Skoda Superb test drive since 2008 -

The validity of the claims

The top model of the Skoda Superb line car with a long, in some way problematic fate. Once upon a time, the very first Superb was considered a cool limousine. However, its current problem is that these times are remembered only by some exhibits of historical museums. But they do not know how to speak.
 
The second problem is in a modern relative of the predecessor. And not only dusty representatives of history are already well aware of it, but also, for example, in the Motor magazine. After all, this car was on our long test, and in two months we managed to study it well. The car inherited the strengths from the previous VW Passat, and the main weak consisted in the zero, in fact, image. And the record margin of space for the rear passengers was not able to solve it. Why did I call these facts problems? Because the new Superb wants to seem like a status car. And past (forgotten) successes and merits of the predecessor are bad assistants in this undertaking.
Here everything should be started from scratch. What was done in Skoda. The segment of cars close to the business class, even relatively affordable, the club is in some ways closed, and getting there is not easy at once. Therefore, the first modern generation of Superb has long been mistaken on the approaches to the club, and did not get inside. A positive moment of the existence of this car can be considered the resurrection of the historical name after almost 70 years of oblivion. Now it is heard, and the follower, subject to known requirements, may well become successful.
Superb was developed with special care and zeal. The car was carried like a child who will love with all their hearts and which they have great hopes. Super Bi, as we are called among the people of the Czech flagship, will lead a string of younger models for several years. The reputation and image of the entire company depend on how he looks and behave, to a large extent depends. The test machine possessed only one strangeness of a manual gearbox. Moreover, if the equipment is easier, the manual transmission would be just right here. Timur Aliyev from the Russian representative office revealed to us the reason for illogicality.
This car from the first parties did not have to choose, they took the one that was. The machine (DSG) adds to the cost of about 50,000 rubles. We are all familiar with his work for a long time, so I personally only rejoiced at the presence of mechanics. This is a chance and comprehensively check the running qualities. The first impression of the meeting in reality is incomparable with what the old Superb once made. A good appearance turned out to be power, dignity. The car is elegant, the gaze of spectacular front headlights is fulfilled by dignity and even meaning. The leader as is! From contemplation of Superb you get aesthetic pleasure. This is a verified, very European design. He does not scream, does not try to let dust in the eyes. Balance of shape and content.
If you seal the Skoda emblem on the steering hub and put inside the one who never sat in Superb, he is unlikely to give a reasonable answer to the question of which car of the vast arsenal of the VW concern? What class belongs to? There is no damp, perfect fitting details and assembly. As if the car has been on the conveyor for far from the first year. Yes, the materials are excellent. Even the hard ones look solid. The high cost of the interior is added by Alcantara, decoration with wood and chrome, as well as color monitor with excellent graphics. So is it Audi or Volkswagen? No, dear, this is Skoda. When you sit behind the wheel, which is optimistically decorated with a hill, there is no doubt in the class belonging of the segment D. For this they say the width of the salon and the front panel. But when the driver slams the back door slammed after you, as if you are not even transferred to business, but to the representative class! A bunch of places, comfort and excellent sound insulation. Even the foot stands are on the floor
But the stands did not help me, and having sat a little longer and looking around, I realized that the representative class was still far away. In addition to air ducts and information display in the end of the central tunnel, there are no amenities. Even the temperature cannot be adjusted. So behind is definitely a class D, but, already traditionally for Skoda, a significantly improved layout. It is extremely spacious. And if you shift even further to the trunk? Yes, yes, everyone is familiar with the trump card Superb the fifth miracle door, thanks to which the machine can disguise him under the hatch or sedan. This is another proof of the interclass essence of the car. More practical or more solid? As you wish.
There is no unequivocal answer to the question of which segment to attribute Superb an affordable business or a more familiar D is not. He is there and here. Therefore, the list of competitors can be very wide, but we would stop at the next Toyota Camry, Nissan Teana, Nissan Teana. Ford Mondeo. In this company, Superb looks appropriate. And how is he traveling compared to competitors? Of course, there is nothing more objective than a comparative test, but after the weekend driving this machine for myself, I concluded that in its inter -class niche it is the most controlled. Rides in German. The genotype of the Ferdinand unification is blossomed with violent color. Superb is similar simultaneously to Audi, VW and Seat. And this is his strong side. I don't want to find fault. Yes, and nothing. Unless to excessive elasticity of the suspension, three indicated competitors go more smoothly. But this does not mean that the Superb has obvious discomfort in Superb. There is still a lot on the driver.
 
And sitting at the wheel only rejoices. The 1.8-horsepower engine is enough, the switching is clear, the rolls are minimum, and the steering wheel with an electric power is extremely informative. When you put the car on the trajectory in a quick turn, it passes it without squeaking rubber, cool tuning! The responsiveness is such that at the wheel of Superb you feel, as if in a class below model. But what kind of class D or C is? However, for me, the issue of Superb is not the main one. It was worried first of all whether Skoda was able to? The answer is received. The new Superb is a real leader and flagship, a solid car. For the driver and for the passenger. The only thing that may interfere with him now unformed public opinion. But wait. It seems to me that the issue will be resolved in favor of the Czech model. After all, the opinion is formed by positive facts, of which Superb has plenty of Superb.
 
Nikolai Ilyin

   
 

Source: Motor magazine [November 2008]