This month Skoda will start selling their latest Superb to the Irish market and many are quietly anticipating its arrival. Later, in September, Skoda will introduce their new Combi to the Irish Superb fleet. This week we had a chance to give it a quick preview in Bavaria. The Superb Combi was first released in 2009, and since then over 200,000 have been sold. In Ireland the Combi accounts for 34% of Skoda’s Superb sales.
As a brand, Skoda is climbing in the estimations of Irish customers. At present they are the sixth highest selling manufacturer in the country. There are reasons for this growth. Firstly they have access to Volkswagen bank, which means that they can offer very competitive interest rates on PCP - the deals range from 0% to 3.9%, and the take-up his high. Circa 60% of their buyers are opting for PCP as their finance option. The other reason for the high sales volume is that they offer a highly spec'd and quality car at a more reasonable price than many of their competitors. Customers are content in the knowledge that they are getting into a vehicle made from the same stuff as Volkswagen.
The new Superb Combi isn't an exception to the manufacturer's quality. It's in this vehicle in abundance. Skoda's focus is yet again on space, comfort, and, "Simply Clever" ideas. Up against the likes of Mondeo, Avensis, i40, and Passat, the Superb Combi is ready to be even more competitive against its rivals.
What’s new?
This new wagon has been built on Volkswagen's latest MQB platform and as a result it comes with a longer wheelbase and a wider track than the outgoing model. These changes result in even more space in the interior. The driver and front passenger get 39mm of extra arm-room space, the boot offers 660 litres (27 litres more than its predecessor), which can be expanded massively by putting the lie flat seats in row two down. Need more space? You can also lie the front passenger seat flat - in case you need to load anything that's 3 metres in length!
If you've ever been in the back seat of any generation Superb before, you'll know that the rear legroom and space is excellent. If you've never sat in one before, the next time you order a taxi ask for a Superb driver if they have one - it's worth a look. In the new Superb this area is even bigger. The only negative that I'd have here is that if there were three adults in the rear, whoever sits in the middle will have to put their feet at either side of the mound behind the armrest - it would be great if Skoda could create a completely flat leg-space for all three passengers. Regardless, the Superb wipes the floor with its competitors in the space race. For example, it offers more boot capacity than the BMW 3 Series, the Ford Mondeo, the Hyundai i40, the Volkswagen Passat and the Toyota Avensis.
Despite these extra dimensions the superb Combi has managed to lose some weight. It now comes in at 75kg less that the outgoing model, and according to the manufacturer it is now up to 30% more efficient in terms of emissions and fuel consumption.
Engines
At the launch I drove a manual version of the 150bhp 2.0litre TDI model. I found this to be a nice motorway cruiser, and considering the lenght and size of the vehicle it dealt with the twists and turns of Bavaria with very little difficulty. Next up was the 190bhp 2.0 TDI engine with a DSG 6-speed gearbox (also available in 4x4). Personally I preferred the manner in which the extra horses in this engine dealt with the inclines on our mountainous test route.
Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to try out any of the petrol engines. Skoda has added a new 2.0 TSI engine with 280bhp (4x4). Other TSI petrol engines include the entry level 1.4 TSI with 125bhp and more will be introduced in January.
Trim
Apart from the two aforementioned diesel engines, there will also be 1.6TDI (available with a seven-speed DSG gearbox), this will probably be the biggest seller for Skoda. The car maker also reckons that the majority of Combi buyers in Ireland will opt for the middle-grade trim, “Ambition”. However the entry trim, “Active” does come with Stop/Start, Hill Hold, Bluetooth and 16" steel wheels.
“Ambition” adds 7" infotainment system with MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Smart Link, BiXenon lights and LEDs, two "Simply Clever" umbrellas in specially designed compartments in each of the fron doors (this a 100% improvement on the predecessor!), 16" alloys, as well as Cruise Control.
The top spec is called “Style”, and with this you also get 8" Sat Nav, electric driver seat with memory settings, reverse camera, 17" alloys and a full leather interior. For those expected 4% of buyers who will opt for the special L&K model - you'll also get the kitchen sink!
Price
Entry price for the new Skoda Superb Combi is €27,995 for the 1.4TSI engine in “Active” trim. The 1.6TDI in the same trim, but with the seven-speed gearbox, will bring that price up to €30,995. The 2.0 TSI in “Style” brings that price up to €47,195.
Overall, I’ve always been a fan of the Superb. The most memorable things about this vehicle is the vast space that comes with it and what’s on offer with the machine. Skoda Ireland reckons that throughout 2016 they will manage to shift 620 units. If I was in the market for an estate, it would certainly make my list.
