Next-gen Skoda Superb: 3 things to expect ahead of its global debut

The debut of the new fourth-generation Skoda Superb is just around the corner, slated for November 2. In the run-up to its official unveiling, Skoda has already revealed several details about the all-new sedan such as its interior, features and even powertrain options. The new Superb, however, is only evolutionary over its predecessor in most aspects. As before, the new Superb will also spawn an estate model in overseas markets. Here, we are taking a close look at all that you can expect from the new Skoda Superb

1. Superb to get new PHEV variant with over 100km electric range
2. Interior gets a large 12.9-inch touchscreen with mix of manual controls
3. Underpinnings shared with second-gen Kodiaq SUV

1. New Skoda Superb exterior design

The one aspect where the Superb is most similar to its predecessor is its styling, which is why the design can be described as evolutionary at best. Teaser images hint at slimmer headlamps and tail lamps with Skoda’s signature crystalline elements, and updated grille and bumpers, but the overall silhouette, character lines and even the glass house seem largely unchanged.

As for dimensions, the new Superb measures 4,912mm in length, 1,849mm in width, 1,481mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,841mm – that’s 43mm longer, 12mm taller, but 15mm narrower, while the wheelbase has remained unchanged.

2. New Skoda Superb interior and features 

The interior, however, is a complete departure from the third-gen Superb. Front and centre is a large 12.9-inch floating touchscreen that’s shared with the new Kodiaq, and the dashboard has a layered design with wood and leather inserts. The outer AC vents concealed with vertical dashboard inlays is a neat touch, while the two-spoke steering wheel is already familiar with models available here in India. The new Superb will also have a steering column-mounted drive selector.

Perhaps the most pleasant element about the interior is the presence of physical controls for the HVAC and volume. There are three switchable rotary knobs below the AC vents that control all sorts of functions like temperature, blower speed, seat ventilation, air direction and even drive modes. The three knobs flank four physical buttons that control the front and rear windshield defogger, air circulation and the auto mode for climate control. The new Superb will also get a suite of ADAS features.

3. New Skoda Superb powertrain options

Under the hood, the new Superb carries forward the powertrain options from its predecessor which includes two petrol, two diesel and a plug-in hybrid. The range starts off with a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid TSI motor that’ll come mated to a 7-speed DCT gearbox. Then there will be a 2.0-litre TSI, available in two states of tune – 204hp and 265hp. Both will get a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, but the latter will also get an all-wheel drive system.

The Superb will also get two diesel powertrains. One will be a 150hp, 2.0-litre TDI engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, while the other will be the same powertrain producing 193hp, and additionally featuring an all-wheel drive system.

Lastly, the PHEV powertrain is a 150hp, 1.5-litre TSI engine mated to a 25.7kWh battery. Combined, it will produce 204hp and will be paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Skoda says the Superb PHEV will have an electric-only range of more than 100km.

Skoda Superb India launch details

The fourth-generation Superb will go on sale in markets overseas sometime next year, but it will not be headed to our shores just right away. Instead, as we have reported previously, Skoda is likely to bring back the outgoing generation of the Superb to India as a full import in limited numbers, this time complying with the latest emission regulations. It is likely to only be a stop-gap solution until the fourth-gen model eventually makes it to India, although there has been no further development on this front.