mpg) is very moderate indeed and CO2 emissions equal 155 g/km. (data for the six speed manual gearbox.) Comprehensive acoustic finishing touches considerably reduce the noise level of the two pump-injector units.
The top of the range 2.0 TDI diesel engine works with common-rail direct injection achieving an impressive 125 kW (170 bhp), powering the car to a maximum torque of 350 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Consumption is 5.8 litres per 100 km (48.7 mpg) in combined traffic conditions and the CO2 emissions of 153 g/km are among the best in class. The potential of this engine range is evident in the high level of driving performance. Top speed is 222 km/h (137 mph) with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 8.8 seconds (data for the six speed manual gearbox.) The powerful diesel engines come with a manual six-speed gearbox and an automatic six-speed DSG is also available. A diesel particle filter is supplied with all versions as standard. The 1.9 TDI PD 77kW (105 bhp) designed without a diesel particle filter is available to markets with inadequate fuel quality.
Direct injection is available in all petrol versions. The 1.4 litre TSI, four-cylinder engine which is debuting on the New Superb, provides 92 kW (125 bhp) despite its small capacity and 200 Nm torque peak between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm. This small but powerful engine requires only 10.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph), while top speeds of up to 201 km/h (125 mph) are possible. Thanks to the down-sizing concept, this engine’s fuel consumption is an impressive 6.8 litres per 100 km (41.5 mpg). Combined CO2 emission figure stands at 157 g/km.
The most popular petrol engine in the New Superb is expected to be the 1.8 TSI with 118 kW (160 bhp). It provides peak torque of 250 Nm in the 1,500 - 4,200 rpm range and propels the front-wheel driven Superb to a top speed of 220 km/h (136 mph). Acceleration is quick, requiring a mere 8.6 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) and combined fuel consumption stands at 7.6 litres per 100 km (37.2 mpg) whilst the CO2 emission figure is 180 g/km (six speed manual gearbox). As an alternative to the manual six-speed gearbox, the 1.8 TSI can be supplied with the automatic seven-speed DSG.
The model’s top of the range petrol engine is the new 3.6 litre V6 FSI with 191 kW (260 bhp) and a maximum torque of 350 Nm between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm. Its combined consumption is 10.1 litres per 100 km (28.2 mpg) and CO2 emissions are 235 g/km. The engine propels the car from 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) in only 6.6 seconds and sends it to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The 3.6 V6 FSI is supplied with the automated six-speed DSG gearbox and four-wheel drive to ensure the immense engine power translates into driving power. Power distribution is designed to be variable. A fourth-generation Haldex clutch monitors the power electronically. When needed, the clutch can send up to 2000 Nm of torque to the rear wheels. During normal
driving conditions 96 per cent of the power goes to the front axle. This helps ensure safe and reliable driving on all road surfaces including ice and snow.
Superior yet attainable: the equipment
Equipment levels in the three trim levels – Comfort, Ambition and Elegance - is of a very high level and an extensive package of additional equipment is also available. Rain sensors, Light Assistant, Bi-Xenon headlamps with AFS, tyre pressure monitoring, braking and hill-hold control as well as Park Assist are just a handful of the additional features on offer. Park Assist has been developed by the Volkswagen and adapted especially by Skoda Auto to comply with the demands of the New Superb. It assists the driver during parallel parking.
Front and rear heated seats and excellently designed ergonomic seat and backrest components provide comfort of the highest level. In the front seats, the driver and passenger enjoy excellent side support and, thanks to the body-friendly design of the seating surface and backrest, provide the driver with a relaxed driving position on long trips. Especially for winter, an engine independent car heating system can be ordered and factory fitted for extremely cold weather conditions. The electronic package leaves nothing to be desired. Features range from a high-tech touch screen navigation system with hard disc storage to a top-class audio system with powerful high-end loudspeakers, a CD player and MP3 connectivity in the Jumbo Box for external storage media or card readers. All of these components are harmoniously integrated into the wave-shaped dashboard. There is a choice of three colour schemes and three different trim strips. The V shaped centre console effectively emphasises the passenger compartment, while chrome surrounds and black surfaces add a stylish touch the interior.
Unique functional solutions, such as an umbrella holder, lend the New Superb a true Skoda charm. New round instruments with clear glass white numerals guarantee legibility in daylight and during the night. CatVision diffused interior lights are incorporated into the head liner making instruments clearly visible in the dark without distracting the driver. White LED light sources provide the car with an exclusive interior feel. Clearly organised and easily recognisable gauges glow in a soft green light, the Skoda Auto brand colour, and the colour of environmental protection which Skoda takes extremely seriously. One way in which the brand
protects the environment is by making 95 percent of the new Superb recyclable at the end of its functional life.
[Source: Skoda]
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