Updated Skoda Superb arrives

SKODA Australia has launched the facelifted version of its flagship Superb large sedan and wagon range and in the process dramatically reduced the price and streamlined the range to just two variants.

The updates to the second-generation Superb – launched in 2009 – sees changes to the exterior design, cabin styling, the addition of new standard features and more fuel-efficient engines.

The biggest change, however, is the Superb’s shrunken line-up and the price reduction, with the Superb now available with two engine variants - one petrol and one diesel.

As for the line-up, the Superb range starts with the Ambition 118TSI powered by the 1.8-litre 118kW/250Nm turbo-petrol four cylinder engine from $31,990 plus on road costs.

That is a $7000 reduction when compared with the previous range-opener.

Stepping up in specification, but keeping the same engine is the Elegance 118TSI for $39,990, which is $5500 drop over the equivalent variant from the outgoing model.

The 2.0-litre 125kW/350Nm four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit is only available in the Elegance 125TDI specification, for $44,990 – a $4000 price drop compared with the previous version.

A wagon body style can be ordered in each of these specifications for a $1700 premium.

The second-generation Superb, that launched in Australia in 2009, was a number of other powertrains, including a 103kW version of the 2.0-litre diesel and a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine, while the all-wheel drive offering has also been dropped.

Skoda Australia general manager of communication Karl Gehling said the local arm of the Volkswagen Group-owned brand has streamlined the range to ensure it is tailored to the local market.

“We’ve revised the range to more reflect the demand for the vehicle, “ Mr Gehling said. “ We introduced new pricing which we think will substantially boost the appeal of the new Superb.” The Superb’s exterior has been given a minor revision, with a new grille, headlights, fog-lights, bumper, lower air-intake and bonnet at the front, while the placement of the badge has also shifted.

The design of the Skoda badge has even been given a tweak – with the lettering and colour removed to leave a simple chrome finished ‘winged arrow’.

At the rear, the Superb now has sharper, cleaner lines with new LED tail-lights that feature a more angular design.

Inside, the cabin has been refreshed with new materials and trim elements, plus a new steering wheel.

Standard features on the Ambition 118TSI entry variant include 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, tinted windows, dual-zone air conditioning, a 6.5-inch screen, Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port.

Moving up into the Elegance brings more standard features including 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats - heated front and rear, power adjustable front sets, satellite navigation, automatic parking with front sensors added, bi-Xenon headlights and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

While the drivetrains remain unchanged, work has been done to improve fuel efficiency.

Matched with a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission, the petrol engine returns 7.2 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, while the diesel engine combined with the six-speed DSG sips 5.5L/100km.

2014 Skoda Superb pricing*

Ambition 118TSI sedan (a)	$31,990
Elegance 118TSI sedan (a)	$39,990
Elegance 125 TDI sedan (a)	$44.990
Ambition 118TSI wagon (a)	$33,690
Elegance 118TSI wagon (a)	$41,690
Elegance 125 TDI wagon (a)	$46,690

*Excludes on-road costs.