Skoda Superb 1.8

The new Superb sports a more radical design as compared to the earlier model –which was conservative with simple lines and traditional proportions. Its new dimensions are unconventional with a lot of edgy details, making it a design that’s difficult to immediately relate to.

The attractive-looking wraparound headlamps grabs your attention first. They have a sharp edge and upward sweep to them and there are cuts and details on the nose section that look very attractive. The skinning of the body is tight, and the chrome detailing practically everywhere gives the car an upmarket look. However, the Superb’s silhouette is where it all goes a bit wonky. The stubby nose, upright cabin and large rear overhang don’t gel perfectly, and the proportions tend to look odd at certain angles.

The short nose is down to the transverse engine, the cabin looks bulky as the rear windscreen is pushed well back for increased headroom and the large rear overhang helps stretch the platform to its limit. The new Superb’s wheelbase is shorter than the earlier model – being built on an extended VW Passat floorpan stretched to 2761mm (shorter than the Accord’s wheelbase and overall length). 

The new Superb also shares its lineage and platform with both the current VW Passat as well as the Laura, but has its own unique bits and pieces.

The new car has all four corners independently sprung. The Superb latest tech is its electrical steering system –which is developed to deliver much more feel and feedback. The chassis, which is considerably stiffer than the outgoing Superb, also helps the new car’s dynamics.