The Superb is a sub-class bigger than the current D-segment cars in India and a notch below the Mercedes E-class. The aim is to straddle two segments in the same way the Octavia has successfully managed to slot itself in between the upper mid-size (C) and luxury (D) segments. The Superb diesel besides getting sporty identical functional elements as on her petrol powered twin. The design characterised by clean lines coupled with sober colours has an understated elegance about it. Measuring 4803mm in length and standing 1765mm wide, this is undoubtedly a large car. Rear cabin space is truly amazing and makes the likes of the Merc E-class feel decidedly undernourished inside. Even before you climb aboard you can’t help but stare in disbelief at the size of the rear doors. Walk inside - because you actually can - and sit on one of the two individually moulded rear seats and you won’t mind the person in front moving their seat fully rearwards. Not only is the Superb the most capacious saloon for the money but has more rear legroom than a Merc S-class. With its protruding rear vents and sculpted chairs, the Superb’s back row is best sampled by just two people which is a shame because there’s ample room for three abreast.

 

Front seat passengers have it good too with generous seats that come with all the power adjustments and logically placed switchgear. What hits you is the quality of the interiors, which seem to have been lifted straight out from the Passat. The plastics, switchgear and general feel of the materials all reek of VW’s legendary cabin quality. There is lots of space storage including a large glove box and a unique umbrella pocket in the left rear door which has a drainage hole so that an umbrella can be stored even when wet.

 

Equipment varies depending on the trim level but the minimum is full climate control, power steering, central locking ABS and a quartet of airbags. The top-of-the-line Elegance gets much more including a leather interior and electrically operated seats.

 

Though the Superb is offered with a choice of three diesel engines in most markets; two 1.9-litre TDI PD diesel engines, both using Pumpe D, one producing over 100PS and the other 132PS, Skoda has chosen its top-of-the-line 2.5-litre turbocharged V6 configured 4-valves-per- cylinder oil burner for this India-bound luxo-barge. The two are basically the same engine with identical bore and stroke configuration. The engine department at Skoda Auto carried out extensive modifications to the 155PS engine for it to meet the Euro IV requirements. These included changes to the fuel injection system, the turbocharger and the cylinder head design. The biggest modification though was made to the mapping in the ECU. All of these changes provide greater control over engine emissions and provide additional benefits of increased power (155PS to 162PS) and higher torque (310Nm to 350Nm at 1250rpm). The tiptronic box in the mean time is identical to the one employed in the 2.8 V6 petrol, with identical gear ratios as well as the final drive ratio.

 

In line with its role as a ride-friendly express, the Superb’s spring and damper settings have been deliberately chosen for comfort. For Indian conditions, these might prove too soft and Skoda may need to beef up the suspension. Also, the 225/45 tyres on 17-inch wheels may be too low a profile for our roads. Skoda would be well advised to stick to the standard 16-inch wheels shod with 205/55R rubber.

 

With highway figures without the aircon running the returned fuel economy figures of 15.23 kilometers. These figures dropped to 13.2kmpl on the same course although with the aircon switched on. In our city it managed commendable figures of 9.15kmpl. With an overall figure of 10.7kmpl and a fuel tank capacity of 62 litres, the range translates into approximately 670 kilometres.

Filed under: Skoda Cars in India