Manufacturers of large, sporty saloons should be unnerved by the arrival of Skoda's new Superb Estate.
Following on from the launch of the well-received Superb saloon, the new Estate (badged Combi in European markets) offers excellent comfort, generous space and distinctive design. At this price point, the car is arguably on a par with the best big estate cars that used to be synonymous with Volvo, for example.
This upper-medium segment vehicle incorporates Skoda's typical front end design. A long wheelbase and the roofline that forms a moderate arch give the vehicle well-balanced proportions, as well as an optimum combination of passenger and luggage compartment dimensions. The new Superb Estate is 4,838 mm long, 1,817 mm wide and 1,510 mm high. Luggage compartment volume is 633 litres, rising to 1,865 litres with the rear seats folded down.
For the first time ever in a Skoda car, the manufacturer offers an electrically controlled tailgate as an option. When open, the boot cover automatically moves to its middle position to open up more space for comfortable luggage handling. The vehicle's low loading edge, and the floor platform that can be moved out over the rear bumper when the tailgate is open, make loading big objects a lot easier.
Also for the first time, this all-new Skoda will be available with the KESSY system for starting, unlocking and locking the vehicle without using a conventional key. Instead, an impulse transmitter communicates with the vehicle's control unit and unlocks and locks the doors upon touching the door handle. The engine is started and switched off by pushing a button placed on the right side of the steering wheel column.
The engine portfolio of the Superb Estate is identical with that of the saloon car, that is to say three petrol units (1.4 TSI 125bhp, 1.8 TSI 160bhp and 3.6 FSI V6 360bhp) and two diesel engines (2.0 TDI PD 103 kW and 2.0 TDI CR DPF 125 kW). All of these engines are based on direct fuel injection for low fuel consumption and emission values. The latest generation of the Haldex transmission will be featured in the all wheel drive versions of the vehicle.
Optionally, the car will be available with an electrically controlled two-piece panoramic sunroof. When sunlight is too bright, it is possible to cover the glass roof with a sunblind. Another innovation is a fin-shaped roof antenna - its slim shape makes the rear part of the roofline extremely elegant. Also on the options list is a revised version of the hatchback's award-winning Park Assist system that allows the estate to parallel park in an even tighter space than before.
Since its launch in 2008 the Superb has found over 3,000 homes in the UK (up to October 2009). Worldwide, Skoda has delivered 33,434 Superbs to customers from January through to October this year - 78% more than it had sold over the same period of the previous year.
Production of the extra-versatile Skoda Superb Estate has already begun of left-hand drive vehicles, with right-hand drive production set to follow in January 2010. |
