While our Official Review will go live in a few weeks from now, here's what you can expect out of the third-generation B8 Skoda Superb...
Looks
The car is a lot more proportionate and elegantly styled now than ever before. Gone is the limousine-like design (slim and long) and this one is a lot business sedan-like. I must mention, it doesn't have the
WOW factor when seen in person, but I can safely say that it is a properly good-looking car and at times can be mistaken for an Audi A6 (which is a compliment). Its LED DRLs, Czech crystal-inspired design theme, alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof etc. all add to the car's aesthetic appeal.
Interiors
It's very European and very premium! The design includes clean lines and a relatively clutter-free layout. I liked the fact that most of the materials that you touch were soft and the overall quality befitted a car of this price. A lot of switchgear is shared between its VAG siblings. Its superb touchscreen requires a special mention (especially because of the touch sensitivity which felt very similar to an expensive smartphone). Too bad navigation isn't part of standard equipment!!! The front seats provide ample support - underthigh, shoulder, lateral, lumbar etc.), but the seat cushioning is slightly on the softer side. I also loved the fact that we get ventilated seats (can be heated too) - perfect for our weather conditions. The rear seat is where the
sethjis (bosses) are going to be really comfortable. It literally trumps the 3 German luxury sedans (and I'm not even talking about the 3-Series, C-Class or the A4, which don't stand a chance). Those who are over 6 feet tall, will find their head touching the sloping, soft roof liner. Headroom at the rear is tight. The cavernous boot will swallow all that you throw in it and more.
Drive
I drove the 1.8L TSI - both MT and AT. One word of caution though - if you are going to drive the car yourself and are still buying a Superb, please
don't buy this petrol motor because it's
not going to return good fuel economy. Don't get me wrong, this is not because it isn't fuel efficient but because it is an absolute delight to drive and sounds particular sexy between 2,000-4,000 RPM, that your heart will refuse to drive with a light foot
. On a more serious note, the engine has ample grunt low down the rev range and has an amazing mid range punch to keep you entertained all throughout. The upshifts and downshifts are lightning quick in the DSG version. I found the clutch a
wee bit heavy and the gearbox slightly notchy in the MT.
The Superb's ride has the typical European stiffness but seems to have been softened a little. It gets better as the speed is built. At low speeds, bumps and road imperfections do filter into the cabin but it isn't uncomfortable. While crossing tall speed-breakers, you'll hear the front and rear suspension very prominently. Also, after hitting bumps or on a wavy road surface, there is some vertical movement felt. On the flipside, the car handles exceptionally well and never loses its line while being chucked around. Sure, its length and wheelbase do spoil the fun quotient a bit, but the way it changes directions with very little body lean is quite incredible.
Other Points
The Skoda Superb diesel deliveries will begin only after mid-April 2016, pan India. You can get the petrol models much sooner.
Do wait for our detailed Official Review which will answer any further questions you have about the car.