Skoda Superb test drive since 2008 -

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Skoda Superb. Price: from 790,000 rubles. On sale: Since August 2008
The first generation Skoda Superb was so good that since its appearance in 2001 it has been transformed slightly. But the years take their own. And here is the long -awaited update. Superb has changed dramatically, changing the work clothes with a chic tuxedo
For the wheel of the new Skoda Superb, it is not shameful to sit not only in an expensive suit, but also in a chic tuxedo. From a workhorse, the car turned into a representative of business elites. For the first acquaintance with the model, they chose Austria of Mozart. And the first sounds that came from the womb of the audio system was the symphony of the great composer.
Even a specialist will not be able to find something in common in the appearance of the new and old Superb. Only sizes coincide. In front of the debutant, a wide radiator grille, turning into blocks of headlights, flaunts. They remotely resemble the optics of Audi. It is understandable, after all, one concern. Yes, Superb is equipped with adaptive bixenon, which not only turns the headlights into the turn of the turn, but also increases the area, as well as the lighting range depending on the speed. At 15-20 km/h, the light beam will be as wide as possible, which is necessary for lighting the ossoids. With a set of speed, the headlight shines into the distance, while improving the lighting of the left side of the highway.
Among other things, the appearance of the new Superb contains elements characterizing the latest Skoda models. For example, the overall lanterns shine in the form of the letter C. The license plate is now attached not on the lid of the trunk, but on the bumper. Instead, the Superb nameplate flaunts. It looks unusual.
The trunk lid deserves special attention. The latest Twindoor design, patented by Skoda engineers, which allows Superb to be both sedan and liftback at the same time. The lid of the trunk can be opened separately, or maybe along with the rear window. With unchanged dimensions, the luggage compartment increases by 85 liters to 565 liters, and if the rear row of seats are folded, then the volume will increase to 1670 liters.
The interior is made in the best traditions of Audi and Volkswagen. Only the Skoda icon on the steering wheel gives the Czech origin. Skoda Superb received a new dashboard with lunar backlight and other central console. Ergonomics are still at a high level. All governing bodies are easily accessible and intuitive. And the variety and range of seats adjustments will arrange even the most picky drivers.
The new Superb has become even quieter. Starting the motor, even a diesel version, can only be determined by devices. Silence remains during movement. The suspension has become a successful symbiosis of comfort and controllability. At the same time, the engineers did not do anything supernova. They used a modular system consisting of Octavia and Passat elements. The only thing, taking into account the dimensions and weight of the car, the front suspension Mcpherson is installed on the aluminum bridge. As a result, Superb obey the steering wheel perfectly, does not bother with rolls and buildup. Everything, as in a real business class.
As for the engines, there will be four of them in Russia. Three of them are familiar to us from the previous generation. This is the most powerful diesel 2.0 TDI (170 hp), which is characterized by good thrust and low fuel consumption. Two gasoline units 1.8TSI (160 hp) and V6 FSI (260 hp) were also already installed on the old Superb. But the new engine is able to surprise. Its volume at a power of 125 hp. It is only 1.4 liters. In this case, the dynamic characteristics should be recognized as good. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes only 10.5 s, and the maximum speed is 201 kilometer per hour. The back of the coin is the need to constantly twist the motor.
Another innovation was the presence of all -wheel drive, however, only for the V6 FSI version. The fourth -generation Haldex system redistributes the torque between the axes. Under normal conditions, Superb is front -wheel drive. On the asphalt coating, the presence of all -wheel drive is difficult to determine. And on the loose, this can be done by the better tracking of the trajectory and the rare eSP trigger.
With each of the engines, one of the two transmissions can be aggregated 6-speed mechanical or 6-speed automatic DSG with two clutch disks. The mechanics are distinguished by clear inclusions, but the length of the lever moves can be made less. The machine works great with all the engines available in the line. He quickly adapts to the driving style. In our country, the new Superb will be sold in two versions: they decided to refuse the cheapest version of Comfort. Ambition and Elegance will be available. And the minimum price will be 790,000 rubles.
As if you want
Skoda engineers patented a new design of the trunk cover. It is called Twindoor. The uniqueness of the design lies in the fact that in appearance an ordinary sedan can be an elevator (this is when the trunk opens with the rear window). The first car of the Skoda brand, on which such a fifth door was installed, was Superb. The Twindoor opening system facilitates the loading of large -sized things into the luggage compartment. And given that the Superb trigger is rather big (at least 565 liters, a maximum of 1670 l), this is important. Twindoor cover is controlled with two buttons. Both are above the license plate of one in the center, the other from the side. To open the lid like a regular sedan, just press the button in the middle. If you need to open with the rear window, you need to press the button on the side for a couple of seconds. As soon as the stop-signal blinks, you should press the button in the center, and the trunk will open completely. Twindoor system unique development of Skoda. Interestingly, other manufacturers will be able to come up with in the future.

Driving
Superb dutifully obey the steering wheel. The suspension perfectly works out all the irregularities. The rolls of the body are minimal.
Salon
The abundance of solid materials. Everything is strictly, as is appropriate for a business class.
   
Comfort
Not only a configured suspension is worried about passenger comfort, but also an abundance of a place both from behind and in front.
Safety
Superb is equipped with a number of active and passive safety systems.
   
Price
The new Superb, like the previous one, boasts one of the lowest prices in the class.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Spacious salon and trunk, comfortable suspension, informative steering.
- mediocre visibility back.
Specifications
Mark and model - Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI
Dimensions - 4838x1817x1462 mm
Engine - gasoline, 1390 cm3, 125 hp/ 5000 min -1
Transmission - automatic, 6 -speed
Dynamics - max 201 km/h; 10.5 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - Volkswagen Passat, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Grander.
 
Our opinion
With the new Skoda Superb, everything turned out as with good wine. To turn into a noble drink, a certain endurance is required. True, Skoda dragged on a little with this process, but it was impossible to say that the result did not live up to expectation. The new Superb has become much more solid than the previous one, it can now safely compete with premium marks, having the main advantage of the price.

Author: Maxim Egorov
 
 
 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [August 2008]