Since not everyone is fascinated by SUVs, Skoda is delivering a new generation of Superb. Better yet, the Czech automaker retains both body styles as the large family car will continue in liftback and wagon variants. We can’t say the same about the mechanically related Volkswagen Passat as the new generation will only be offered with a longer roof. Ahead of its November debut, Mladá Boleslav’s flagship has revealed its technical specifications.
Showcasing evolutionary styling instead of adopting Skoda’s new Modern Solid design language, the 2024 Superb will measure 4912mm in the standard model and 4902mm in the wagon. Compared to the previous model, these figures represent an increase of 43 mm and 40 mm respectively. Interestingly, both variants will be 15 mm narrower, namely 1849 mm. The height is increased by 12 mm for the liftback to 1481 mm while the wagon is increased by 5 mm to 1482 mm. The wheelbase remains unchanged, at 2841 mm.
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Because Skoda needs to be very practical, the next-gen Superb will offer a cargo capacity of 645 liters for the regular body model and 690 liters for the wagon. These figures are up by 20 and 30 liters respectively. Unsurprisingly, the Combi variant offers the same volume behind the rear seats as the Skoda-developed Passat. Headroom for the driver and front passenger as well as the two rear passengers sitting on the outside seats has also increased by a few millimeters.
As far as the engines are concerned, we should start by mentioning that everything will work with the seven-speed DSG, except for the plug-in hybrid as the electrified variant will use the six-speed DSG. The entry-level Superb has front-wheel drive and is a 1.5 TSI mild hybrid with 148 hp (110 kW). This was followed by the 2.0 TSI with 201 hp (150 kW) in FWD and 261 hp (195 kW) in AWD. The top fuel engine suffers from a drop in power compared to the previous generation model, possibly because it had to be changed to meet increasingly stringent emission regulations in EU countries.
On the diesel side, the base 2.0 TDI has 148 hp (110 kW) and FWD while the more powerful one has 190 hp (142 kW) and AWD. As for the plug-in hybrid, the Superb iV only comes as a wagon and uses a 1.5 TSI with electric motors to produce a combined 201 hp (150 kW). The PHEV battery pack has been enlarged from 12.7 kWh to 25.7 kWh and should be capable of traveling more than 62 miles (100 kilometers) on electric power alone. Maximum AC charging has been increased from 3.6 to 11 kW while DC charging is possible up to 50 kW. Skoda will install a 45 liter gas tank on PHEV models.
A total of 28 Simply Clever items will be offered in the new Superb, including electrically operated roller blinds for carts. We expected to see a split rear door glass opening similar to BMW’s Tourings, but sadly that’s not the case. Another new feature is the rear center armrest with a built-in tablet holder. The Skoda also has dual pockets on the back of the front seats, plus an integrated funnel in the windshield washer fluid reservoir cap. And yes, there will be an umbrella in the driver’s door, though not quite as luxurious as the one on Rolls-Royce.
Skoda isn’t quite ready to show the car’s interior just yet, but we do know the gear selector has been repositioned onto the steering wheel column, freeing up space between the front seats. The new infotainment will measure up to 12.9 inches, and luckily, it won’t integrate all the functions as there are still some of what Skoda calls “manual controls”. A new center console that is “very clean and clear” has been developed.
You can order the car with as many as 10 airbags, including a driver’s side knee airbag and a central airbag. The revamped Superb will be the first Skoda to offer Curve Assistant and Intersection Assistant. Additionally, the upgraded front radar will be able to detect cyclists whereas the previous version only offered predictive pedestrian protection. An overhauled Top View function will feature four cameras to produce 360-degree views in higher resolution than before.
Production of the Superb will be moved from Kvasiny (Czech Republic) to Bratislava (Slovakia) where it will share an assembly line with the 2024 VW Passat Variant. We can safely assume this will be the last generation to offer the combustion engine given the 2035 EU sales ban on new cars that generate harmful emissions.
