The rise of SUVs has put a dent in demand for regular cars, so much so that some automakers have started to discontinue traditional models. The Volkswagen Passat sedan happens to be one of them but the long-lasting nameplate soldiers on in Europe as a wagon. The Opel/Vauxhall Insignia (Buick Regal) is also dead in most parts of the world, as is the Ford Mondeo/Fusion. Granted, some of these cars are still around in China where they're locally produced.
Skoda wants to keep regular cars alive by making another generation of its flagship model with combustion engines. Mechanically related to the 2024 Passat Variant we just mentioned, the new Superb will be officially unveiled on November 2. Meanwhile, design sketches of both the liftback and wagon body styles have been released. We'd argue it's bad timing what with all the debuts happening at the Japan Mobility Show.
2024 Skoda Superb design sketches
As previously seen in spy shots, the 2024 Skoda Superb adopts an evolutionary exterior that looks more along the lines of a facelift rather than a next-generation model. Longer, taller but slightly narrower than its predecessor, the midsize car will be even roomier than its predecessor in terms of space available for passengers and their cargo.
While the exterior is more of the same, it's the cabin that will be significantly updated by getting three rotary knobs with built-in tiny screens. Think Audi TT. These are highly customizable to access a greater variety of functions without having to clutter the center console with physical buttons. You still get a few traditional controls on the dashboard, which is dominated by a 13-inch infotainment. The digital instrument cluster measures 10 inches and can be optionally complemented by a head-up display.
There will be plenty of versions to choose from as Skoda intends to sell the 2024 Superb with gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains as well as front- and all-wheel drive. Regardless of the one you pick, all will route power to the road via a seven-speed DSG, except for the electrified model as that one has a six-speed DSG. Speaking of the transmission, the gear lever now sits on the steering wheel column to free up more room between the front seats.
In a perfect world, the Volkswagen Group would bring Skoda to the United States to cater to those people who are not enamored with crossovers and SUVs. There are still customers out there looking for a regular car, but a U.S.-bound Superb seems like a pipe dream. The fact VW killed the Passat after the 2022 model year doesn't bode well for the future of sedans, at least those with combustion engines.
Seeing the glass half full, the electric ID.7 is coming stateside. However, we wouldn't keep our fingers crossed to see the upcoming wagon in the U.S. of A.
