Skoda Superb facelift (2013) first official pictures

This is the new 2013 Skoda Superb, which sports completely redesigned front and rear bodywork, and more frugal powertrains than the outgoing car.

Stop-start tech and a kinetic energy recovery system (which takes the strain off the engine's alternator by using braking to charge up a capacitor) cuts fuel consumption by up to 19% versus the old Superb. It's all fitted as standard on the diesel engines, and the entry-level 1.4 TSI petrol. The other petrol engine is a 1.8-litre.

Back to the diesels, and you can have a 104bhp 1.6 TDI, or 2.0 TDI with either 139bhp or 169bhp. For ultimate frugality, you'll want the Superb 1.6TDI Greenline, which achieves a claimed 67.3mpg and 109g/km CO2 emissions. Meanwhile the VW Group's six-speed DSG automatic gearbox is now standard fit on the all-wheel drive version of the 168bhp 2.0 TDI.

Skoda says the whole of the front bodywork up to the A-pillar has been reworked for 2013. There are reshaped headlights, new front wings, and a wider front grille incorporating the recently updated Skoda badge. New LED daytime running lights are integrated into the headlight clusters for the first time.

At the back, the Superb (in saloon form) is still an awkward looking thing, thanks to its kinked windowline and saloon-cum-hatchback 'Twindoor' tailgate. Skoda has at least made it easier to operate the boot: there's now one button to pop the bootlid, and another one if you want to raise the entire tailgate skyward.

There are redesigned taillights too, but the Superb Estate (or Combi, in Skoda-speak) is altogether better resolved. The wagon gets a few extra crease lines to match the look of the new Octavia, and keeps its massive 1865-litre boot space. In fact, Skoda reckons you won't find more luggage room or rear legroom in the class. Airport taxi, anyone..?

The latest version of Skoda's Park Assist system: it'll now automatically reverse bay-park itself, as well as handling parrallel parking duties for you. There are new trim patterns and fabrics available inside... Oh, and the in-door umbrella (just like a you'll find in a Rolls-Royce Phantom) has been carried over too.

By Ollie Kew