Skoda Superb at Geneva

By Mark Walton

Motor Shows

07 March 2008 17:26

What’s new on Skoda’s Geneva Motor Show stand?

Skoda launched its second-generation Superb, aimed at the mid-sized, middle class Mondeo market. It’s a handsome car, with more than a little 1990s BMW 5-Series in it – from the way the bonnet meets the headlight glass, to the famous ‘Hofmeister Kink’ in the C pillar. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. A total of six engines will be available, from a new 125bhp 1.4TSI to a 260bhp 3.6 V6 FSI; plus Skoda’s first common rail diesel, the 2.0 TDI CR. The Superb also debuted a little gimmick that Skoda were fiercely proud of at Geneva, the Twindoor boot. Press one handle and it opens like a saloon lid. Press another, and the bootlid and rear window hinge up together, like a hatch. Ta-da! Small luggage this way, big luggage that way.

Yes, very clever, but the real reason someone would buy a new Superb is value for money – it’s a big car, longer than a Mondeo, with the biggest boot (so Skoda claims) in the segment. Forget the dimensions, just sit in the thing. Like the last one, the new Superb is like a limousine in the back, with comfy seats and acres of rear legroom. UK prices haven’t been announced yet, but it’s going to be very competitive. The head of Skoda, Reinhard Jung, even went as far as using the C-word – he said it would be ‘cheap’.

CAR highlight

A new auto park assist – as you pull alongside the space the car measures it, then you just manage the throttle and brakes, take your hands off the wheel, and like magic the Superb will guide you in.

What were they thinking?

Burgundy – lots and lots of burgundy this year. I think Skoda was going for the ‘papal majesty’ look.

In a nutshell

A serious effort – Skoda jokes are dead forever
4/5

By Mark Walton