Skoda Superb takes shape

SKODA has announced more information about its upcoming third-generation flagship Superb large car, revealing a possible Australian debut in 2016.

Built on Volkswagen Group's MQB platform – already underpinning the current Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf hatchbacks as well as the Skoda Octavia and new-gen Volkswagen Passat – Skoda says the new Superb will offer more space, both for occupants and storage, as well as improvements to comfort, safety, performance and economy.

The reworked Superb will also previews Skoda's future design language, with the Czech car-maker promising “new proportions, space, innovative technology, driving dynamics and build quality” for the car.

Skoda CEO Professor Winfried Vahland said he expects the new Superb to be a success and believes it is the best-built Skoda ever.

“This latest generation of our flagship will appeal to new groups of customers in the business and private sector,” he said.

“The qualities of the Superb emphasize the brand's values and points to the future of Skoda.”

Speaking to GoAuto, Skoda Australia general manager of communications Karl Gehling confirmed that the local release of the next-generation Superb would not be for some time.

“We won't see them until 2016,” he said.

Mr Gehling also said that it was too early to comment on pricing and specification of the new model.

A facelifted version of the second-generation Superb arrived in local Skoda dealerships in July this year, with mild styling tweaks, updated powertrains and a streamlined variant line-up.

Local sales of the Superb are slowing, with Skoda selling 335 vehicles to the end of November this year, down 20.6 per cent over the same period last year.

However, Skoda’s overall sales are up this year, with 3523 units shifted year to date, up 6.3 per cent from the previous years 3314.

After recently completing final testing in Southern Europe, Skoda will unveil its new Superb in mid-February during an event in Prague, ahead of its public debut at the 2015 Geneva motor show in early March.

This will be followed by a roll-out across select markets starting from mid-2015.