Skoda Superb: Nip And Tuck

Skoda’s flagship Superb gets a much deserved nip and tuck but can you notice it. Yes though without any drastic changes so even though it doesn’t make a statement per say but it gets the job done. This plain Jane looking luxury car have always been perceived as Jack of all trades but master of none. FHM finds out if the new Superb can turn the tide and be a game changer.

With a pronounced bonnet, new Skoda logo and a big butterfly grille, the Superb’s presence, no doubt, has grown leaps and bounds but the downside is if you see it from a distance one can confuse it for the Octavia. Car makers will justify this by saying that it is all making customers identify the company’s conceptualised design style. I guess it’s all about perception. What we really loved were the new C-shaped LEDs integrated into the reworked headlamps which can get bi-xenon lights. With everyone trying to imitate Audi and going overboard with day time lights, Skoda decided to go the classy way and keep it subtle yet make an impression. Coming to the rear, there are significant tweaks which are inspired Audi. May it be the new tail lamps or the more edgy boot with spoiler.

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Move to the rear and the tweaks are a little more significant. You’ll immediately notice the new part-LED tail-lamps that seem to have borrowed cues from the Audi school of design. The rear bumper, spoiler and boot lid have all been tweaked to look more angular and the number plate has now been moved to the boot lid from the bumper. The boot lid also has the revised Skoda badge, and the ‘Superb’ badge, which uses the new company typeface, has now moved from the centre to the bottom right of the lid. While this new rear end is neat and modern looking, it’s no longer as unique and immediately identifiable as before. The 10-spoke alloy wheels do a decent job in stepping up Superb’s premium image.

Step inside and it is virtually impossible to point any flaws. The Czech manufacturer didn’t leave any stone unturned when it comes to comfort. The seats are big and supportive while rear legroom has always been the best in the class and it continues to be. Even 6 and half feet long person can’t complain about lack of space or feeling cramped. The dual tone cabin gives it a rich feel and the polish wooden panel on the dash is simply avant garde. The new and improved Bolero music system lets you feel the bass thump while the surround sound is top notch. The entertainment system gets a touch screen which is responsive and makes the functions simpler.

We got to drive the diesel variant and with 140bhp under hood, the Superb never gasped for more ponies. But the secret to flawless power in rush hour traffic conditions or on highway is the seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox which adapts according to your needs. It never once felt strained or pushed. This is truly a smooth operator. The Superb is no dainty darling when it comes to potholes and ditches. The suspension set is perfect as it carpets all these and provides a comfortable ride.

The Superb is a practical luxury car with acres of cabin space, boot space, state of the art features, premium fit and finish. Though it may not look special, it more than makes up in every other department making it a superb buy.

From the May 2014 issue of FHM India.