Here are five facts you need to know if you plan to purchase the updated Skoda Superb
It's a facelift
The new Skoda Superb is a facelift and not an all new generation car. So, it still doesn't use the much-hyped MQB modular platform which incidentally, its more affordable sibling, the new Octavia uses. The new Superb’s dimensions remain the same including the wheelbase and the engine options haven't changed either. What the new Skoda Superb gets is Skoda's new design language. At the front, it gets a reprofiled hood and revised fenders, a new bumper design and brand new headlights with LED daytime running lights. At the rear, the tail lamps are now full LEDs, the number plate has moved up to the boot lid from the bumper, and the bumper itself has been redesigned. Inside, the changes are minimal. The automatic versions get a new three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters while the sole manual version gets a four-spoke steering wheel, but again, the design for the wheel has changed. Otherwise, the interiors continue unchanged.
Engines:
The engines remain the same as the current Superb. There's one petrol and one diesel engine to choose from. The petrol is a 1.8-litre, direct injection, turbocharged one with 160PS of max power. And it comes with the option of a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual clutch automatic depending on the trim you choose. It is a refined engine, and one with good mid range punch. Between the manual and the DSG, it's the latter that has a wider range of ability, be it highway cruising or driving in bumper to bumper traffic.
The Diesel engine is the same 2-litre, four-cylinder unit that also powers the new Octavia. It develops a max power output of 140PS, but more importantly, has a healthy peak torque output of 320Nm. The Diesel engine however only comes mated to an automatic. This one, unlike the petrol, is a 6-speed auto, but a dual clutch one, nonetheless. The diesel, of course, is more efficient, and one that returns better driveability as well. But, it is noisier, both inside and outside.
Safety:
The Superb has always been one of the better equipped cars in its class when it comes to safety equipment. As with the current Superb, the new one too sports 8-airbags - there's driver and passenger airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags and side airbags for rear passengers as well. Additionally, it gets adaptive headlamps which are a boon when driving on hill roads at night as these lamps manage to illuminate the corner based on steering input. The new Skoda Superb also gets a hill hold function for added convenience and safety when starting on an incline. Not to forget, the new Superb also gets ABS, ESP and tyre pressure monitoring, making the safety equipment list properly comprehensive.
Trim levels:
The Skoda Superb will be available in two trim levels- Ambition and Elegance. The cheaper Ambition trim will be available with both petrol and Diesel engines, but not in petrol automatic guise. Here's what you get in the Ambition trim, regardless of engine choice - dual zone climate control, sunblinds for rear windows and rear windscreen, leather upholstery and 12-way adjustable driver seat with memory in way of comfort and convenience. Safety wise, as mentioned above, the Ambition trim gets everything barring ESP and tyre pressure monitoring. The Elegance gets both these safety aids, in addition to hill hold, cruise control, front parking sensors, bi-xenon lamps with washers, keyless entry and start, electric sunroof, Bluetooth telephony and 12-way adjustable seat for the passenger, all of which is missing on the Ambition trim.
Pricing:
The Skoda Superb is the highest selling car in its class; a class that includes its German cousin, the Passat and Japanese foes - Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. Now, here's the good news for the Superb - the Passat and the Accord are not available off the shelf, meaning the Superb only has the Camry Hybrid to fight. If the situation was as simple as it sounds, we would've expected a noticeable increase in price for the new Superb.
However, the Superb's main competition will be SUVs; SUVs like the popular Toyota Fortuner and the upcoming new Hyundai Santa Fe. And given the growing preference towards SUVs, the Superb clearly has a huge challenge on its hands. Considering this, and the fact that the interior on the new Superb hasn't changed noticeably, we expect the new Superb to cost roughly the same as the outgoing car. So, expect the Ambition petrol and diesel to cost Rs 19 lakh and Rs 23 lakh respectively, while the Elegance versions pricing should hover around the Rs 22 lakh and Rs 26 lakh mark for the petrol and diesel, respectively.
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