What’s in a name? In the case of the Škoda Superb, really rather a lot. This is a car designed to live up to the expectations of its moniker, with qualities that really do reflect the claims of the badge on the boot.
History buffs might like to know that 2024 marks the 90th year since the first Superb was built, so Škoda has had plenty of time to perfect the recipe. Exemplifying this is the all-new Superb Estate, which boasts plenty of innovative features, from thoughtful, Simply Clever touches to state-of-the-art AI and plug-in hybrid technology to make your drive easier and more enjoyable. So, let’s take a closer look at what makes the Superb so fitting of its name.
Superb design
This elegant estate’s sleek styling makes it the most aerodynamic Škoda ever built and its wind-cheating drag coefficient of just 0.25 pays dividends in terms of fuel efficiency and reduced noise. With its streamlined silhouette, extended rear spoiler, sculpted side mirrors, and optimised air intakes, the Superb simply glides. There’s even an electronically operated shutter behind the grille that regulates airflow for optimum efficiency.
Moving inside, you’ll find an uncluttered, luxurious interior design with a mighty 13-inch central touchscreen infotainment display, complemented by Smart Dials for safe, convenient and intuitive control over heating, ventilation, audio volume and drive modes.
Sustainable materials feature throughout, with all textiles containing recycled polyesters, leathers tanned using waste water from olive oil production, or the choice of artificial leather and fabric upholstery should you prefer.
Superb practicality
Whether you’re sitting up front or in the rear, the Superb Estate has plenty of room for passengers of all sizes – and their luggage. In the boot there’s up to a substantial 690 litres of carrying capacity with the rear seats in place, or you can fold them away and the space nearly triples to up to 1,920 litres. What’s more, the Superb is full of additional ingenious storage solutions as part of Škoda’s Simply Clever ethos. For example, you’ll find an umbrella slotted into the driver’s door panel and an ice scraper mounted in the fuel filler flap, a slot for your sunglasses in the centre console and a parking ticket holder on the windscreen. There’s even a cleaner for the touchscreen included.
The Superb’s central touchscreen features online maps and a smart assistant, soon to be integrated with ChatGPT
Helping to ensure your safety on every journey is a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, built around a new nano radar sensor array. Able to sense hazards, and spot cyclists and pedestrians, this next-generation technology will alert you to danger and even apply the brakes if required.
“With the new nano radar sensors, we are taking assistance systems to a new level,” says Johannes Neft, Škoda Auto board member for technical development. “An extended range of functions ensures even better, more precise driver support – for added safety and therefore more comfort in all driving situations.”
Additional highlights include Park Assist, with a remote-control feature soon to be added to the MyŠkoda smartphone app, plus a Trailer Assist system to make towing less stressful.
Superb technology
The all-new Superb is constantly connected, which means that not only does its built-in navigation use the latest online maps, but it can also calculate your route based on live traffic information. What’s more, it can receive Over-the-Air updates – which ensure that the software in your vehicle remains up to date at all times.
You’ll also have your own voice assistant, Laura, revolutionising the way your Škoda can assist you. Soon to be integrated with ChatGPT, Laura will give you almost instant responses to complex commands and questions.
That 13-inch infotainment interface also gives you control over a huge number of features, from audio entertainment and navigation to detailed vehicle setup. Crucial day-to-day functions are covered by those Smart Dials, which were designed with safety in mind, helping you keep your eyes on the road.
“The new Škoda Smart Dials allow for even quicker, easier and more intuitive on-board operation,” says Neft. “Bundling numerous functions, they contribute effectively to reducing driver distraction and thus enhance safety on the road.”
Luggage? No problem. With the seats folded away, the Superb Estate boasts nearly 2,000 litres of carrying capacity
Superb versatility
Striking a winning balance between efficiency and performance, the latest plug-in hybrid Superb combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a state-of-the-art electric motor.
Together, they pack a compelling 204 PS* and give drivers the option of travelling on pure electric power, petrol power or a combination of the two. The onboard 25.7kWh battery can propel the Superb for up 84 miles** in near silence and, according to Škoda, can be charged from 10% to 80% in two and a half hours with an 11kW wall box – or in as little as 26 minutes*** via a 50kW fast charger.
With the backup of a conventional petrol engine for longer journeys, you can be confident that the Superb will take you wherever you need to go – whether travelling for business or pleasure.
To learn more about the all-new Superb and request a test drive, please visit the Škoda website
*PS is the metric unit for horsepower; 1PS is equal to 0.9863 horsepower.
**Max. official WLTP electric range for Superb PHEV SE Technology based on a full charge. For comparison purposes, may not reflect real life driving.
***Charging times will depend on various factors, including temperature, state of the battery, state of and capabilities of the charging unit and power supply. Actual charging time will vary depending on the level of charge in the battery, as well as environmental conditions. Charging times will also be affected by the charging curve for example once charging passes 80%, charging will slow to protect the battery’s longevity.
