These ideas might become easier to understand using a metaphor. Those who are interested in chemistry know that the visible color of an object is the result of how does it reflect light. Therefore, it’ll depend on both the object and the light to which it’s exposed. Now, imagine that you are in a room with light of a certain color, and you’re given a palette with many colors of paint. If you had to name them, the results would certainly vary according to the color of the light. Nevertheless, you’d always be able to notice there were differences between each of them. Having all that in mind, it’s time to get out of the metaphor: the paints would be car categories, like hatchback or sedan. Škoda, in turn, would be the light of the room.
Škoda’s rationality makes it offer a station wagon at each of its price ranges, rather than a crossover. And the only crossover it does offer, Yeti, comes from the same project of the multivan Roomster, because it prefers to cut costs over investing in killer designs. Its hatchbacks do offer sporty versions, but they only feature visual updates, instead of all the expensive changes required to become a “hot hatch”. When it comes to light-off-road versions, their main addition is all-wheel-drive, rather than flashy style accessories. And all its sedans use a liftback (when the trunk lid is opened along with the rear windshield), so as to improve trunk access. But none of those traits stops Škoda from offering from superminis like Citigo to something as sophisticated as this article’s car.
While pretty much any other vehicle of its category struggles to look fancy and trendy, Superb’s concerns are much more objective. Škoda’s current design language made it look more conservative than ever, with strong creases and rectangular shapes, but one can find these elegant just as easily. Besides, this is the kind of style which takes a long time to look outdated. It’s interesting to notice how well Škoda handles the contrast between traditional and modern elements: items such as thestrong, horizontal creases and the company’s signature front grille are perfectly paired to the panoramic sunroof (which doesn’t reach the back seats) and the LED lights. The latter are one of VW Group’s latest must-haves, and account for the entire lighting at the back and part of it up front.
Superb’s interior is even less surprising, but when we consider Škoda’s standards, this means it’s even better. The MQB platform enabled extra 28 mm in length, 47 mm in width, and 80 mm in wheelbase. Part of the extra room was dedicated to the passengers, and another part to what was already a huge trunk: the aforementioned full-height trunk lid now gives access to 625 liters – if it manages not to impress you, the renewed station wagon is expected to offer an even bigger room, in a couple of months. Although there isn’t much official information yet, you can expect Volkswagen’s latest infotainment systems, which include digital radio and increased connectivity. As if this wasn’t awesome enough, the new vehicle is claimed to be 75 kg lighter than its predecessor.
Despite most Superbs are sold with diesel engines, Škoda will insist on offering a gasoline-burner duo: those who don’t care that much about frugality can choose a 148-hp 1.4, which can have half of its four cylinders deactivated when not needed, or the vehicle’s fastest option: a 276-hp 2.0 combined to all-wheel-drive and dual-clutch, seven-speed DSG transmission. If you still prefer the TDI range, the 1.6 is good for 118 hp, and the 2.0 can deliver 148 or 187 hp. Both use six-speed manual as standard and DSG as optional. Once again, trim levels will be S, SE, SE L, the upscale Laurin & Klement, and the ecologic Greenline. And, as a final touch of Škoda’s practical “light”, the umbrella in the front door is now offered in both sides.