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In advance of its public unveiling at the Geneva show in March, and after releasing a teaser photo, Volkswagen's Czech subsidiary Skoda has additional photos and details on its upcoming new flagship.
The aptly-named Superb is based on the Volkswagen Passat platform, though stretched out to offer more space. Its range of features includes direction-changing headlights, a new electronic climate control system, and automatic parking assist. Compared with the model it replaces, the new Superb grows another 35mm longer and 18mm wider, but hunkers down 8mm lower and shrinks in wheelbase by 42mm, actually increasing the overhangs contrary to industry trends.
The Superb also wears its own unique bodywork and badging, but like all top-of-the-line Czech models, the best view is around back where the Skoda features a useful hatchback setup. Motivation comes from a range of six engine options – three gasoline and three diesels – topping out with a 260-hp 3.2-liter V6. A five- or six-speed manual will come standard depending on which engine is chosen, but the Superb will also have an available DSG twin-clutch transmission option.
Although the new Superb doesn't come across as the most exciting thing goin' down in Switzerland this coming March, it appears Skoda put together a surprisingly good package.
[Source: Skoda]
Press Release
Škoda Auto is presenting the first official photographs of the new Superb. Offering really generous space, the new Škoda Superb is a leader in its class (medium/upper medium class cars).
With 4,838 mm in length, 1,783 mm in width, 1,461 mm in height and a 2,761mm-long wheel base, the new Škoda Superb offers a number of smart technological solutions, including adaptive "look-round-corner" headlamps, a new electronic air conditioning system, an automatic parking assistant system, and more. As safety was one of the top priorities in developing the new vehicle, the new Superb has altogether nine airbags.
The new Škoda Superb will be available with three petrol and three diesel engines (77 - 191 kW) and with both manual and automatic transmission systems.
The new Škoda Superb will receive a world premiere at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show and will be manufactured in Škoda Auto's plant in Kvasiny.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mike @ Jan 9th 2008 2:43PM
Is that the Skoda Sebring sedan?
CJ @ Jan 10th 2008 9:56AM
Huh? Its a new Skoda Superb, looks nothing like a Chrysler...why all the smarmy comments on this blog...kind of makes me wonder.
Dr. Woo @ Jan 9th 2008 2:44PM
They've come a long way from being the biggest joke of a car in western Europe.
Jons @ Jan 9th 2008 2:44PM
At first i thought, wow that car looks great. Then i saw the back. Damn ugly Renault Laguna Ripoff. What a shame.
MCS05 @ Jan 9th 2008 2:51PM
http://www.worldcarfans.com/2070821.004/mini13/new-renault-laguna-in-depth
i don't see any resemblance to be honest...
Level @ Jan 9th 2008 3:20PM
Looks purdy
Luis @ Jan 9th 2008 3:45PM
Very nice. Simple and clean, I like it.
B-NOIT @ Jan 9th 2008 4:13PM
Looks like the Saab 9-5 that should have come out 3 or 4 years ago. (Which is a good thing and a bad thing.)
B-NOIT @ Jan 9th 2008 4:14PM
Looks like the Saab 9-5 that should have come out 3 or 4 years ago. (Which is a good thing and a bad thing.)
Jared @ Jan 9th 2008 4:36PM
Nice looking car. Elegant. Better than the Passat.
Fooman @ Jan 9th 2008 4:49PM
VW called they want their passat back
Wait it is a passat with a new grill nevermind... Nothing to see here...
I want to see pics of the new Pheaton...
vvk @ Jan 9th 2008 6:10PM
Gorgeous! Such an eye candy!
Compare this to the tasteless, bleak, characterless Hyundai Genesis design.
jsjs @ Jan 9th 2008 6:15PM
Huh?
Gorgeous?
Methinks you need to check your eyes.
Mike @ Jan 9th 2008 7:40PM
Gorgeous?
The front 3/4 is a sebring without the strakes, the rear 1/4 is a 1998 SAAB....
psarhjinian @ Jan 9th 2008 9:30PM
I really have to ask: what the heck is the point of Skoda and SEAT? Is VW trying to be the European General Motors (one car, six badges)? If so, why? If you're going to emulate someone's marketing method, why use that of a 1980s-eras GM?
I mean, you have VW, SEAT, Skoda, and to a lesser degree, Audi. You can make a case for Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini because the volume is small and margins huge, but why have four brands competing in more or less the same marketspace.
I could see it if they were kept separate by region (like Opel and Vauxhall are) or if the products were reasonably differentiated, but they're pretty much straight reskins with minor tuning differences. Pontiac and Chevy almost have more logical separation.
HeyHuub @ Jan 10th 2008 2:37AM
Skoda makes the cheap cars of the bunch, most of the times with some older engines. Although the new Fabia uses the new Polo platform which isn't even out yet.
Seat is a bit more expensive then Skoda and a bit cheaper then VW. They go for the more stylish way. Also some pretty nice deals like the 240hp Seat Leon Cupra which is the same price as the 200hp Golf GTI.
From there on out it's VW > Audi etc...
Seat is the only one whos a bit struggling, probably most due to the screwed up model range. I excpect them to pick it up when they introduce the new Ibiza and Toledo.
Alex E. @ Jan 13th 2008 10:48PM
Exactly, much like GM. The hierarchy goes:
1. Skoda - economy
2. Seat - affordable, but sporty/dynamic (product doesn't live up to this)
3. Volkswagen - premium mass-market, conservative upper-mid level brand
4. Audi - progressive, dynamic
luxury
Ben @ Jan 10th 2008 12:03AM
This actually reminds me a lot of the S80. Anyone else agree?
nagmashot @ Jan 10th 2008 1:09AM
The best is the starting price...Skoda claims it will be avaible for the same or slightly higher price as the old Skoda Superb... means 23,000Euro for a full size 4 door sedan with the size of a BMW e60 5series... that is the same money Toyota ask for a Corolla Verso 1.8 Sol in Germany. 2000Euro cheaper as a Hyundai Sonata (or who it is spelled) and 2000Euro cheaper as a VW GTI.
The Skoda Superb is no copy of Sebring Saab or what ever BS here is claimed.. the whole car is a typical Skoda.. a updated version of this old Superb..
the old Superb build since 2001
http://www.autozeitung.de/online/bildDB/47819_450.jpg
http://www.autozeitung.de/online/bildDB/47817_450.jpg
http://www.autozeitung.de/online/bildDB/47823_450.jpg
sirAQUAMAN64 @ Jan 10th 2008 9:54AM
This is a car VW needs in America.
The slightly longer overhangs create the illusion of a larger car (and trunk), but don't look quite as awkward as Passat. I think the bodywork is quite striking.
Can see by how the roofline stretches over the rear occupant's heads that there is exceptional headroom, and the stretched wheelbase means leg room wouldn't be at a premium either. If Americans love one thing, it's room.
Also, the hatch is unique but like the Mazda6 Sport it doesn't look like a 5 door which is key (even if it does hurt versatility).
Best of all, for a Euro largish sedan, pricing won't be over the top.
Really, IMO it's ideal. Something the Passat CC is not.