New superb 300hk, V6 + 4x4

[Diesel]

Skoda is set to storm the upmarket family car sector with the all-new Superb hatchback. The new Czech flagship won't go on sale until after its public unveiling at the Geneva motor show in February 2008, but Autocar has already driven it - and you can read associate ed Hilton Holloway's impressions of it, straight from the Nevada desert, by clicking here.


Positioning the new Superb

Skoda insiders have confirmed that the new Superb – masterminded by the engineer behind the VW Phaeton - is targeted directly at the new Ford Mondeo.

Autocar can also reveal that the Czech car-maker is poised to make life hard for Volvo and the upper echelons of the estate car market when it launches a huge wagon version of the new Superb about 12 months after the hatchback.

The new Superb goes on sale in the UK in September next year. With prices likely to range between £15,000 and £23,000, Skoda is planning for a massive boost in Superb volumes compared to the outgoing model, which averaged about 20,000 sales per year. Company sources remained tight-lipped, but it’s expected the new car will see at least a 300 percent increase in production [eg, 60,000 per annum, at least].


Bigger and more versatile

The Superb is loosely based on the same architecture as the VW Passat, and is currently in its final stages of testing around the globe, including late modifications to refinement in Death Valley, California. Despite the notchback appearance, the Superb gets a new, versatile hatchback layout, making it much more competitive in the large family car sector than the old model.

According to engineering boss Dr Ekhart Scholz, the new Superb is ‘bigger in all dimensions’ than the outgoing Audi A6-based Superb. The entry-level engine is likely to be the 138bhp 1.4-litre TSI unit first seen in the Golf. 158bhp and 200bhp 1.8-litre TSI units will make up the rest of the Superb petrol range.

Diesel engines will be switching to a more refined common rail injection system, and the range-topping motors are likely to be V6 petrol and diesel units with the option of four wheel drive. Most models will be equipped with a six-speed manual box, with a DSG autobox on the options list.

A high-performance 3.6-litre V6 4x4 VRS Superb, with just shy of 300bhp, is already understood to be on test.

A new touch-screen infotainment system incorporates both a hard drive and a slot for SD memory cards, both making mass music storage remarkably simple and, probably, killing off the in-car iPod.

The Superb is also the first car in the VW Group to get the option of adjustable headlamps. The set-up uses the foglamps to illuminate the road during cornering and has swivelling main beam Xenon units that adjust the spread of light, depending on the car’s speed.


Superb-based SUV and MPV planned

Skoda’s designers and engineers are also focusing on entering new market niches, including a possible full-size MPV rival for the Ford Galaxy and a bigger SUV to compliment the 2009 Yeti, for launch after the turn of the decade.

Like the Roomster, however, these vehicles would have to be distinctively different to other VW Group offerings, and would likely use a mix of different chassis modules.

Diesel

[Diesel]

Læg mærke til udstødningen.
http://www.worldcarfans.com/6070219.002/mini2/spy-photos-new-skoda-superb
Diesel

[Diesel]

Skoda's flagship Superb model will be relaunched next September.

This is not just a refreshed model with minor modifications, though, but a whole new car, built in-house by Skoda.

The company is so proud of its work so far that it invited whatcar.com out to the final phases of hot-weather testing in Death Valley, USA, where we had exclusive access to disguised prototypes of the car.

The public won't get to see the car until the Geneva motor show in March.

Read on to find out Skoda's plans for the car and what it's like to drive.
Skoda has targeted a number of areas for improvement with the next-generation Superb.

The Czech company, part of the Volkswagen Group, also plans a more focused range aimed at stealing sales from mainstream family cars such as the Ford Mondeo.

With this in mind, Skoda has abandoned the saloon body of the current Superb and will offer the replacement as a hatchback only.

An estate, another first for the Superb, will be added later.

Buyers are promised more comfort, more space, improved quality, a more efficient engine range, lots of high-tech electrical features and a car that's better to drive.
The current Superb is little more than a last-generation VW Passat with a stretched wheelbase. This time, although the new one makes use of VW Group components, it has its own structure and suspension.

'The last car was a badge: the new one is a Skoda,' says Dr Eckhard Scholz, the man in charge of Skoda's technical development.

A lot of the car's technical details are being kept secret until the finished article appears at next March's Geneva Motor Show, but Scholz revealed that it will have 'the latest engines available in the whole VW Group'.

Skoda will introduce an adaptive lighting system, helping drivers to see around corners at night - something not even available on Volkswagens and Audis yet.
The petrol line-up is likely to start with the 120bhp version of VW's super-efficient 1.4-litre turbocharged engine.

Next will be the 160bhp 1.8 turbo recently introduced to the smaller Skoda Octavia - the engine fitted to the car we drove.

We'd also expect the VW Golf GTI's turbocharged 197bhp 2.0-litre to appear, while the range will be capped with the 3.6-litre V6 engine from the Passat R36, probably in a four-wheel-drive model.

'Let's just say that it would be unbelievable if we didn't use four-wheel drive,' says Scholz.

For diesels, Skoda will adopt the new quieter and smoother 2.0-litre engines from VW's compact off-roader, the Tiguan, available with either 138 or 168bhp.

There's also the option of the group's 2.7- and 3.0-litre V6 diesels if Skoda wants them.
The new car is bigger and roomier than the model it will replace in the UK next September, though that was hardly short of rear space.

It also has better, more supportive seats and a much higher standard of trim - apparent even on the unfinished car we drove.

High-tech features that will be available include the Tiguan's touch-screen central control display and self-parking system, tyre pressure monitors, parking sensors, sockets to plug in an MP3 player or music storage card, dual-zone climate control and leather-and-Alcantara upholstery.

Beneath the disguise, we'd expect the nose to adopt the latest corporate grille found on the Roomster and new Fabia ranges, while the hatchback rear has been shaped to make the car look like a saloon.

It promises to deliver a fine drive, too.

The steering is more precise and direct, the car changes direction better and refinement levels are excellent. Occasional road noise from poor surfaces stands out, but it's not so bad as to make you raise your voice.

The one weak point is the modest mid-range pull of the 1.8-litre engine.

Most impressive of all is the ride, improving on a fine Skoda record in this respect.

Czech roads are as bad as those in the UK, so Skoda has plenty of practice at minimising their impact on passengers. The thing about the new Superb is that it does so while being more satisfying to drive.

There will be final tests in various European countries, including the UK, before the car goes on sale.

By that time, Skoda aims to have ironed out the car's few weaknesses - occasional engine blare at certain points of the rev band, a notchy fifth-fourth gearshift and the low-quality action of some of the rotary switches.


Diesel

[Diesel]

About the new superb's headlight system:

One of the most important technical innovations is the bi-xenon headlight with the AFS function including retractable integrated headlights washer units with an automatic rain sensor and the “MAXI DOT” display. The abbreviation AFS (Adaptive Frontlight System) describes a system of adaptive front headlights. The system for controlling the front headlights makes use of the possibility of changing the geometry of the front headlights light beam and adapting the lighting in front of the vehicle to suit different driving conditions. The system works in following modes: “INTERCITY” (Headlight function in this mode is the closest to regular dipped lights. The right and the left headlights are in their basic positions. The mode is active at the following speeds: 0-15 km/h or 50-90 km/h.), “CITY” (The distribution of the vehicle’s light path is wider and shorter compared to the Intercity mode. When driving in a city, lighting footpaths and intersections are important rather than lighting objects at great distances. The left headlight is turned slightly to the left and tilted to avoid dazzling drivers in oncoming cars while lighting the entire road with adjoining footpaths. The mode is active at the following speeds: 15-50 km/h.), “HIGHWAY” (Long reach of the car’s lights and lighting the right and left lanes is important while driving on motorways. The left headlight is turned upwards and to the left and the right headlight is slightly lifted. The Intercity mode is switched over to the Highway mode gradually to ensure smooth and natural change of the light beam. The mode is active at following speeds: from 90 km/h; however, the Highway mode is the most effective at speeds higher than 110 km/h.) and “RAIN” (This function is designed for driving in poor visibility, for example in rain or heavy snowfall. The light path is wide and shorter than in the Intercity mode. The right headlight is dipped downwards and the left headlight is dipped to the left and downwards. This is to reduce the risk of dazzling drivers in oncoming vehicles with light reflected from a wet road. Activation of this mode depends on the vehicle’s travelling speed and is conditional on activating wipers for more than 2 minutes. For safety reasons, this mode is limited by speeds from 20 to 70 km/h to ensure sufficient reach of vehicle’s lights when travelling at higher speeds. The mode is deactivated automatically when the speed limit is exceeded or when wipers are inactive for more than 8 minutes).

This highly advanced system is supplemented by a rotating headlight function, cornering lights and the dynamic regulation of the headlight beam angle height. The combination of all of these functions has resulted in a well-designed system that adapts dynamically to the prevailing lighting conditions on the road, thus increasing driving safety - the driver can react more quickly to hindrances when these are better illuminated. AFS is paired exclusively with high-intensity discharge bi-xenon lamps which provide both the dipped and high beam functions. The driver can deactivate the system when required and use the standard dipped headlight and high beam function.
__________________

Diesel

[Diesel]

It’s no secret – Skoda’s all-new flagship is nearly out of the bag! Auto Express has gained exclusive access to this prototype version of the Superb, which the Czech company hopes will give Ford’s Mondeo some tough competition when it hits the road in 10 months’ time.

We caught up with the car in Death Valley, California. But, unlike our spy photographers, we weren’t miles away behind a long lens. We were behind the wheel!

Building on the strengths of the current Superb, the new model will offer buyers even more passenger space, technology and equipment, Skoda says, plus a sharper driving experience and a new engine range.

While its predecessor never really stood out from the crowd, and although our test prototype wore a disguise, we already know that the next Superb is going to have a bold, new look. Our spy shots in Issue 949 showed that under the cover lies a distinctive face, with the chrome grille first seen on the firm’s Roomster MPV. Classy swept-back headlights and a raised bonnet with neat, chiselled edges add to the appeal.

With a relatively tall ride height and significant overhangs, the styling still isn’t quite as dynamic or youthful as that of rivals, but the car is set to be more practical. The saloon has been replaced by a hatchback – and an estate is coming, both of which are firsts for the Superb range.

We couldn’t open the boot on the prototype, but it should offer class-leading luggage space. Being based on a stretched version of the latest Volkswagen Passat’s platform, it’s even longer than the new Mondeo.

So there is more rear seat space than before, and two six-footers fit in with leg and headroom to spare. Add supportive seats and a handy fold-down centre armrest with neat cup*holders, and it’s every bit as good as VW’s luxurious Phaeton to travel in. The cabin builds on the firm’s themes of simplicity and quality with a clean layout featuring a touchscreen centre console. The stereo is iPod compatible, and there’s a hard drive to store music.

Another first for Skoda – and indeed the whole VW Group – is the adaptive headlight system, which varies the range and direction of the beam according to the car’s speed and steering angle. It works incredibly well, and with neat interior illumination of the door handles and centre console, there’s a real quality feel to the car after dark.


Although our test model was a well used prototype, early impres*sions from behind the wheel are excellent. The ride is comfortable, and the suspension soaks up minor bumps and undulations with ease.

It’s not sporty like a Mondeo or Mazda 6 – the steering is precise but lacks feel, while the body control is not as taut. Yet, for a big car, the Superb handles well. More importantly, it cushions and cossets occupants better than many luxury vehicles costing twice as much. It’s very refined, too, even at speed.

The petrol engine line-up will comprise five VW-sourced units inclu*ding an entry-level 120bhp 1.4-litre TSI super-turbo, a 158bhp 1.8 turbo, a 200bhp 2.0 turbo and a flagship 3.6-litre V6 with VW’s Haldex four-wheel drive. Diesel options include 140bhp and 170bhp 2.0 common-rail turbos and a 2.7-litre V6 TDI.

Our prototype was fitted with the 158bhp 1.8 unit and while it’s quiet and coped well with the Superb’s size, it’s no firebreather and lacks torque. Clearly, the diesels are going to be the powerplants to go for.

Skoda has high hopes for the next Superb, expecting UK sales to leap from 3,000 a year to 4,500, and we see no reason to doubt that. The new model offers luxury car-style comfort, space and equipment at a fraction of the cost. Based on the evidence of our drive, it deserves to do very well.

Rival: Ford Mondeo 2.0
As our current Car of the Year and the reigning class leader, Ford’s latest Mondeo has the Skoda beaten when it comes to the driving experience. However, if you’re looking for large family transport with acres of rear legroom and a comprehensive equipment list, the Superb is a strong contender. The bargain price tag makes it even more attractive.


Diesel

[Peter W]

Læg mærke til udstødningen.
http://www.worldcarfans.com/6070219.002/mini2/spy-photos-new-skoda-superb
Diesel

Det ligner da en Octavia og ikke en Superb?

Mvh

PW

[Diesel]

men det er indmaden i motorrummet, samt undervogn man har ville teste, læg mærke til det extra stykke man har sat imellem dørene, det er fordi, undervogen tilhøre den kommen superb, og man ikke ville afsløre designet på den nye superb, billedet er et par år gammel, men det der er det vigtigtes på dette billede er at man allerede for et par år siden var igang med at teste nye motor og undervogn.
Diesel

[Per Bech-Willumsen]

ja, det er der i grunden ikke noget specielt i, selvfølgelig tester man basiskomponenterne først, men kamufleret.
Jeg tilsneg mig at se en tegning på fabrikken, af en 7 trins DSG, og der konkluderede vi så at det måtte være pga V6 med en hel del kræfter.

Vi blev ret hurtigt fulgt væk fra tegnebordet og der blev dækket til, det lå godt nok frit fremme inde på fabrikkens specialværksted, men det er jo heller ikke alle og enhver der bliver lukket derind.

[Diesel]

Hej
Hvordan kan du sige sådan et drømmejob op og starte hos vw:rolleyes:
Diesel

[Per Bech-Willumsen]

Der er skisme mange rigtig gooooode grunde til at sige op, men ganske få grunde til at blive,,,,derfor!!