Skoda Superb's new presence

Skoda's revamped Superb comes with few noticeable design changes, but retains all its prowess as a practical vehicle

Skoda’s flagship sedan, the Superb, a luxury car with plain Jane looks, has always been perceived as Jack of all trades but master of none. Everything about it is adequate, but nothing about it gets the adrenaline pulsing in your veins. A new version is out on the streets now, having undergone a much-needed nip and tuck. Can you notice what has changed from the old? Well, yes and no. You see, it hasn’t had any changes drastic enough to say Skoda is making a statement, but as a cosmetic job, yes, you will find a difference in the new Superb.

With a more pronounced bonnet, a new Skoda logo and a big butterfly grille, the Superb, no doubt, has a presence now. The new styling, however, does have a downside — if you observe the car from a distance, you are liable to confuse it for the marque’s lower-priced Octavia sedan. Car makers often justify a change like this by saying it is about making a company’s design concept easily identifiable over a range of vehicles. I guess it’s all about perception.

What impresses immediately are the new C-shaped LEDs integrated into the reworked headlamps. The headlamps themselves have been equipped with bi-xenon lights now. Unlike most others who are trying to imitate the luxurious Audis and go overboard with day-time running lights (required by law in Europe since 2011, these are the eyebrow LED lights on the headlamp that come on when the engine starts), Skoda decided to keep it subtle, yet make an impression — and it works.

Coming to the rear, there are significant tweaks that seem inspired by Audi. You will immediately notice the new partly-LED tail lights that hint at the design paradigms of the German car maker. The rear bumper, spoiler and boot lid have all been changed to look more angular. The number plate has now been moved from the bumper to the boot lid. The boot lid also carries the revamped Skoda badge. The ‘Superb’ badge, which uses the company’s new typeface, has now moved from the centre to the bottom right of the lid. While this new rear end is neat and modern looking, it’s no longer as unique and immediately identifiable as earlier. The 10-spoke alloy wheels do a decent job in reiterating Superb’s premium image.

Inside the cabin, the Czech car manufacturer hasn’t compromised on the comfort. The seats are big and supportive, and the rear legroom continues to be the best in class that it always was. Even a person with extra long limbs won’t complain about feeling cramped by lack of space. The cabin, done in dual-tone finish, has a rich feel. The polished wooden panel on the dash is avant garde. The new and improved Bolero music system lets you feel the thump, while the surround sound is top-notch. The entertainment system now has a touch screen that is responsive and makes operating the set-up fairly simple.

We got to drive the diesel variant, and with the 140 bhp under its hood the Superb never gasped for lack of power. But the secret to its smooth ride in rush-hour traffic or on the highway is the six-speed DSG automatic gearbox which adapts to all needs. If you feel like it, you can even push the Superb with its manual pedal shifters, and the car will second guess your redlining intentions. It truly is a car for all kinds of driving moods. The Superb is no dainty darling when it comes to potholes and ditches. The suspension is perfect for imperfect Indian roads, and it carpets all that come in its way to provide a comfortable ride. Though it is a large-sized sedan, the Superb is far from being nervous around corners. It always gives you the feeling that you are the master. Even at high speed, the Superb leaves you with a sense of being in total control. This is because of the responsive feedback the steering wheel offers.  Due to all these, the Superb feels nimble — its actual kerb weight is never a factor in a breezy drive, especially in the city.

The Superb is a practical luxury car with acres of cabin space, boot space, state of the art features, and premium fit and finish. Though it may not look special, it more than makes up for this by being efficient in every other department.

Engine: 1968cc diesel
Power: 140PS @4200rpm
Torque: 320Nm @ 2500rpm
Mileage: 17.2 kmpl (ARAI)
Price*: Rs 24.80 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi)
*Top end diesel variant