Skoda Superb 2002 test drive - 2008 -

The carriage is served

Even super -expensive luxury sedans imply that the owner can drive a car himself. And for representative purposes, there are their elongated versions. Skoda-Superb is a unique car. It was originally created so that his owner travels on the back sofa.

 
One hundred percent personnel
Skoda-Superb is a Volkswagen passage with an extended one in a 100 mm wheelbase. It is clear that if the golf was stretched, turning it into octavia, then a 4-seater car would have turned out to be a fully, and not that now a solid car with a landing formula 2+2. But why was it lengthening the Passat, in the spacious salon of which four people are accommodated with a height of 185190 cm?
 
In this case, we are talking about the social status of the machine. Lux class sedans such as Audi-A8, BMW 7th series and Mercedes-Benz-S, do not complain about crowding in the cabin either. However, along with standard, there are versions with a 100130 mm wheelbase that have an index L (from German Lange Long). The difference between them is that machines with a standard base provide equivalent comfort on the front and rear seats and are therefore intended for individual use (although representative functions can also be performed). And the letter L on the trunk lid clearly indicates that the owner of the car drives behind.
 
Our compatriots, not knowing the rules of automobile etiquette, often buy Elki for private use, believing that if they are more prestigious. In fact, they overpay for the right to look like a hired driver
 
Since the entire increase in the length of the superb fell to increase the space in the rear of the cabin, the car should be considered as one hundred percent personnel. And even if you are not embarrassed by the Czech emblem, this is just a marketing move. In terms of the quality of finishing materials and the level of equipment, Superb deserves the full right to be called a Passat L. Simply, the concern marketers decided to promote a representative version under the brand of Skoda.
 
Skoda Superb 2.8 A/T
common data
 
Body
5-seater sedan
 
Equipped mass, kg
1551
 
Complete mass, kg
2136
 
Maximum speed, km/h
232
 
Acceleration time 0100 km/h, with
9.4
 
 
Highway fuel consumption/city, l/100 km
7.9/16.0
 
 
Fuel supply, l
62 (AI-98/95)
 
 
Engine

 
Location
The front is longing
 
Design
gasoline, 6-cylinder, V-shaped, with four upper distributions
 
The number of valves per cylinder
5
 
Diam. cylinder x Piston stroke, mm
82.5x86.4
 
Working volume, SMZ
2771
 
Compression ratio
10.6
 
Power, L.S. at rpm
193/6000
 
Torque, kgsm at rpm
28.5/3200
 
 
Chassis

 
Transmission
front -wheel drive
 
Transmission
Automatic, 5-speed
 
Gear rates I; II; III; IV; V; Z.Kh.
3.67; 2.0; 1.41; 1.0; 0.74; 4.1
 
main gear
3.09
 
Suspension
spring, with stabilizers of the anti -resistance stability
 
front
Independent, at the height of composite levers
 
behind
on longitudinal levers connected by an elastic transverse beam
 
Steering
REMENCH with an amplifier
 
Brakes
disk? Front ventilated? with amplifier, ABS and ESP
 
Tires
225/45 R17
 
 
What is the price?
Very inexpensive. The price of a machine with a 150-horsepower 1.8-turbo engine performed by a classic starts from 22,850 euros. Have you ever met a representative car for that kind of money? However, as can be seen from the list of standard equipment, it is possible to be limited to the classic when only the size of the cabin is fundamental. For example, for the transportation of one -time passengers or to observe subordination, when the Superbian Park is bought for managers of various levels.
 
If it is possible to choose a complete set for yourself, it is better to start with the performance of comfort, which costs 2150 euros more, but has a more noble interior and provides more amenities to passengers. But you are unlikely to take comfort naked. The cost of options for the superb is such that it is difficult to resist their order. Even taking into account the leather salon, good factory music and many other pleasant things, the price of a car with a 150-horsepower engine will meet 29,000 euros.
 
   

Unfortunately, an automatic box is very relevant for a representative car with the 1.8-turbo engine. Since Passat-1,8T with a machine gun exists and drives very decently, it can be assumed that Superb, which is only 84 kg heavier, would look quite decent with it. But, apparently, all the same marketers decided differently.
 
Today, a superb with an automatic box is available only with a 193-horsepower 2.8-liter V6. In the performance of comfort, such a car costs from 30,950 euros, and eleganes are 3800 euros more. If you cram it to the eyeballs, the maximum price of the superba will be about 40,000 euros. I agree that no other car with a similar engine, equipment and comfort level for rear passengers is impossible to buy for that kind of money. And yet, for the sake of the possibility of obtaining a buyer’s machine, it is not good for the buyer to force to overpay almost 5,000 euros per V6 engine.
 
In addition, three diesel engines are offered for the superb. The base 101-horsepower is still weak. The advantages of the 150-horsepower V6 completely crosses out the price of a thousand large than that of a gasoline six. But a 130-horsepower diesel can be considered for an accelerated machine, with a large city annual mileage. Moreover, it costs only 800 euros more than a 1.8-turbo.
 
We did not put the task of saving on diesel fuel. We were wondering how justified Superbia's claims to be called a representative car. Therefore, we decided to take the car in the most expensive Eleans, with the V6 engine and automatic. In the warehouse, the dealer was a car in standard configuration, painted with black regional metallic, at a price of $ 36,000. Well, for the money spent on the purchase of a service car, they will not carry their nose in the table with his nose.
 
List of standard equipment
Classic:
power steering;
adjustable steering column;
ABS with electronic distribution of brake force;
Differential electronic lock;
4 airbags (front and front side);
a sign of emergency stop in the lid of the trunk;
fog lights;
delay in turning off the headlights with the function of the track to the house;
immobilizer;
air conditioner;
glove and central box with cooling;
mirrors with electric drive and heating;
electric windows;
cosmetic mirrors with backlight;
backlighting the lower part of the cabin in front;
central castle with DU;
audio training (8 speakers, antenna);
on-board computer;
front seats with a height adjustment and lumbar support;
front and rear armrests;
fabric salon;
steel wheels R16
 
Comfort in addition:
dynamic stabilization system (with V6 engine);
intra -sulfate mirror with automatic obscenity;
external mirrors with lighting the zone around the doors;
Rain sensor;
climate control;
leather decoration of the steering wheel, levers of the checkpoint and parking brake;
backlighting the lower part of the cabin;
case with an umbrella in the left rear door;
ski cover in the back of the rear seat;
velor salon with metal trim;
alloy wheels R16
 
Eleganes additionally:
bixenon headlights with washer;
external mirrors with electric power and position memory;
electric drive adjustment of the front seats (driver with memory for 3 settings);
Heating of all seats;
Cruise control;
combined leather-tone salon with wood trim;
chrome moldings;
alloy wheels R17
 
Almost a Mercedes or ordinary Skoda?
Already what the Passat is outwardly strict and solid, there is even more in the guise of a superb officers. Thanks to the elongated base, the profile of the machine has become more harmonious. Forms of the grille of the radiator and lighting equipment lost the last designer liberties. Superb very successfully forms the image of a passenger as a business person with an impeccable reputation. But it also requires an appropriate attitude to itself. Next to him, you feel extremely uncomfortable in jeans and a sweater.
 
The car looks especially representative in black or dark blue. One word nomenclature. And the dimensions of the superb are such that he looks like his boyfriend in the company of five BMW and Audi-A6 favorite transport of Russian officials.
 
The general perception of respectability violates only the design of the front of the body. From this angle, Superb is confused by Octavia. Is it bad or good? In fact, the similarity with the model class below the large car does not flatter. But in the case of Superb, not everything is so unambiguous. If you, for example, are the head of the local administration and you have to go to the people on duty, it’s better to go to ordinary Skoda than almost a Mercedes.
  
Master and just a passenger
A massive rear gate opens with three clear steps of the night, tuk, tuk. Here, even a lock of the intermediate positions of the door is an example of engineering art, which only the Germans could come up with. The lanterns hidden under the front seats helpfully illuminate the floor of the salon, inviting to the rear sofa. The doorway is so wide that you forget about any dexterity necessary for planting in a car. And in vain. Because the next moment you get a slap from a falling tributary. It is clear that I will continue to bow. The door with a cat's softness closes. It is not surprising along the outer perimeter she is carefully surrounded by the seal.
 
How much space is there! Even if on the right front chair there is a security guard in two meters tall, the boss of the same build that sits behind him will not touch the back knees. True, he will have to sit down a little lower, so as not to support the sloping roof with his head. It is hard to believe, but in the reserve of longitudinal space, superb surpasses most of the business class models. Its salon is easy to equip under an office. Here you can arrange a video monitor, and attach a rotary bracket for a laptop.
 
 
Under the lid of the central armrest there are removable cup holders and boxes for trifles

 
The front central box cover is adjustable in height and length, acting as an armrest

However, the origin of the superb is given out by the width of the salon. Until the solidity of this business class, he needs to get better by 45 cm. It would seem, only two sizes, but this difference is noticeable. Here we must decide what is more important to you. In the column, we placed competitors of two close to the price of the business class model Nissan-Maxim and Toyota-Kamri. In the shoulders, of course, they are wider. But (remember, where did we start?) They do not provide such contrast in the front and rear seats. If in Maxim, Kamri and any other model of business class behind you, you feel just a passenger, then in Superbia the owner. This moment is fundamental.
 
In addition to a spacious salon, Super bakes a sense of quality and quality in every detail. The interior of the Passat is perceived so expensive that even transferred to the representative model looks very worthy. What are the door handles of chrome, ideal geometric shape, with soft rubber pads, extinguishing a knock. Heating of the seats (including the rear) has not only the power button, but the regulator for five degrees of intensity. Tree inserts are really similar to a natural veneer, and not a cheap fake. Even a tray for newspapers under the lid of the central armrest is velvet.
 
 
Comfort and eleganes are built into the side mirrors built into the lighting lamps of the space around the doors

 
The key turning the remote control button of the trunk is blocked
 

Inside Superb will definitely appeal to those who are used to using expensive solid things. Perhaps only the combined leather-tone upholstery of the chairs in eleganes and the velor in comfort looks rustic against the background of the surrounding finish. But this is fixable. For 550 euros for eleans and for 1500 for comfort, you can get a completely leather salon from better leather.
  
There was not enough courage
What else can the chief passenger please yourself? For 80 euros, a foot stand is offered, fixed on the floor on the right. For the suffering first persons (they are also people), a very relevant minibar option will appear soon, hidden in the back of the rear sofa behind the central armrest. This is not just a container cooled by the air conditioner, like in a glove box and in the armrest between the front seats, but a real refrigerator. To please the true Sibarites, the Czechs prepared and will soon present a unique thing in the back of the passenger seat for the Eleans version in the Eleans version, in which, in American, you can put your legs. In order not to stain the front seat pillow with boots, a special cover is provided in the hatch. And so that the bedside table can be adjusted to your height or simply move away, the seat control panel is duplicated in the rear armrest. Similar things are found only in luxury sedans.
 
 
The electric drive adjustment of the front seats and cruise control is included in the standard eleance equipment

But, apparently, having stood up with one foot on the territory of the Mercedes, BMW and Audi, the Czechs were frightened of their own insolence and began to save on trifles. For example, the rear lamps unified with the Passat are located almost in the middle strokes of the body. But since the sofa is located further in Superbe, the light from them falls on the boots, and not on the newspaper. If the car was created as a staff, it was probably possible to organize more convenient lighting. Yes, and the rear control panel of music management with headphone output would not have prevented. However, it is not offered even for a surcharge. The sunscreen is installed only from behind and only as an option. What should the side curtains also offer? Not everyone will want to put their persons for public display, but to hide behind the black tinting ugly. A similar picture and with a cell phone. From the factory you can put two tubes in front and behind. But the client, again, will only learn about the possibility of installing a phone in front of the rear sofa. The list of pre -equipment is not a word about this.
 
 
Powerful air ducts are directed to the feet of the rear passengers

No guys. To break the image of Skoda as an inexpensive brand (this is what is required of the superb), you must be in a good way. And the thrill before loud names is not appropriate here.
  
Chaffer share
Superb is almost no different in place of the SuperB driver. The same laconic lines of the torpedo, the same expensive finishing materials, the same huge ranges of steering wheel adjustments and a hard German chair. Only the shape of the central console has slightly changed, and the branded Volkswagen climate control unit with bald ones, not distinguished by the touch, moved higher, changing places with a radio. In addition, the Czechs attached a full -sized mirror to the right (they still put a small fragment on Volkswagen), replaced the blue lighting of the devices more familiar to the eyes of green and in their own traditions they digitized the tidy in a circle.
 
 
Governing bodies

 
1. The buttons of the remote opening of the lid of the trunk, the gas tank and the trunk lock lock. 2. Block windows. 3. The mirror settings panel. 4. Central Switch of Light. 5. The alarm switch. 6. The rear window heating switch. 7. The switch of the system of dynamic stabilization. 8. Putting box for trifles. 9. The heating switch of the seats. 10. Climate control unit.

But despite the atmosphere of quality and quality, you are constantly experiencing a package of servants while driving a superb. Just do not think that the driver of the big Skoda is deprived of comfort. Just behind him much more. When you see a gorgeous royal bed in the mirror, you begin to understand that it would be nice to receive money for the rotation of this leather lamb. Still, the superb driver must be hired. According to the famous Russian passenger, staff are unambiguous.
 
Dashboard

 
 
1. Clock. 2. Signal lamps. 3. Tachometer. 4. The indicator of the temperature of the coolant. 5. Fuel level indicator. 6. Speedometer. 7. Mileage counter. 8. indicator of automatic transmission modes. 9. Information display.

Such a statement of the question significantly changes the approach to the choice of configuration. If you carefully see the differences between the eleganes version and comfort, you can notice that the electric drive adjusting the front seats and folding mirrors, the memory of the driver's seat and mirrors, as well as the cruise control, work exclusively for the driver’s comfort. If you are not going to order the right front seat with a foot hatch (offered only for Eleans) and you think that decoral drivers can manually configure seats for themselves, you can safely refuse Eleans. Looking ahead, let's say that its low-profile 17-inch tires for a representative car are more likely a minus than a plus. And bixenon headlights (650 euros) and a completely leather salon with heating all seats and wood -finished (1,500 euros) can be ordered in comfort. It turns out that even in a more richest of the passenger of the configuration (completely leather upholstery instead of combined), comfort will cost cheaper than 1500 euros. This money can be spent on window pillows, music or other benefits.
 
Yes, and the driver about comfort is a sin to complain. All that is needed in order not to get tired of driving is in this version. From custom -made equipment, he will ask for the rear parkingum of the dimensions of the superb stern are poorly felt when parking. If you want to make a pleasant surprise to the driver, you can order parking sensors for 360 euros. And you may not order, reasonably reasoning that the driver-professional should be able to park.
 
 
We liked
 

Very spacious rear sofa

The presence of the heating of the rear seats (eleganes) and controlled ventilation deflectors
 
The glove box and boxing between the front seats are cooled by air conditioning

Comfort and Eleans in the left rear door have a corporate umbrella in performances
 

As well as:
Attractive price
Socially favorable image
The quality of finishing materials and assembly of the salon
Powerful and noble engine V6

 
We didn't like it
 
 

A falling doorway makes you bend

Circular digitization complicates the readability of the devices

Low-profile 17-inch tires reduce comfort
 

As well as:
Inattention to some trifles providing passenger comfort
Lack of rear lateral airbags
The inability to get an automatic box with a 1.8-turbo engine
 
Children in the car
Before sharpening the playful and capricious offspring of the chef on the rear sofa, the driver can prudently neutralize the internal handles of door locks using a children's lock and turn off the door buttons of the windows. If he is completely small, under the supervision of a nanny or mother can be seated in a special children's chair (sold separately) installed in ISO-FIX mounts. Here Super is not much different from other cars.
 
On the representative machine, only a sticker is surprised that, due to the presence of a passenger airbag on the right front seat, it is impossible to install a children's chair forward. Apparently, it is addressed to young leaders who stealthily using a working car for personal purposes. Or governesses, simultaneously playing the role of a personal driver.
    
Safety
SuperB is richly equipped with active safety means: ABS with electronic distribution of brake force, the electronic location of the differential, and with the V6 engine, also a system of dynamic stabilization. Xenon headlights and a signature sign mounted on the back of the trunk cover also help to avoid an accident.
 
In terms of passive safety, in the standard, two front and two side pillows Superb should not have inferior to its progenitor to the Passat. However, the lengthening of the car was not in vain after the frontal blow of the Skoda body was seriously deformed, which affected the assessment (9 points against 12 at the passat).
 
True, in the euroncap tests, the main attention is paid to the security of the driver and the front passenger. SuperB car is a representative. He must take care of the protection of the main passenger first of all. That is why the winning in lateral protection (17 points against 16 at foil) looks significant. But if you can get window airbags for 390 euros (they must be ordered), then the rear side pillows for the superb are not offered in principle. I agree, even on cars, the class above such pillows is still a rarity. But in this case, this is not an excuse. The passenger personnel should be protected at least no worse than the driver.
 
Main ski cover
The trunk of a representative car does not require superwuscitation or miracles of transformation. A portfolio with documents and a bag with sports equipment, a modern leader, should support himself in good physical shape should fit into it. Since a fairly capacious (462 l) and a convenient trunk Superb inherited from the passat, there will be no problems with the placement of such luggage.
 
Moreover, it provides for additional amenities. There are folding hooks on top, on which you can hang bags from a supermarket, and for 270 euros to order a cargoflex system of a folding organizer with many departments. But the most important thing in versions are comfort and eleans in the cross -cutting hatch of the armrest is provided with a ski cover. This is very correct. The Russian state official, and especially the deputy, is impossible without skiing today.
 
   
The trunk provides hooks for vertical fixation of bags, and on its lid is a sign of emergency stop is fixed

The Czechs took care of the preservation of the contents of the trunk of the chef’s portfolio should be protected as the apple of the eye. If the lid is closed with a key, it will not unlock either outside or from the central castle. And turning the key in the driver's door is blocked by the internal button for opening the trunk. Now with the service key, which is only suitable for the ignition lock, the car can be safely given to the sink or to the technical center. It will not be possible to get into the trunk even from the cabin of the rear sofa, as befits a representative car, does not fold.
 
 
Car dimensions, mm
 
Salon dimensions, mm
 

Passenger must be taken smoothly
Taxing from the parking lot, I was most worried about the smoothness of the superb. The fact is that machines with a road clearance enlarged by 20 mm are supplied to us, on a suspension adapted under bad roads. But everything turned out to be better than I expected. Not the 140th Mercedes, of course, but there is no annoying shaking at all. But the potholes in the broods are swallowed with rubber elasticity, and on the waves of the suburban highway the body does not swing. Moreover, the inhabitants of the rear sofa feel the irregularities of the road, oddly enough, to a lesser extent than the driver. Apparently, the wheeled base is more long than that of the Passat.
 
But what really spoils the picture of sled comfort is wide low -profile tires in size 225/45 R17. They are very noisy and report all the cracks in the asphalt of the tuk-tuk, the tuk-stroke. Perhaps low -profile tires provide the best controllability characteristics. But Superb is not a sports car, for him the main comfort. No, ordering 17-inch wheels for a surcharge is definitely not worth it. Even if you buy an eleganes for which they are required, it is advisable to beg the dealer so that it replaces them with standard 205/55 R16.
 
The most pleasant impression was left by the V6 motor, paired with a 5-speed automatic. This is a real engine for the representative machine is quiet, noble, never allowing itself to work with an angry. He gives the driver and passenger complete confidence that a herd of 193 horses will take out of any situation. And the box is good gently, without jerking.
 
 
Engine
  

1. The oil probe of the engine. 2. Battery. 3. The tank of the main brake cylinder. 4. Expande tank. 5. The tank of the washer of the glass. 6. Tank of the power steering.

To match the accelerated character and the brakes are powerful, but not tiring passengers with excessive sharpness. The dynamic stabilization system on a slippery road also helps a lot. In general, with an automatic V6 motor and an automatic box Superb clearly demonstrates how real personnel should ride.
 
However, the 150-horsepower 1.8-turbo with an automatic machine in the role of a car for a passenger would look good. But, as we have already said, it comes only with a manual box. But not every driver can operate with mechanics so that the passenger does not notice the switching.
 
Operation, service
The network of authorized technical centers of Skoda in Russia is quite branched. To date, you can get warranty and service at 40 points. The factory warranty on Superb is two years without limiting a run. Some dealers extend it to 3 years and 100,000 km (which will come earlier). Thus, having estimated your average annual runs, you can choose a more profitable option.
 
Superbu is prescribed to undergo planned service after 15,000 km, and the norm in Moscow technical centers costs an average of $ 30. In the table, we brought the cost of then motor spare parts for a machine with a V6 engine. The corresponding positions for 1.8-turbo will be cheaper. But in any case, Superb in operation will be less burdensome than his German fellow Passat. Spare parts for them are essentially the same, only Skodovsky on average by 2030% cheaper.
 
Prices for spare parts and that, USD
TO1 15,000 km 140
TO2 30,000 km 370
TO3 45,000 km 140
Oil filter 14
Air filter 16
Fuel filter 12
Spark plug (1 pc.) 10
Front belt 63
Brake pads
(front/rear) 96/47
Tip of steering thrust 50
Steering thrust 96
Lower lever
front/rear 141/140
Upper lever
front/rear 81/81
Front shock absorber/rear 95/170
Front wing 109
Rear wing (sidewall) 590
Hood 231
Front door 349
The rear door 388
Front bumper assembly 229
Rear bumper assembly 200
Lobic glass 147
Side glass 45
Front headlight assembly
halogen/xenon 159/671
Rear lamp assembly 62
    
We decided:
It is unlikely that it makes sense to buy Skoda-Superb for private use. Compared to the Passat, you will receive a completely unnecessary excess of space from behind, at the same time losing the folding back of the sofa of a very useful trunk function. But this is an excellent personnel for someone who knows how to count money or does not want to be convicted of abuse of official position.
 
 

Source: Magazine "Limousine" [04/03]