New Skoda Superb review, road test

The all-new third-gen Skoda Superb looks very promising. But is it as revolutionary as its predecessors?

Published on May 16, 2016 11:43:00 AM

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The Skoda Superb was always famous for the way it rode. The legacy continues with the latest gen as well. Skoda has opted for a softer suspension setup on the new Superb and this reflects in the way it rides. It feels more pliant than its predecessor and is impressive in the way it absorbs bumps and undulations. Of the current Superbs, it’s the petrol ones that are more comfortable over the rough stuff. The diesel Superb, with its stiffer front springs, rides with a touch more firmness at low speeds. At high speeds, the Superb feels planted and very confident. There is a bit of float which wasn’t there in the old car, but the general feeling is of excellent stability even at speeds in excess of 160kph. Equally impressive is the braking. The brakes are gradual but sharp at the same time and you don’t feel the jerk at the bite point in usual city traffic.

The move to a softer suspension setup means the new Superb, unfortunately, doesn’t feel quite as sharp around corners as the old one did. Overall dynamics are more than acceptable for the size of the car but where you could throw the old Superb into a corner, you gently swoop into them here. Body roll is sufficiently contained and the 215/55 Hankook tyres offer adequate grip.

The electro-mechanical steering is nice and light and makes cramped city driving a breeze, giving enough road feel and feedback. Sport mode does help drive up levels of excitement though.