New Skoda Superb Wagon

Following last year’s successful launch of the five-door Superb Sedan, Škoda premiered the long-awaited Superb Wagon at the IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt. The Czech carmaker is keen for this large car, delivering exceptional space and comfort, to re-define benchmarks in the segment.

The unique design with the typical Škoda “face”, the expressive rear section and the dynamic silhouette help the new Superb Wagon stand out clearly from market competitors.

The car commands respect not just because of its practical qualities, but also on account of its style and elegance. The generous wheelbase and the roof-line forming a gentle arc ensure that the car has well-balanced proportions which provide the perfect space for passengers and luggage alike.

The new Superb Wagon is 4,838mm long, 1,817mm wide, and 1,462mm high. Including the roof rails, delivered as standard and available either anodized or black, the car’s height rises to 1,510mm. The outstanding loading capacity is bigger than anything seen yet in the segment: the luggage compartment holds 633 litres, expanding to a cavernous 1,865 litres when the rear seats are folded down. The width of the tailgate is large enough to accommodate bulky items. The low loading sill, a mere 600mm above the ground, makes handling baggage easy.

The wealth of interior equipment and fittings in Superb Wagon match its predecessor. And numerous smart details have been added.

The entire Superb Wagon range comes standard with the innovative Park Assist parallel parking system which includes front parking sensors. It also is the first time it has been possible to option a Škoda vehicle with the KESSY keyless locking and start system. A transmitter in the body of the key communicates with the control unit in the car and unlocks the doors when the handles are touched. The car can also be locked without using a key or remote control central locking by touching a button on the external handle. The engine can be started and turned off with a button located on the right-hand side of the steering wheel column. To start the engine, the driver first has to press the brake pedal.

Another interesting feature of the new Superb Wagon is the optional electrically-operated tailgate. This is delivered with an automatic retractable luggage compartment cover. When the tailgate is opened, the cover automatically rolls back to the middle position so that there is more room to handle the luggage. Another clever option in the luggage compartment is the extendable boot floor, which can extend over the rear bumper when the tailgate is open to make moving larger items around much easier. Aluminium strips and hooks in the luggage compartment offer the perfect luggage restraint system, reliably preventing baggage from sliding around when the vehicle is in motion.

The concept of luggage compartment lighting integrated into the tailgate is another innovation. It illuminates not only the boot, but the whole area around the car’s rear section. Another lamp, this time removable, is located on the left side of the luggage compartment. It is battery-powered and when removed from its holder (which doubles up as a charger) it can be used as an economical LED flashlight in the dark. A magnet is built into the lamp so it can simply be placed on the car bod– a useful touch, for example, when fixing a puncture.

During the day, the optional electrically-operated, two-piece panoramic sunroof creates a light, airy atmosphere. If the sunshine becomes too dazzling, a protective blind can be drawn across the glass roof. The glass itself blocks heat, letting in only 10%. Another new feature is the roof-mounted shark fin aerial which elegantly rounds off the roof-line.

Various audio and navigation systems are available to cater to discerning customers’ different needs and wishes. The vehicle’s data network integrates to a radio with CD/MP3 player and offers a wide range of user-friendly support functions. Satellite navigation (standard in Elegance) is the touchscreen ‘Columbus’ system with voice control and integrated 30GB hard disk - 20GB for Audio and 10GB for navigation - enabling the driver to operate all functions intuitively. Other audio technology includes a high-quality sound system with powerful speakers, an Aux-In socket, a 6-disc CD changer and an optional MDI (Media Device Interface) in the front armrest to connect external storage media.

The new Superb Wagon, like the Superb Sedan, comes standard with hill hold control, while the Superb Wagon Elegance 4x4 comes fitted with the fourth-generation Haldex multi-disc clutch all-wheel drive system, which provides a variable torque split to achieve the best possible traction and excellent stability on any surface.

The Superb Wagon’s range of engines is the same as that for the Superb Sedan. There is a choice of two petrol and one diesel engines, all with direct fuel injection and low consumption and emissions.

The 125 TDI diesel engine generates power of 125kW and is offered with the six-gear direct shift gearbox (DSG). The maximum torque is 350Nm at 1,750 to 2,500rpm. A diesel particulate filter is fitted as standard.

The successful direct fuel injection campaign is also continuing with the petrol engines. The 118TSI, offers power of 118kW and maximum torque of 250Nm at 1,500-4,500 rpm.

The Superb Wagon’s top petrol engine is the 191FSI, with power of 191kW and maximum torque of 350Nm at 2,500 to 5,000rpm. The 191FSI engine is matched with an automatic six-gear DSG and all-wheel drive. The control unit of the fourth-generation Haldex clutch facilitates variable torque split, guaranteeing safe and reliable driving on any surface.

In many respects, the chassis of the new Superb Wagon is based on the chassis of the Superb Sedan. However, some modifications have been made to the Wagon’s chassis configuration to accommodate the higher payload and higher gross weight. The rear axle housing is attached to the body with anti-vibration dampers. This detachment prevents tyre noise and subtle vibrations from being transmitted to the body, where they would cause unwanted noise in the interior.
As in the Superb, the MacPherson-type front axle with triangular control arms is mounted in aluminium casing. This enhances the kinematics and reduces the axle weight. In the chassis suspension design, the emphasis was on creating a balanced relationship between agility and comfort.

The suspension copes well with uneven road surfaces; body roll in bends is largely suppressed by the wide track and careful configuration of each part of the chassis. As in the Superb Sedan, the driving dynamics are enhanced by electromechanical steering. The car’s pleasantly high-ratio steering gear and track-holding ability do not distort the feel of the road and traction conditions.

To sample the the Superb or any of the Skoda range, visit the newest Sydney Skoda dealer in Blacktown.