Skoda Superb test drive since 2008 -

It’s good to be yourself

Many companies follow the principle of several fishing rods more fish, but Volkswagen apparently adhered to this thesis more diligent than others. As a result, the mass of identical machines with different emblems
 
The Skoda brand for a long time was considered only a cheap more or less reliable copy of VW. Almost all the models produced under this brand are based on some popular Volkswagen modification. A lot of fishing rods, of course, is great, but it is desirable that each of them be with its own bait. In other words, you cannot deprive the brand of individual features. In VW they noticed a miscalculation late, but it is better than ever. As a result, the Roomster car unique for the corporation, which played the role of the locomotive in updating the image of the Czech brand. The second link in the chain was the Superb of a new model. Previously, it was only a fifth-generation passsat, now a unique product in its own way, which concentrated many interesting qualities. We offer the attention of readers a detailed description of the details of such a remarkable model.
 
General impressions
The appearance of the Czech car is completely deprived of swiftness: Cooling with something. The displeased face, the salon, which seemed to be swollen and is about to explode, the trunk, as if Superb’s Renault Clio Symbol is at least strange. Nevertheless, it is quite solid, in general, the role of the flagship of the brand is quite suitable. Although the first Superb, frankly, was still prettier.
 
The salon no longer causes conflicting feelings: it looks elegant, as if borrowed from one of the Audi models, moreover, it is made very high quality, from solid materials, has worthy ergonomics. But the biggest plus is volume: there are so many rooms that basketball players will conveniently place one after another!
 
The accelerated dynamics is good even with the base engine, not to mention the top V6. And the suspension settings are optimal: the car is steaming, and with driving comfort everything is in order (the chassis is not tiring with excess movements or tough blows).
 
Choosing a body
Formally, Superb buyers have no choice: the model is sold in one single version. However, there is really an alternative to the owners of the Czech car: remember the motto of the hatchback, combined with the appearance of the sedan, under which the first Octavia came out at one time? So, in the latest Superb this formula was finalized: a large Skoda can be either a sedan (not otherwise an expression of care about the image of customers), or a practical hatchback. And all thanks to the cunning structure of the fifth door.
 
Sources of movement
The base engine with a working volume of 1.8 liters develops 160 liters. With. (The minimum cost of a machine with such a motor is 959 thousand rubles). It can work in a pair with both mechanics and a DSG robotic box. In addition, in addition to versions with the front -wheel drive, there are cars with all the leading wheels (surcharge for this transmission of 100 thousand rubles). In any configuration, Superb accelerates to hundreds of about 8.5 s, the maximum speed is 220 km/h. Fuel consumption is quite moderate: 10.4 liters in the city and 6 liters on the highway.
 
The top power unit is much more powerful than the base: with a volume of 3.6 liters, it produces 260 liters. With. and increases the cost of Superb to 1,699 thousand rubles. Even with all -wheel drive (cars with such a motor are only with all leading wheels) acceleration to hundreds is 6.5 s, and the maximum speed reaches 250 km/h. Gasoline will have to be filled more often than with a 1.8 liter turbo engine: in the city, the car consumes 14.3 liters, on the highway 7.5.
 
Basic levels of equipment
The basic configuration is called Ambition (the minimum price of the machine in this design is 949 thousand rubles). I must say, the equipment is by no means poor: it includes active head restraints, electric mirrors with heating and automatic folding function, an electric package (locks + glass), front chairs with heating, a radio with support for mp3 format, fog lights that can look into a turn, The rain sensor, a two -zone climatic installation, as well as many small secretaries intended for trifles.
 
You can purchase a car in the Elegance configuration, either by paying 80 thousand rubles, or by buying a version with V6. In addition to the database, the client receives adaptive headlights with gas discharge lamps, cruise control, heating the rear seats, parking sensors, an electric drive of the front seats with memory, as well as a steering wheel with the buttons of control of the audio system.
 
Additives?
The car performed by Ambition can be accompanied by almost all the options that Elegance differs from it. Is it just worth it? Indeed, for some adaptive headlights you will have to pay almost 38 thousand rubles. (Despite the fact that for a richer set, the surcharge is 80 thousand).
 
Even for Superb Elegance, despite a very thorough set of standard equipment, many additional options have been prepared. For example, inflatable curtains and a knee pillow, as well as side pillows for rear passengers. In addition, the upholstery of leather or alcantara seats, which will cost almost 60 thousand rubles. Automatically obscured intra -axial rear -view mirror costs two with a small thousand, the lateral mirrors with the same function of 4090 rubles. The supplement for the hatch is due to whether the solar panels are mounted in it or not, and amounts to 34,790 to 47,590 rubles. Among other useful pre-equipment, we note the improved audio system (15,690 rubles), as well as navigation (from 63,600 to 101,100 rubles, depending on the presence of a TV tuner).
 
COMPETITION
 
Toyota Camry
This is the main player on the Russian auto market business class. The combination of high comfort, rich equipment and moderate prices made Camry one of the most attractive offers in the segment. What is upset about in Toyota is, or rather, its absence: a slightly pale machine.
 
Volkswagen Passat
A close relative of Skoda, both cars have a lot in common, including the same engines. Passat is much more elegant Superb, and in addition, a little cheaper due to the Russian assembly. But Skoda is more solid, spacious, moreover, it is equipped with a unique two -part rear door that her fellow with the VW emblem cannot boast.
 
Nissan Teana
Teana, like Superb, belongs to the second echelon of a business class, whose representatives compensate for a slightly less impressive status with more spacious salons. Like Camry and Superb, Teana has two power units: medium and powerful enough.

 
   
 

 

Source: Magazine Cars and prices July 27, 2009.