Skoda launches the Superb mid size luxury sedan for the Singaporean market

Posted by Harvinder

February 24, 2009

Volkswagen owned Skoda, via its local distributor Harvest Automobiles has recently launched the Skoda Superb for local consumption. This second generation Superb which is based on the Volkswagen Passat measures 4,838 mm in length, 1,817 mm in width and 1,462 in height and has a wheelbase of 2,731. Overall it is slightly larger than its Passat sibling.

This decent looking mid size sedan with an executive or premium treatment features MacPherson suspension with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizer up front and Multi-element axle, with longitudinal and transverse links, with torsion stabilizer at the back. Stopping power is provided by Hydraulic dual-diagonal circuit braking system vacuum assisted with Dual Rate. The front axle is fitted with disc brakes with inner-cooling, with single piston floating caliper while the rear axle comes with a standard disc brake.

With a pretty roomy interior, the Skoda Superb is offered with two power plant options. For the base mode, you get a 160HP 1.8 TSI 4 cylinder turbocharged engine with direct injection and a DOHC setup (for Superb and Simply Superb trim levels). The engine which is mated to a 7 speed dual clutch DSG transmission (with steering mounted shift capability) is capable of 250Nm of torque between 1,500 and 4,500 revs. This front wheel drive Superb is able to accelerate to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds to a top speed of 220 km/h and produces 180 grams of emissions per kilometer while fuel consumption is rated at 7.6 liters per 100 kilometers (combined).

The range topping model, called the Superb V6 gets the 3.6 liter FSI V6 with direct injection that is able to produce 259HP and 350Nm of torque between 2,500 and 5,000 revs. Consuming 10 liters per 100 kilometers (combined), it releases 238 grams of emissions for every kilometer. This V6 model features a permanent all wheel drive setup and is equipped with a 6 speed dual clutch DSG transmission (with steering mounted shift capability).

Other interior features include; Bluetooth connectivity, 2 DIN audio with touch display and integrated changer for six CDs, AUX jack for iPod connectivity, dual-zone air conditioning, electric sunroof with solar cells which supplies electric energy that drives the air circulation ventilator, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, Tyre Pressure Monitoring system, Columbus navigation system (available on the Superb V6) with DVD mechanism, 30 GB hard disk and touch screen function with its 6.5 inch TFT 800 by 480 pixel display screen and even a water resistant umbrella storage space which can be found in the inner panel of the left rear door. It also has a drainage system draws off the rainwater so that the umbrella undergoes “self-drying”. Nice touch.

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The most significant feature of all is the “Twindoor” hatch which features a two-way opening for the trunk lid; a sedan style or a hatchback style which can be been in BMW’s upcoming GT, also known as PAS. To offer a bigger trunk space, the rear seat backs can be tilted down via a 60:40 split. Other external features include; telescopic headlamp washers, boarding LED spots located on he underside of the external mirrors and so on.

Safety wise, there are up to 9 air bags depending on the model, Anti-spin regulation (ASR), ESP and ABS with Brake Assistant, Parking Assistant (depending on the model) which basically means that the car can parallel park itself, having you to only take charge of the accelerator and brake pedals, as well as windshield wipers with rain sensors.

This competitor to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class carries price tags of S$89,800 for the Superb model, S$99,800 for the Simply Superb and S$118,800 for the range topping Superb V6. All prices are inclusive of COE.