Skoda Superb 1.8Turbo Superbly Executed
It today’s car market, sexiness is important for any automotive product to do well. Now in a mass market segment like the one this Skoda Superb sits in and there is lack of sexiness in its physical appearance to take in triple digit sales. Still, let’s take into account its VW engineering and see if it manages to excite us on the road. Simply put, the engineering is 100% borrowed from VW so there little time spent on it. Just install a world accepted and acclaimed engine and dual shift gearbox (DSG) and there is little else that needs to be said.
First up the interior. The straightforward dash is faultlessly built, and gives a special feel even with the rather businesslike choice of black on gray colour that has been the mainstay of Skodas from the past. There’s a good driving position and large, supportive seats, while space in the back is impressive.
There’s plenty of storage too, with a big glove box, drinks holder and coin storage. Fold the rear seats and cargo space expands from the standard 565-litres to a generous SUV space of 1,670-litres.
That’s more luggage space than a European SUV or large station wagon and the Skoda isn’t even a wagon. The other use of space is for rear seat passengers. It’s hard to imagine anyone could ever feel short of leg room in the new Superb and shoulder and head room are both generous too.
This relates to possibly the best passenger comfort in this segment and possibly beyond. Add to this 9 airbags and this Superb is a definite class leader.
Next, do not expect to experience the sporting agility of the Octavia VRS we tested 2 months ago instead it uses by a far more stable and neutral engine and suspension set-up geared towards executive luxury driving which it provides in high doses. The steering is light with enough road feel to give the driver some hint of feedback. The spring and damper set-up on this Superb is pretty much spot on; its relatively firm through corners, providing good levels of body control and limited roll.
Ride quality is also excellent, smoothing bumps with authority. It’s drawn from the same platform as the Audi but Skoda engineers has found the best all-round balance. As for handling and road manners, there are no issues. The 17-inch wheels grip eagerly on wet or dry surfaces The Superb offers first-rate front-end grip with predictable understeer during really hard cornering. As you’d expect, the Superb’s suspension is stiffer than its Japanese and Korean rivals. Generally, it absorbs the bumps and potholes pretty well, although undulating and uneven road surfaces, driven over at high speed, will get the Superb responding back with some stiffness due more to its origin where such roads are almost never a question. The 7-speed DSG automatic transmission is a dream to use and there is hardly a hint of shift and kick down effect even when confronting a quick immediate pickup or emergency slowdown. This is a ‘superbly’ comfortable sedan and after 3 days with it behind the wheel and also in the rear of the cabin, it was clear winner in its ability to offer great comfort.
With Skoda’s legendary excellent reputation for quality it remains to be seen if the Malaysian motoring consumer is willing to walk out of a Skoda authorized showroom with a signed order slip. Include in that competitive pricing of just RM199,999.00 and it’s not hard to see the Superb’s appeal for an accountant for a listed company looking for a fleet of company limousines.
Skoda Superb 1.8TSI Specification
Engine: DOHC 16-Valve Turbo
Capacity: 1798cc
Max power: 158hp @ 4500-6200rpm
Max torque: 250Nm @ 1500-4500rpm
Top Speed: 220km/h as tested
0-100km/h: 8.5 seconds
Transmission: 7-speed DSG
Price: RM199,999.00
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