Škoda Superb is a compact executive or large family car produced in estate and sedan versions. It was made to compete with Volkswagen Passat, Mercedes E-class, Audi A4, and other vehicles of this class and become the more affordable option. Since the beginning of production in 2001, Škoda has sold approximately 1.2 million units across three generations.
First Generation (2001-2008)
Škoda Auto built the first Superb (codenamed B5, Typ 3U) based on the Volkswagen Group B5 PL45+ platform, a modular system shared with Audi A4, Audi S4, Audi RS4 Avant, Volkswagen Passat B5, and Volkswagen Passat B5.5. It featured front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, with a 4x4 option appearing in the second generation.
Škoda did not produce an estate version for the initial production of the Superb. It might have been a decision to prevent the more affordable Škoda from taking too much market share from VW Passat Variant and Audi A6 Avant. That's entirely plausible considering that the Volkswagen Group owns all three companies.
Powertrain lineup consisted of a few petrol and diesel engines, known for their reliability and low cost of maintenance. Aside from the 1.9L Pumpe Düse, more modern engines were added, viz.:
- Petrol: a 1.8L I4 turbocharged engine (112 kW), 2.0L I4 (86 kW), and 2.8L V6 (142 kW)
- Diesel: a 1.9L I4 TDI turbocharged engine (95 kW), 2.0L I4 TDI turbocharged engine (103 kW), and 2.5L V6 TDI turbocharged engine (120 kW)
Transmission options included a five- or six-speed manual gearbox and five-speed automatic.
The suspension provided a smooth and comfortable ride but featured delicate parts that required consideration on rough roads and potholes.
In 2006, Superb received a minor facelift, with external changes to the radiator grille, headlights, mirror integrated indicators, and C-shaped taillights. Interior received an update as well, with the Laurin and Klement trim level being the most luxurious, replacing the Elegance trim.
From 2001 to 2008, Škoda sold approximately 131,000 units, roughly 20,000 each year.
Second Generation (2008-2015)
Škoda Auto revealed the new Superb (codenamed B6, Typ 3T) at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 2008. Based on the new Volkswagen Group A6 PQ46 platform shared with Volkswagen Passat, CC and other models, it came in a front-engine, front-wheel or four-wheel drive.
The sedan features a Twindoor boot mechanism, which adds a hatchback characteristic of raising the rear glass along with the lid. The estate version, named Superb Combi became available in this period, with a boot space of 633 litres.
Trim levels included Comfort, Greenline, Ambition, Elegance, Exclusive, and Laurin & Klement packages.
Standard equipment included ABS, alarm, alloy wheels, driver/passenger/side airbags, remote locking, traction control, fog lights, and others.
Depending on the trim level purchased, options were available for air conditioning, CD, DVD, body-coloured bumpers, electric-heated sports leather seats, Sat Nav, telephone, parking sensors, headlight washers, and other features.
In 2013, Superb received a facelifted version, with external changes to headlights, upgraded Twindoor opening mechanism, and updated interior.
Powertrain options available in Australia include engines of decent power – 112 kW range, good average consumption, and automatic gearbox for both petrol and diesel options:
1.8L I4, TSI turbocharged engine, producing 112kW (150hp) at 4300-6200rpm and 250Nm of torque at 1500-4200rpm, a top speed of 219km/h and 0-100km/h in 8.8 seconds, 7-speed automatic transmission
1.8L I4, TSI turbocharged engine, producing 118kW (158hp) at 4500-6200rpm and 250Nm of torque at 1500-4200rpm, a top speed of 219km/h and 0-100km/h in 8.4 seconds, 7-speed automatic transmission
2.0L I4, TDI turbocharged engine, producing 103kW (138hp) at 4000rpm and 320Nm of torque at 1800-2500rpm, a top speed of 207km/h and 0-100km/h in 10.0 seconds, 6-speed automatic transmission, FWD or 4x4
2.0L I4, TDI turbocharged engine, producing 125kW (168hp) at 4200rpm and 350Nm of torque at 1750-2500rpm, a top speed of 228km/h and 0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds, 6-speed automatic transmission
The second-generation Superb saw more improved sales, with yearly sales being approximately 100,000 units, for a total of 550,000.
Third Generation (2015-present)
Škoda announced the current generation, codenamed B8, Typ 3V, at the Geneva Motor Show. It is based on the VW Group MQB platform and is larger than the previous generation. Like it’s predecessor, it comes in both sedan and estate variant, front-engine layout with front-wheel or four-wheel drive.
Superb scored a 5-star rating at the Euro NCAP crash test, with high rates of adult and child occupant safety. It received praise from many car review shows and magazines in Europe. Likewise in Australia, Car Advice awarded it a rating of 9 out of 10, highlighting value for money, features, cabin space, and performance as excellent. It also received a Car of the Year award in the Czech Republic and Macedonia.
A facelift version was revealed in Bratislava, in May of 2019, featuring matrix all-LED headlights, predictive cruise control, and emergency assist, as well as a hybrid model. Trim levels are much the same as with the previous model, with the addition of facelift features.
Powertrain options:
1.8L I4, TSI turbocharged engine, producing 118kW (158hp) at 4500-6200rpm and 250Nm of torque at 1500-4200rpm, a top speed of 219km/h and 0-100km/h in 8.4 seconds, 7-speed automatic transmission
2.0L I4, TSI turbocharged engine, producing 162kW (217hp) and 350Nm of torque, a top speed of 245km/h and 0-100km/h in 7.0 seconds, 6-speed automatic transmission
2.0L I4, TSI turbocharged engine, producing 206kW (276hp) and 350Nm of torque, a top speed of 250km/h and 0-100km/h in 5.8seconds, 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel or 4x4 drive
2.0L I4, TDI turbocharged engine, producing 125kW (168hp) at 4200rpm and 350Nm of torque at 1750-2500rpm, a top speed of 228km/h and 0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds, 6-speed automatic transmission
2.0L I4, TDI turbocharged engine, producing 140kW (188hp) and 400Nm of torque, a top speed of 237km/h and 0-100km/h in 8.0 seconds, 6-speed automatic transmission
From 2015 to 2018, an estimated 500,000 units have been sold worldwide, with average sales from 2016 to 2018 being roughly 140,000.
Author: Luka Kusic