A new sketch released by Skoda previews the design of the facelifted Superb flagship ahead of a reveal later this month.
The preview image hints at a subtle evolution of the Mazda 6 rival’s front fascia, which retains Skoda’s trademark grille design, alongside redesigned headlight clusters and a reworked lower bumper.
Like the recently launched Scala hatchback, the revised Superb will feature the marque’s name in letters across its boot lid, in place of the Skoda emblem.
More significant is the fact that the new Superb will be the first to offer a plug-in hybrid option, likely the same 1.4 TSI petrol-electric powertrain that features in the Volkswagen Passat GTE, with which it shares a platform.
In the similar-sized Passat, this hybrid set-up produces a combined 218hp and can emit as little as 39g/km of CO2. Like the Passat, the Superb can be expected to run in electric-only mode for up to 50km.
Inside, the Superb will benefit from similar interior revisions to those received by the Rapid-replacing Scala hatchback. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration is likely to be made standard across the range, with an enhanced focus on simplicity and ergonomics differentiating the new model from its predecessor.
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Skoda’s revamped infotainment system will also feature here, enabling over-the-air updates and new mobile app functions. Increased personalisation is likely, with Skoda currently offering new microfibre interior materials and backlighting lower down the range.
Last year, Skoda design chief Oliver Stefani pledged to roll out a new, bolder design language for the Czech firm in the run-up to mass electrification of its line-up.
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“Skoda values have always been functionality, usability and practicality,” he said. “We’d like to add more emotion.”
The new Superb will be revealed in full during the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, of which Skoda is the long-standing main sponsor, in Bratislava later this month.
While Skoda India has plans to get the Superb facelift to our market, it has not yet confirmed when the car will be launched. Its rivals include the Volkswagen’s Passat (Rs 25.99-33.20 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi), the Honda Accord Hybrid (Rs 43.21 lakh, ex-showroom, India) and the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The Czech brand has confirmed that it will be taking the lead on Volkswagen Group’s India 2.0 strategy, which will result in an India-spec Skoda Kamiq arriving first. The five-seat Hyundai Creta rival will share its heavily localised MQB AO IN platform and 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine with the Volkswagen T-Cross for India, along with the replacement for the current Skoda Rapid and Volkswagen Vento.
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Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
