The new Skoda Superb has arrived, and it now sports the same 2-litre, turbocharged 4-cylinder motor as the Volkswagen Golf GTI (albeit with slightly less power).
Replacing the “old” 1.8-litre model, this punchy engine makes 200bhp and endows the saloon with a decently quick turn of speed. Zero to 100km/h takes only 7.8 seconds, and braver souls can see 236km/h on the speedo if the road ahead is long, straight and clear.
Much of this can be attributed to the 280Nm of torque (available from just 1700rpm) and the 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Shifts are slick in “auto” mode, and there are paddle-shifters if you prefer a bit of Formula 1-type fun.
The Superb handles tidily around bends, provided you don’t go overboard with the throttle. However, it performs best on the highway, gliding beautifully over road imperfections. The rear bench is the best place to be in as legroom is prodigious.
All the occupants can also enjoy music from the 10-speaker audio system. This unit also allows the connection of mobile music devices – a feature that’s absent from this latest model’s predecessor.
While we’re on the subject of new items, there are a few others, mostly visible from the outside. There are four exhaust tailpipes, two on each side, instead of just two in total. While the alloy wheels still measure 18-inch, the design is new. Rounding off this short list is a discreet spoiler on the boot lid’s edge.
The Skoda Superb’s new 2-litre engine is no slouch as it’s the same one in the current Volkswagen Golf GTI.
It’s a fact that the Superb was a lot of car for the money in its previous guise, but it’s an even better proposition now with the new “upgrades” and more powerful engine, which, incidentally, does not affect fuel consumption too adversely (a mere 0.5km/L “thirstier”).
All it needs now is for buyers to look past the badge. You’d be hard-pressed to find an alternative that offers better value at today’s high car prices.
Skoda Superb Elegance 2.0 (A)
Engine 1984cc, 16-valves, inline-4, turbocharged
Max power 200bhp at 5100-6000rpm
Max torque 280Nm at 1700-5000rpm
Gearbox 6-speed dual-clutch
0-100km/h 7.8 seconds
Top speed 236kmh
Consumption 12.7km/L (combined)
Price incl. COE $165,900
Check out the latest Skoda Superb
