The new Skoda Superb, the brand’s flagship model, goes on sale this Saturday.
First launched in Ireland in 2001, it has become one of the brand's bestselling models with more than 18,000 currently on Irish roads.
The new model has been extensively revised both inside and out. The entry level petrol price is €30,750 for 1.5 TSI, 150bhp, and the starter diesel is €33,325 (1.6 TDU, 120bhp ) - both ‘Active’ specification models.
Available in combi (estate ) and lift-back versions, Skoda has slightly modified the exterior of the Superb and has carefully refined the front section. The redesigned front bumper has increased the car’s length marginally.
The typical Skoda grille now bears double slats, is larger, and protrudes a little further down into the front bumper. From the entry-level version, the narrower headlights come with LED technology as standard for the dipped and high beam. At the rear, a horizontal chrome trim connects the full LED tail lights, while the new block lettering defines the marque’s new design language.
Skoda Ireland says the Superb continues to set spaciousness benchmarks in the segment with 625 and 660 litres of luggage capacity in the lift-back and combi respectively.
The engine line-up features 1.5 TSI petrol units producing 150bhp, offered with six speed manual or seven speed DSG automatic transmissions. The diesel offering includes a heavily revised 2.0 TDI 150bhp with new turbo charger and intercooler configuration, combined with new crankshaft and injector arrangement. A 1.6 TDI 120bhp seven-speed DSG also features as well as a more powerful 2.0 TDI 190bhp unit with 4WD.
Skoda says the new Superb update includes new technologies and a more sophisticated interior, with full LED Matrix headlights on the third-level ‘SportLine’ and top of the range ‘L&K’ models.
Skoda Ireland confirmed only three per cent of Superbs sold are the entry ‘Active’ version, with the majority of customers opting for more heavily specified next models such as the ‘Style’, and the ‘SportLine’.
Skoda adds that several new assistance systems are also making their debuts, such as predictive cruise control, but the carmaker has not specified if it was standard on all models.
Skoda Ireland points to the SportLine model (starts at €37,250 with the 1.5 TSI ), saying it differentiates itself from its siblings with striking black features, including a remodelled radiator grille and 18-inch alloy wheels – both of which come in black. The radiator grille frame and the trim between the full LED tail lights are also gloss black. Full LED Matrix headlights and a sports chassis, which has been lowered by 10mm, are included as standard. The black interior sets itself apart with sport seats featuring Alcantara leather materials.
The top trim level, L&K with a price tag of €39,750 (with the 1.5 TSI ), offers identical dimensions, but the grille, side sills and rear bumper set themselves apart with new chrome details. It can also be identified by the ‘Laurin & Klement’ lettering on the front wings.
Ray Leddy, head of marketing and product, says the Superb has been an important model in the brand's evolution in Ireland.
"The current and third incarnations have been contenders for the number one position in the segment with it overtaking many of the traditional bestsellers. Thanks to its reliability and excellent residual values the Superb has been a major success with business and fleet customers, with 23 per cent of sales being attributed to this channel. We see used imported premium German cars from 12-48 months as the Superb’s biggest competitor.”
One other item of note, PCP finance is available from zero per cent up to October 31 on the Superb.
