Skoda ’s new superb lives up to the legacy of its Much- loved Predecessor .
Czech car manufacturer Skoda Auto, more commonly known as Škoda was one of the car brands that succeeded in competing with the luxury cars who ruled the market during the early years of
Indian motor car sales revolution. Skoda marked their entry into India with their debut model Octavia in 2000. As the only car seen in the luxury car segment then was the Benz E Class, Octavia
could achieve a notable acceptance for its luxury after competing with Astra Opel and Ford Escort. Apparently, Skoda could take advantage of the fame earned through Octavia and as a result they
introduced their next big model, Superb. Superb earned them louder applause and also helped them strengthening teir fan base. Years passed and second generation of Superb came in. With the upgraded model, Skoda tightened it’s belt on the floor of making luxury executive sedans. Skoda superb then was notably spacious, packed with features and was available for half the price of any Executive Sedan available at that time. It is the third generation Skoda Flagship that is ready to hit the track with even more brilliant features to hold the baton for the rest of the relay.
Let us rather try to define the New Superb in a more practical way. Assume yourself to be the mentor of a classroom having students coming from divergent family backgrounds. Imagine, three
of them happen to be cousins and the circumstances through which the trio has been brought up varied from average to excellent. Then if you find the less fortunate boy to be the smartest and
intelligent of all, call him Skoda Superb. Skoda when compared with their brothers from the Volkswagen family always had to overpass poor circumstances, but never failed to keep up the spirit, determination and talent as far as their innovation, technology and skill in making incredible cars were concerned. And they have to be lauded for their consistency too.
We witnessed Skoda’s new familiar look on the New Octavia. Designers of Skoda imposed the same body language that impressed the youngsters of Europe onto the New Superb that they believe would impress the youngsters in India as well. Why would someone want to improve something that is already superb? The third generation Superb is stronger and safer and yet more lighter. It’s more powerful and faster and more fuel efficient. No scope for surprise because, believe it or not, the car has been designed by the same gentlemen who designed Bugatti Veyron.
Starting from the face, the new model has uniquely styled headlights designed in a sporty way. The shape and cutting given right below the LED headlight is truly unique and cannot be seen on any
other car. The radiator grille which is Skoda’s own hallmark, enlarged bumper with fog lamps, and lengthier bonnet hump together gives the car a prettier face. The shoulder lines on both sides are also very welcoming as they make the car look a little slight and simple though dimensionally larger. Skoda maintained to add their hallmarks skirting, thick wheel arches, and clinch on the grille house. Moving to the rear side, the new model has the same hatchback that makes the boot and rear glass open together. The 625 liter boot is pretty much vast and roomy. The virtual pedal gives hands-free access to the luggage compartment by just swiping your feet beneath the boot. Imagine how easy and quick loading the boot is going to be.
Much like the previous models, the inside of the new model is substantially large. It offers enough foot and head space that gives you a feeling of sitting in a next level luxury sedan like the E-Class. The boot space in the rear compartment is larger and allows you to stretch not only your legs but your serenity as well. The quality of components used inside is another attractive aspect of the car. The car that comes in four color variants- white, black, brown and gray has its interior color varying for the Style and L&K models. 6” TFT touch screen, Canton sound system with 8-12 speakers, multi-function steering, voice command control, tire pressure monitoring system, three zone Climatronic AC, 12 way electronically adjustable driver and co-driver seats, air conditioned front seats, are few spectacular features of the car. Driver Activity Assistance or the fatigue detection feature is interesting where the car tells you that you’re tired and you need rest. This feature is going to inspire all leading luxury car manufacturers real soon. It has the ambient lighting feature in the cockpit that could be chosen in white, green and blue colors.
The roof gets a huge panoramic like sunroof and in addition, the doors equipped with two umbrellas remind you of Rolls Royce. There’s a boss mode available for the rear seat passenger sitting diagonally opposite to the driver seat, where he can electronically shift the front seat by just adjusting the boss button. I can remember only premium luxury sedans like the S-Class, Audi A8L and the 7 Series to have this boss mode feature.
The new Superb comes with 1.8 liter TSI Petrol and 2.0 liter turbo Diesel engines. The petrol engine that produces 180 PS power and 300 NM torque is handled via 6-Speed Manual and 7-Speed Automatic DSG gear boxes. The Automatic Petrol gets a reduction in torque that it produces 250NM torque. Diesel engine, the bread and butter of Volkswagen, rather comes in only Automatic Gear Transmission and produces 177 PS power and 350NM torque. The Macpherson Strut and Multi Element suspensions at the front and rear axle make journeys comfortable and smooth. Superb doesn’t disappoint those petrol heads who would want to drive faster through curves and bends. During tight runs, the engine balances it’s torque between the front driving wheels that reduces under steer which increases driver’s confidence. The support of German technology and build quality gives better security with 8 airbags inside the car.
Skoda claims 14.12kmpl for TSI petrol and 14.67kmpl for TSI Automatic. The figure for RDI Diesel stands at 18.19kmpl. How easy would it be on pocket right? Well, that’s it. The Skoda’s Flagship in Kerala will be available at a price starting from 24.25lacs (Ex.Showroom, Kerala). Skoda Auto, therefore, continue to be a manufacturer of their word, bringing up luxury at a reasonable cost.
Text & Test Driven by Hani Musthafa Photos: Nithin Nambiar Vehicle Provided by Skoda India