Czech flagship buoyed by hype
Sydney Morning Herald
Friday July 24, 2009
The new Skoda Superb luxury car is praiseworthy, but don't take its name too literally. Skoda has come a long way since it was the butt of many '80s jokes, such as: What do you call a Skoda with a sunroof? A skip-bin.The Czech brand has flourished since Volkswagen tucked it under its wing in the '90s and continues to outperform its parent in customer satisfaction and quality surveys.It is slowly gaining traction in Australia after relaunching in 2007, a task not helped by the lack of a volume model (the Octavia is more mid-size sedan, despite being based on the Golf).Skoda's new-generation flagship, the hubristically titled Superb, won't solve that issue (about 30 sales a month anticipated) but it does hope to make a statement for the brand, as well as being considered a value-packed alternative for Australians looking for a large luxury car.WHAT DO YOU GET?The Superb defies Skoda's budget-brand status under Volkswagen's umbrella by starting at $42,990, the same price point as the VW Passat, with which it shares much of its underpinnings. The Czech sedan, though, gives you more features and more metal (it's slightly longer at 4.8m) for the money.Standard features on all models include dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, foglights, six-CD audio, multi-function trip computer, cruise control, heated front seats and rain-sensing wipers.And on days when the latter feature is needed, the Superb copies a neat touch from the Rolls-Royce Phantom with an umbrella holder (with Skoda-branded brolly, naturally) incorporated into the rear-left passenger's door.Switching the trim level from Ambition to our test car's $45,990 Elegance model brings features such as 17-inch alloys, a more powerful audio with 10 speakers, heated rear seats, electrically adjustable front seats and bi-xenon headlights.HOW SAFE?Independent organisation NCAP awarded the Superb the maximum five stars. Safety features include seven airbags and stability control.WHAT'S INSIDE?The Superb's party trick is two-way access to the rear luggage compartment. Skoda's so-called TwinDoor can be opened either like a conventional boot or (by pressing two buttons, rather than one) like a tailgate, complete with glass rear window. It's not as gimmicky as it sounds BMW has developed a near-identical system for its 5-Series GT though it's the liftback option that allows you to truly appreciate the cavernous load area.But it's likely you'll be more amazed by the vast rear legroom, accessed by wide rear doors.Skoda has used the extra wheelbase length over the VW Passat to create a limousine-like vacuum between the front seatbacks and rear bench.There's ample seat comfort up front, too, in a cabin that, perhaps inevitably, feels, looks and even smells VW-esque. There's a familiarity to the (excellent) ergonomics, the feel and look of materials, while the climate control and (optional) colour multimedia screen are borrowed from new VWs such as the Golf Mk6. There are still plenty of Skoda nuances, however, including bespoke instrument-dial fonts, dashes of corporate green, as well as the Czechs' execution of the design which, for the record, outclasses the sister Passat. Storage options, however, are surprisingly limited.UNDER THE BONNETIf you're skipping the mid-range (front-drive diesel) and range-topping (all-wheel-drive V6) models for the entry-level option, your engine is a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 118kW of power and 250Nm of torque.The smooth, free-revving engine has proved a cracker in other VW Group products such as the Audi A4 and Skoda's Octavia, yet disappoints in the heavier flagship Skoda.Whereas the Octavia's mid-range delivers a strong uppercut, the luxury sedan's torque delivery feels more like a light jab. Turbo lag also spoils the Superb's flow.The hesitant and jerky seven-speed dual-clutch auto further hampers efforts to drive the Superb smoothly, though once on the move shifts are quick and seamless in trademark dual-clutch auto fashion. Official fuel use of 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres is frugal for such a big car, though the 1.8-litre turbo has the most expensive taste (98 premium).ON THE ROADThe Superb's sizeable dimensions are well disguised on windy roads: it handles adeptly without setting your pulse racing. Body roll is controlled sufficiently to keep the Skoda flat through corners and the steering is accurate and linear, if short on feel.Its suspension, however, is less competent at preventing lumpy roads from penetrating seat bases.While the Superb's ride quality isn't harsh, there are persistent niggles as occupants are made aware of every surface imperfection.Tyre roar intrudes on coarse-chip bitumen, though elsewhere the Superb's noise refinement matches its luxury tag.VERDICTSkoda continues to cut a distinctive path in the VW Group, and the Superb is another quirky-looking model that seems content on being the left-field choice in its segment. While a fidgety ride and flawed entry-level drivetrain mean the Superb joins the likes of the Honda Legend and Hyundai Grandeur as cars that don't live up to their name, the Czech car is worth a look for those considering an affordable luxury car. And, to be fair, the name Skoda Good just doesn't have the same ring to it.Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI ElegancePrice $45,990*Country of origin Czech Republic.Engine 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder.Power 118kW at 4500-6200rpm.Torque 250Nm at 1500-4500rpm.Consumption and CO2 emissions 8.4L/100km and 200g/km (98 RON recommended).Transmission 7-speed twin-clutch automated gearbox.Weight 1611kg.Safety 7 airbags, stability control.Pros Limo-like rear accommodation, huge boot, innovative tailgate design, smart and comfortable cabin, competent road handling.Cons Fidgety ride, engine-gearbox performance blighted by weight, not priced below VW Passat as in Europe, odd styling.Our score 3/5THE COMPETITORSHonda Accord VTi LuxuryPrice $36,424*.Engine 2.4-litre 4-cylinder (133kW, 222Nm).Fuel use/CO2 emissions 8.8L/100km and 209g/km.Safety 6 airbags, stability control, not yet crash tested.For Spacious and comfortable, good value, economical, quiet.Against Engine has plenty of weight to overcome, dull steering.Our score 4/5VW Passat 147 TSIPrice $49,119*.Engine 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder (147kW, 280Nm).Fuel use/CO2 emissions 8.7L/100km and 207g/km.Safety 8 airbags, stability control, 5-star NCAP rating.For Perky performance; driving manners; roomy, upmarket cabin; sharp value.Against Some cheap cabin detailing, seats lack support, lifeless steering.Our score 3/5Nissan Maxima 350 TiPrice $50,000*.Engine 3.5-litre V6 (185kW, 326Nm).Fuel use/CO2 emissions 10.2L/100km and 242g/km.Safety 6-airbags, stability control, reverse-view camera, parking sensors, not yet crash rated.For Robust but relaxed driving experience, quite comfortable, well-appointed cabin.Against Big turning circle, outward visibility obscured by thick pillars.Our score 3/5* Prices are from a Sydney dealer. Star ratings are out of five. See drive.com.au/competitors
© 2009 Sydney Morning Herald
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