We like
Refined on-road manners; terrific human-machine interface; spacious and practical cabin; excellent power/economy compromise; quality of fit and finish throughout

Room for improvement
Price nudges that of premium segment offerings; evident tyre noise over coarse chip surfaces; primary shock input a touch firm; no hybridised offerings here… yet

Overview

 

SKODA launched its fourth-generation Superb into the Australian market this week, the Large segment passenger vehicle offered in Liftback Sedan and Wagon format priced from $67,990 plus on-road costs.

 

Offered again exclusively in Sportline trim, the Superb promises levels of comfort, driving dynamics, and standard specification expected of the nameplate, adding what Skoda Australia says is up to $10,900 more equipment for a $2400 increase in list price.

 

The all-new Superb rides on Volkswagen Group’s MQB Evo platform delivering even greater levels of chassis rigidity than before, improving handling, occupant ride comfort, and safety.

 

The vehicle grows slightly on the dimensions of the outgoing model, continuing to offer business-class levels of rear legroom, and cargo space representative of Upper Large segment models. The Sedan now offers between 589 and 1795 litres of cargo space, while the Wagon offers between 634 and 1920 litres.

 

By way of reference, that’s more space than a same-size-but-dearer Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, or Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

 

Continuing to draw motivation from Volkswagen Group’s ubiquitous EA888-series turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, the Superb now boasts 195kW of power (down from 206kW) at 5000-6500rpm and 400Nm of torque (up from 350Nm) between 1650-4350rpm.

 

The ability to offer power and torque from lower in the rev range culminates in a more-rounded driving experience, says Skoda Australia, while contributing to improved fuel economy (down 0.4 litres per 100km to 7.7) and faster 0-100km/h acceleration times (down 0.4 seconds from 5.6).

 

Transmission duties now fall to a seven-speed dual-clutch unit, replacing the outgoing six-speed DCT, with drive to all four wheels. Adaptive damping (Dynamic Chassis Control) and progressive rate electric power steering are offered as standard alongside four-wheel disc brakes.

 

Equipment highlights include 19-inch Torcular alloy wheels, advanced keyless entry with walk-away locking and push-button ignition, tri-zone climate control, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, adaptive Matrix LED headlights, a powered tailgate, and more.

 

Tech duties falls to a 10.0-inch digital instrument panel (Virtual Cockpit), 13.0-inch touchscreen infotainment array with native sat nav, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and 12-speaker premium Canton sound, wireless device charging pad, 360-degree camera system.

 

With a wider range of equipment now standard, the Skoda Superb’s option list now includes only a panoramic glass sunroof (+$1900) and premium paint ($770).

 

Skoda Travel Assist (adaptive cruise control, adaptive lane assist, and emergency assist) joins a long list of standard safety technologies, including autonomous emergency braking, front, side and rear traffic assist, and 10 airbags.

 

Like other Skoda passenger models, the Superb is backed by a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty alongside guaranteed future value through Skoda Choice and with affordable servicing plans.

 

Driving Impressions

 

It is truly a rarity these days to drive a car that easy to interact with, a pleasure to drive, and not an SUV!

 

That’s right, folks. You don’t need to drive an SUV to accommodate the entire family and their shackles comfortably – in fact, the Superb offers far more passenger and cargo space than many SUVs of a similar size and price.

 

What’s even more impressive is that it does so while feeling like a luxury car. OK, so it’s very nearly priced like one. But it’s also exceptionally well-finished, loaded with genuinely useful tech, and with on-road manners that match or better those of premium marques.

 

The driver’s cockpit is clean and clutter free with Goldilocks levels of customisation, supportive seating, and sound ergonomics. Outward vision is excellent – even in swoopy Liftback Sedan format – the clever use of screens and so-called Smart Dials a genius stroke that allows quick and decisive interactions over most ancillary controls.

 

But it’s the drive that glistens with the chatoyancy of gemstone. On a mix of outer-urban and rural Canberran roads the Superb’s adaptive damping showed how masterfully it soaks up corrugations and bumps, the firmer initial touch a deceptive marker of how well-rounded the Superb becomes when confronted with suboptimal surfaces.

 

The lowered suspension and all-wheel drive traction inspire confidence at the ‘wheel, the direct and granular steering providing clear communication on the gradual list that accompanies each tightening bend in the road.

 

Impressively, in following other Superb’s on launch, that poised body control is as evident to watch from behind as it is to experience from the hot seat.

 

The undulating drive road with its complex curves and blended surfaces showed quickly how level the body of the Superb remains, confidently resisting pitch under braking and progressively adding roll as speeds and corner radii dictate. It’s a pity most owners won’t get to see their own car in action this way.

 

On the downside, Australia’s infamous coarse-chip roads made their presence known in the form of tyre roar, detracting from what is an otherwise pleasant ambience. We sampled the Superb on sticky Goodyear Eagle F1 rubber, and would be keen to see if swapping this out makes any difference…

 

Away from the Superb’s dynamics, it’s the turbocharged petrol engine and decisive dual-clutch transmission that impress most. With torque now easier to access than before, the Superb feels close to lag free from a standing start, accelerating briskly to motorway speeds.

 

There is plentiful torque on offer, helping to limit the number of gearshifts required when climbing grades, pulling from a corner, or both. Sport mode sharpens transmission response again, providing the Superb with a level of hustle that belies its demure, almost boxy form.

 

On test, the Skoda Superb Sportline adhered closely to its fuel consumption claims using 8.0 litres per 100km. With less enthusiastic driving, we see a mid-seven-litre range or lower being easy to achieve.

 

We appreciated the Superb’s assertive braking action and sensible pedal stroke, finding the combination equally well suited to our spirited drive through the rolling Uriarra hills as it was in the centre of town. The reassuring level of stopping power suits the Superb’s sportier edge and is a welcomed addition to this well-thought-out package.

 

Which sums up the Skoda Superb appropriately, really. This is a very well-considered vehicle that offers everything a modern sedan (or wagon) buyer could want. It’s refined, capable, punchy, and comfortable, while at the same time being a joy to drive and interact with.

 

In fact, you might say the Superb offers first-class finesse and business-class brawn for a premium economy price. And who doesn’t love that?