Škoda’s all-new Superb is now open for orders, delivering significant advances in space, design, technology and powertrains.

The new-gen Superb starts deliveries in June

Now in its fourth generation, the brand’s flagship ICE model is available in both hatch and estate body styles from launch, priced from £34,865 and £36,165 respectively and starting deliveries in June.

Built on a revamped version of the VW Group’s MQB Evo platform, also being used for the new Tiguan and mechanically identical VW Passat, it delivers more space, standing at 645 litres for the hatch (an extra 20 litres) and 690 litres (an extra 30 litres) for the estate. Luggage for the estate version now starts sat 690 litres – 30 litres more than before – and rises to 1,920 litres.

The Mk4 Superb also delivers a wider powertrain range, with six different variants available and power outputs ranging from 150hp to 265hp.

The line-up includes three petrol engines, including a 1.5 TSI now benefiting from mild-hybrid technology in a model-first plus a 2.0-litre with either 205 or 265hp, the latter with all-wheel drive. Two 2.0-litre diesels are on offer, with 150hp and 193hp to choose from and again married up with AWD for the top version.

The Superb Estate comes with second-generation plug-in hybrid technology, also used on its  estate-only Passat brethren, and enabling an all-electric range of more than 62 miles as well as DC charging. All models come with DSG.

The redesigned interior now features a free-standing 13-inch infotainment display and a more spacious centre console with the relocation of the gear selector lever to the steering column. The Laura voice assistant will soon gain enhanced abilities thanks to the arrival of the  ChatGPT AI-based chatbot, as per the Volkswagen Group announcement at CES 2024. Other additions include 15-watt wireless fast-charging and simultaneous ventilating of a smartphone, as well as back-friendly seats with 10 pneumatically controlled massage cushions.

Three trims levels are up for grabs – SE Technology, SE L and Laurin & Klement – in a new range structure incorporating ‘Design Selections’ for different interior styling themes.

The entry-level SE Technology trim comes with 17-inch silver alloys, the 13-inch central infotainment display with integrated sat-nav as well as a 10.25-inch virtual cockpit. It’s available with the Loft Design Selection that offers fabric upholstery and gloss black finishes – the Lounge Design Selection with a grey microsuede interior is a cost-option. Four-way pneumatic lumbar support and extendable thigh support are also standard and both front seats are also complemented by heated seats and massage function.

Safety features include rear view camera with washer, adaptive cruise control with speed assist, lane assist plus, traffic jam assist and traffic sign recognition.

The SE L start from £38,220 (hatch) and £39,520 (estate) and adds larger 18-inch silver alloy wheels, new-gen LED matrix beam headlights, rear LED lights with animated indicators and two rear fog lights, plus electrically adjustable, heated, folding and driver side auto-dimming door mirrors with memory function.

The SE L also adds the Suite Black Design Selection and sports comfort seats with advanced massage function for the front seats. Drivers also get an electrically operated boot with Virtual Pedal, and the estate gains an electric sliding parcel shelf.

The flagship Laurin & Klement is priced from £46,100 (hatch) and £47,400 (estate). It comes with 18-inch aero anthracite alloy wheels and dark chrome exterior details. The interior comes with either the L&K Suite Black with black leather interior or the L&K Suite Cognac Design Selection and also gets a Canton sound system, two-spoke leather, heated multi-function steering wheel with DSG paddles as well as heated rear seats, heated windscreen and heated washer nozzles.

Driving features include Park assist, trained parking and an area view camera, as well as progressive dynamic steering and the updated dynamic chassis control plus.