New Škoda Superb gets more space and longer-range PHEV

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Škoda has teased its fourth-generation Superb in prototype guise ahead of its full unveiling in November.

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Due to launch in 2024, the brand’s flagship will again be available in hatchback and estate form and will deliver more space, a new plug-in hybrid and latest technologies.

Built hand in hand with the new Volkswagen Passat estate, the upcoming Superb is longer and taller than its predecessor both in the hatchback and the estate version, while the wheelbase has remained unchanged. There’s much more headroom for all passengers and the luggage compartment holds 645 litres (up 20 litres) in the hatchback and 690 litres (up 30 litres) in the estate version.

The new Superb also comes with the widest choice of powertrains yet. The range includes three petrol engines, two diesels and a new plug-in hybrid with an increased electric range of 62 miles. Available solely in the estate body style, the PHEV pairs up a 204hp 1.5-litre petrol engine with a larger 25.7kWh battery that now allows DC charging with a maximum charging rate of 50kW. As before, charging is also possible at 2.3kW from a 230V household socket.

The line-up also includes an entry-level 150hp 1.5-litre TSI mild hybrid with active cylinder technology and a 2.0 TSI with either 204hp or 265hp, the latter with four-wheel drive as standard.

The entry-level diesel is a 150hp 2.0 TDI, followed by a 193hp variant that comes with four-wheel drive as standard.

All come with a seven-speed DSG, as standard and meet the Euro 6e emissions standard. Economy and emissions figures are yet to be announced.

The new Superb also introduces three brand-new ‘Simply Clever’ features to the Škoda line-up, expanding the list to 28 and helping to simplify everyday usage. New arrivals include an electrically controlled roller blind acting as a luggage compartment cover in the Superb estate, a centre armrest for the rear seats with integrated tablet holder and a double storage pocket on the back of each front seat to hold documents or magazines as well as a smartphone. A first for the Superb is the integrated funnel in the windscreen washer reservoir cap.

Design upgrades introduce Škoda’s latest design language, new head and tail lights, and revised proportions.

Škoda has also redesigned the interior concept, focused on customer centricity and an optimal user experience. The cockpit now features a brand-new architecture that combines manual and digital controls to aid driver usage. The new infotainment display measures up to 12.9 inches – the largest display ever for the brand. The centre console has a more minimal look, thanks to the gearshift lever moving to the steering column.

New driver assistance systems include Turn Assist and Crossroad Assist. In addition to the familiar Predictive Pedestrian Protection feature, the standard Front Assist now also detects cyclists. The Superb also offers a comprehensively improved Emergency Assist feature and comes with up to 10 airbags, including a central airbag.

The new Superb debuts 90 years after the launch of the historic first model, which was produced between 1934 and 1949 and then revived in 2001 after a 52-year hiatus. To date, more than 1.5 million units of the Superb have been delivered to customers worldwide.

Klaus Zellmer, Škoda Auto CEO, said: “For decades now, the Škoda Superb has been synonymous with exceptional comfort, space, state-of-the-art technology and maximum safety. We have brought in all our expertise to further improve all of these qualities for the upcoming generation of our ICE flagship model. The new Škoda Superb will perfectly round off our portfolio, which includes the right product for every customer.”

The new generation will be built at the Volkswagen Group plant in Bratislava, Slovakia. Prices, grade details and full powertrain specs are expected in November.

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.