Updated Skoda Superb arrives
BY RICHARD BERRY | 7th Jul 2014
The updates to the second-generation Superb – launched in 2009 – sees changes to the exterior design, cabin styling, the addition of new standard features and more fuel-efficient engines.
The biggest change, however, is the Superb’s shrunken line-up and the price reduction, with the Superb now available with two engine variants - one petrol and one diesel.
As for the line-up, the Superb range starts with the Ambition 118TSI powered by the 1.8-litre 118kW/250Nm turbo-petrol four cylinder engine from $31,990 plus on road costs.
That is a $7000 reduction when compared with the previous range-opener.
Stepping up in specification, but keeping the same engine is the Elegance 118TSI for $39,990, which is $5500 drop over the equivalent variant from the outgoing model.
The 2.0-litre 125kW/350Nm four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit is only available in the Elegance 125TDI specification, for $44,990 – a $4000 price drop compared with the previous version.
A wagon body style can be ordered in each of these specifications for a $1700 premium.
The second-generation Superb, that launched in Australia in 2009, was a number of other powertrains, including a 103kW version of the 2.0-litre diesel and a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine, while the all-wheel drive offering has also been dropped.
Skoda Australia general manager of communication Karl Gehling said the local arm of the Volkswagen Group-owned brand has streamlined the range to ensure it is tailored to the local market.
“We’ve revised the range to more reflect the demand for the vehicle, “ Mr Gehling said. “ We introduced new pricing which we think will substantially boost the appeal of the new Superb.” The Superb’s exterior has been given a minor revision, with a new grille, headlights, fog-lights, bumper, lower air-intake and bonnet at the front, while the placement of the badge has also shifted.
The design of the Skoda badge has even been given a tweak – with the lettering and colour removed to leave a simple chrome finished ‘winged arrow’.
At the rear, the Superb now has sharper, cleaner lines with new LED tail-lights that feature a more angular design.
Inside, the cabin has been refreshed with new materials and trim elements, plus a new steering wheel.
Standard features on the Ambition 118TSI entry variant include 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, tinted windows, dual-zone air conditioning, a 6.5-inch screen, Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port.
Moving up into the Elegance brings more standard features including 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats - heated front and rear, power adjustable front sets, satellite navigation, automatic parking with front sensors added, bi-Xenon headlights and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
While the drivetrains remain unchanged, work has been done to improve fuel efficiency.
Matched with a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission, the petrol engine returns 7.2 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, while the diesel engine combined with the six-speed DSG sips 5.5L/100km.
| 2014 Skoda Superb pricing* | |
| Ambition 118TSI sedan (a) | $31,990 |
| Elegance 118TSI sedan (a) | $39,990 |
| Elegance 125 TDI sedan (a) | $44.990 |
| Ambition 118TSI wagon (a) | $33,690 |
| Elegance 118TSI wagon (a) | $41,690 |
| Elegance 125 TDI wagon (a) | $46,690 |
