Photo Credits: pg 2- anchor
The executive sedan segment has seen many players like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and the Skoda Superb. The Skoda Superb has been the best seller among them and is here in India in its 3rd generation. Prices for this luxurious sedan range in between Rs. 24.98 lakhs and Rs. 31.88 lakhs ex-showroom, Goa. At this price, it aims to offer the comfort and luxuries of a car double its price. So how good (or bad) is it?
The 3rd generation Skoda Superb looks a lot more proportionate to the eye than the previous generation model. Where the old car looked like a stretched out mini limo, the current one looks a lot more stylish. The intricately detailed headlamps look premium and have its own charm. The big 17-inch Stratos alloy wheels look sporty and fill up the wheel arches very well. The car measures 4.86 metres in length and this is apparent when you view it from the sides. The sharp line that runs from the headlamps up to the taillight accentuates the sides and gives it a planted look. The rear again looks a lot less bulkier than before with sharp looking taillights and chiselled bumper line.
The interiors of the new Skoda Superb feel modern in every sense. There is a familiar looking layout on the insides with the Skoda 3-spoke steering wheel, flat dashboard and a central infotainment system. The seats on the L&K trim comes with perforated leather and also gets ventilation function upfront. Owners can also select from 3 different shades of mood lighting – Blue, Green and Warm White.
The infotainment system connects with almost any kind of media such as Bluetooth, USB, AUX, SD card and CDs too. It comes connected to a 610 Watt Canton surround sound system which along with a built in sub-woofer delivers incredible sound quality. The infotainment system has a SmartLink system that seamlessly connects your smartphone to the car’s audio system via Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto and MirrorLink.
The front seats are large and feel extremely comfortable given the extra comfort of the ventilated seats that continuously blow cool air around your lower back. The place to be in this car though is the rear seat. It has even more legroom than the previous generation car and the overall width is more as well.
There are rear AC vents with individual temperature setting back there and a drop down central armrest with integrated cup holders. Comfort too is top class and on par with its segment rivals, if not better. It also gets a huge boot area of 625 litres which can be further increased to 1,760 litres by folding down the rear seats. The notchback opening for the boot gets a memory function for reducing the opening height and closing function.
The new Skoda Superb comes powered by a 1.8-litre petrol motor that develops 180 HP and 250 Nm, and a 2.0-litre diesel that develops 177 HP and 350 Nm. The diesel comes mated to a 6-speed DSG automatic while the petrol comes with the choice of a 6-speed manual and 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. We drove the diesel and felt the car nothing short of exemplary. Yes, there is the typical diesel clatter that accompanies you all the time but it is much better than the model it replaces. Reaching triple digit speeds is as easy as it gets. There is a linear delivery of power throughout its rev range which helps while pottering around in the city. The gearshifts are unnoticeable and you ride on this continuous surge thanks to the enormous torque this engine makes.
The new third generation car is based on Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform that is stiffer than before and much lighter too. The car feel extremely planted even at speeds as high as 150 kmph in a straightline. Ride quality is pliant even with the fairly low profile tyres while handling is brilliant too. The car comes equipped with numerous safety features like AFS (Adaptive Frontlight System), Multi-Collision Brake System, ABS, EBD, Airbags, Hill Hold Control, Hydraulic Brake Assist, ASR (Anti Slip Regulation), Traction Control, ESC and EDS (Electronic Differential Lock).
Skoda India is also offering a maintenance package with the new Superb. This covers the entire service costs including consumables and labour costs (except wearing parts) for a period of 4 years or 4 periodic services. The Skoda Superb sounds like an exceptional deal. It offers features and comfort of cars twice its price which makes it feel like utter value even at its price point. This is indeed one of the best picks in this segment.
BOX
Specifications
Displacement 1968cc
Power & Torque 177 HP & 350 Nm
Fuel Efficiency 18.19 kmpl
Fuel Tank 66 litres
Kerb Weight 1565 kgs
