The new generation Skoda Superb was launched in India today and has been priced between Rs. 22.68 lakh for the base-level variant and Rs. 29.36 lakh for the top-spec model (all prices are ex-showroom, Mumbai). The 3rd generation of the Superb is built on Volkswagen's popular MQB platform and comes with some extensive design and cosmetic updates along with an array of smart features.
"We are delighted to introduce the new Superb as it continues the success story of the brand's top model range in India. This product demonstrates our aspirations in the automotive industry by offering a superlative ownership experience and a great value proposition for our customers," Skoda Auto India CMD Sudhir Rao said when speaking with PTI.
Also Read: 3rd Generation Skoda Superb Review
Powering the new generation Skoda Superb are the carmaker's trusted 1.8 TSI petrol and 2.0 TDI CR diesel engines that remain unchanged from the outgoing model. While the petrol unit produces 177.5bhp and 320Nm of torque, the diesel unit churns out 174.6bhp and 350Nm of torque. In the petrol version, transmission duties are taken care of by a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed automatic Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) unit. The diesel variants comes equipped with a 6-speed DSG automatic as standard.
New Skoda Superb Front and Side Profile
In terms of design and looks the new generation Skoda Superb is more in lines with German machines like the Volkswagen Passat and new Audi A4, especially the side and the rear profile. This is because of the new MQB platform that underpins the aforementioned cars as well as the latest version of the Skoda Octavia. That being said, the car still has Skoda DNA within it, and that can very well be seen from its front section, which in all the right manner looks Czech-made. In fact the new Skoda Superb borrows lots of design bits from the stunning Vision C concept.
Now the front fascia of the car comes with Skoda's signature butterfly grille design with vertically patterned lines and chrome accents. The grille is flanked by a pair of sharp angular 3D headlamps and a sporty front bumper that houses the new wide air dam and horizontal LED fog lamps. The side profile, as mentioned before, looks a little bit like the Audi A3 with a sharp character lines going from head- to the tail-lamps, side skirts, stylish ORVMs, and sporty alloys. The rear profile in particular, looks German-made with the sharp and sculpted boot lid, 2-piece LED tail lamps, and a sporty rear bumper.
New Skoda Superb Rear and Side Profile
The inside of the car is roomy, well-appointed, well-equipped and a bit similar to the new Volkswagen Passat's cabin. The dashboard comes with horizontal AC vents, a three-spoke steering wheel and a nicely laid out centre console in piano black finish. The new Skoda Superb is also equipped with a host of new features like dual-zone air conditioning, parking sensors, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable seats, and a host of additional smart technologies.
"The new Superb is the flagship of Skoda's model range, and demonstrates the brand's expertise in design and engineering," Skoda Auto Member of the Board, Sales and Marketing Werner Eichhorn said in a statement to PTI.
New Skoda Superb Side Profile
Speaking with regards to the future of Skoda in India, Eichhorn also mentioned," We will need to now examine investment requirements for growth and expansion in Indian business."
Skoda has been around in India for some time now and the success it has enjoyed thanks to its likable sedan offerings, namely the Skoda Rapid, Octavia and outgoing Superb, is expected to be improved upon in the following years given our country's currently booming auto industry. Skoda is in the hunt for new opportunities and is currently studying the SUV market in India quite keenly. Currently, besides the 3 aforementioned sedans, the company's only other offering is the Skoda Yeti which is by no means a volume driver for the carmaker.
Sudhir Rao, CMD of Skoda India, further elaborated on the Czech carmaker's plan for India by confirming that the company is aiming at launching 2-3 new models every year going forwards. He also confirmed that these products would not be cross badged with parents company, Volkswagen's.
The all-new Skoda Superb is available in 2 trims - Style and L & K.
Also Read: Skoda VisionS Concept SUV Revealed Ahead of Unveiling at Geneva Motor Show
