Test Drive Skoda Superb since 2008 -

On the class above

If cars could speak, they would ask for a test not in my picky hands, but to any other, more loyal tester, ready to forgive ward errors. But, alas, Skoda Superb silently and submissively revealed its doors to a journalist-skeptics ...
Evaluating the new Skoda, it was quite difficult to stay impartial. On the one hand, pressed the stereotype: Skoda The same Volkswagen, but made in the Czech Republic. That is, a good duplicate Passat standard of its class, but still the thing is secondary, derived from the original. On the other reason, it excited about the interest: how really it is to take a new unauthorized niche of the company, a long time specializing in the production of inexpensive compact machines? The main thing is that you need to explain, Superb is not a copy of Passat at all. The car is significantly longer, and this is not achieved by a stupid stretching body due to the rear doorway, but the elongation of the whole heart. The increase in the base led to the processing of the same circular roof and doors, and most importantly, it was possible to achieve those common dimensions (including the salon), under which the line between classes D and E, on which the German analog balance was balancing, check-in. What is needed to make a larger car at a price of a lower dimension? The first thing that comes to mind will worsen the quality and cut the list of equipment. From this sad assumption and become repelled.
Externally, Superb does not fascinate and does not upset. The characteristic Skodovsky grille allows when looking strictly in the forehead to even confuse it with Octavia. But the proud Name of Superb on the trunk lid, coupled with a confirmist V6 2.8, is available explains that you are new. The first instance of this model, who arrived in Moscow for a pre-sale demonstration, the logic of things should be super-shifted. And it should be noted that everyone who took place behind the wheel immediately portrayed full bliss and pleasure. Everything has everything in the car. It is extremely convenient to fit on profiled seats with good poplite support, which is so lacking the chairs of many other machines. Salon leather with cloth, light bottom black top (matte panel does not glare in the windshield). We especially note the height of the cabin in the central part, where the ceiling is strung out the strongests of everything, one can accommodate in a high hat: the curvature of the superbov roof is the same as Passatovskaya, but no longer length, but also height. However, it is necessary to cross back, as you remember the designers not the best words, showing shapes are argued by tall saddles or pushing their heads into the shoulders, or stretching their legs. By the way, according to the internal space of Superb, the record holder between two rows of chairs so much expanser that you can accept the position or posture, which wishes.
If you return to the original position, then you note not particular details, but the overall beginning that combines the details of the interior, the highest quality of study of all elements, the minimization of slots and joints, the warm kindness of materials caressing the hand, the convenient location of all elements. Music and climate control buttons for the last fashion are put on the steering wheel, and the Baranka itself has a comfortable grip. In the dark, the eye is pleased with the mass of small sources of soft light, in the buttons and even in the handles doors in order not to miss. And the hearing delightes the excellent acoustics of the Symphony radio tape recorder, supplemented by a 6-disk changer located right on the instrument panel. Convenient box-armrest, adjustable in length, and on the angle of inclination. And the wooden panel-inserts, far from the luxury of self-gyling, truly emphasize the Valya and the solid style of the first Czech sedan of the business class over the past half century. (Tatra's rear-engine Tatra were more representative, and the pre-war Skoda Superb, published in 1934, made it with production along with the arrival of socialism in the 47th.)
Of course, the power under two hundredstore suggests a good dynamics. But Superb in acceleration is still somehow easy and rapidly, accelerating even faster than you expect from it. Clear switching boxes, a quiet, even humor humor only strengthen the confidence that you are moving the business class. The connection of the trajectory with the wheel of tram rail, and the rolls are minimal. With such strict behavior, reasonable assumptions are confirmed about a marked rigid suspension, moderately tracking small junctions of the roadbed. What pleased, so this is a waterwater, leaving the driver the opportunity to feel the angle of rotation of the wheels not only by changing the direction of movement, but also on the reverse steering reaction. What is important, braking is soft and decisive in terms of efficiency and adequacy. Pressing the pedal also exceeds all expectations. According to its technical qualities, the new Skoda causes a lot of positive emotions. The salon atmosphere in the charged version of 2.8 liters is only comparable only with expensive top models of leading firms. And some external modesty is very impressed by those who do not want (or shy) to protrude their own well-being. The main question is the price. The presented sample is threatened to sell for $ 32,000. This is more than acceptable for a solid, fully equipped sedan. And SuperB with a simple engine of 1.8 tons 150 hp And the intelligent minimum options will cost somewhere just for 20 thousand. As they say, almost for nothing. No kidding.
P.S. When the photographer with the photographer and I chose a place to shoot, I did not say that they decided that the best background than the inner territory of the Czech embassy, \u200b\u200bwe would not find. Thanks to Mr. Tomashek, we easily received permission to work in the Czech Republic. Mission staff politely asked to press. After all, being in service in Moscow, diplomats, are certainly proud of such a symbol of success, like Superb, until they had the opportunity to make sure of his advantages. And solid uncle, what is called, with a full office parade, in turn climbed into the salon and jumped out from place to place as the wigled children. The delight was not the end ...
Text Vladimir Smirnov
Photo by Alexander Nozdrin
 

Source: Cars