09:29PM - 21.02.'15
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News Source: autoblog.com
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Volkswagen's Czech subsidiary Škoda has a wide range of models that never make the transatlantic voyage to American showrooms, and what you see here is the latest – and the largest – of them all. It's the new Superb, and following leaked photos, it's had its official debut at the Forum Karlínin auditorium in Prague. Now entering its third iteration, the new Škoda Superb is built on the VW group's MQB architecture – the same platform that underpins the smaller Octavia as well as the Seat Leon, Audi TT and A3, Volkswagen Golf and (most poignantly) the latest Euro-market Passat. Only the Superb is bigger than any of them: although compete measurements have yet to be released, the wheelbase on the new Škoda flagship stretches more than three inches longer than its predecessor (but with less overhang) to bring it closer to the size of the Audi A6 while maximizing the space between the axles. That amounts to a more spacious and accommodating cabin than anything in its class. Škoda has imbued the new Superb with over six inches more rear-seat legroom, along with more elbow- and headroom front and rear. Around back there's an electric tailgate that opens to 22 cubit feet of cargo space, with rear seatbacks that can be folded down from the trunk to open up more space, along with a front passenger seat that folds down as well. Škoda crows that its new Superb incorporates 29 of what it terms as "Simply Clever" innovations, 23 of them new to the model and 10 of them new to the brand altogether. The list includes a mechanically retractable tow hitch and umbrellas stashed in the doors, just like on a Rolls-Royce – only far more accessible. It also packs all the latest safety and convenience features you'd expect from the newest product from one of the largest groups in the industry. European buyers will have a staggering choice between eight engine options, including five gasoline engines ranging from 125 horsepower up to 280 and diesels from 120 hp to 190. They're all mated to dual-clutch transmissions and four of them are available with all-wheel drive. With all those features and clean styling derived from the VisionC concept showcased last year, the new Superb ought to help Škoda sell even more of its flagship model than the 700,000 it has sold to date since the original's introduction in 2001. |
