Škoda has unveiled its all-new Superb hatchback and estate, revealing advances in space, design, technology and powertrains for its flagship ICE model.

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First launched in 2001 – reviving the original Superb’s nameplate – and now in its fourth generation, the new arrival builds on the Superb’s strengths, including the latest use of the brand’s Modern Solid design language. This incorporates a new sculptured look and more steeply raked windscreen for greater aerodynamics and brighter new-generation LED Matrix beam headlights.

It’s built on a revamped version of the VW Group’s MQB Evo platform, also being used for the new Tiguan and mechanically identical VW Passat. This is longer and higher than before, giving an extra 20 litres of boot capacity for the hatch (to 645 litres) and up by 30 litres for the estate (to 690 litres). The estate’s total boot capacity with rear seats folded down stands at 1,920 litres.

The interior also uses a new and more intuitive concept, featuring a free-standing 13-inch infotainment screen for top models or 10-inch for lower grades, and new Škoda Smart Dials combining haptic and digital features to give quick and intuitive access to numerous vehicle and infotainment functions. The gear selector lever has moved to the steering column, freeing up space in the centre console. A 10-inch Virtual Cockpit comes as standard, while an optional head-up display is available for the first time on the Superb. And a permanent internet connection enables numerous online features.

Design also makes use of latest eco materials, including textiles made of 100% sustainable materials, while the latest Superb adopts the new range structure with Design Selections. First introduced with the Enyaq, this offers themed option packs as well as individual options. New features include a Phone Box with inductive 15-watt fast charging and simultaneous smartphone cooling, as well as claimed back-friendly Ergo seats with 10 pneumatically controlled massage cushions.

The Superb also comes with 28 of the brand’s ‘Simply Clever features, including an electrically operated load cover for the Estate. All variants come with alloy wheels as standard, ranging from the silver 17-inch rims to optional 19-inch wheels.

Engine line-up has been made over and includes three petrol engines. These start with a 150hp 1.5-litre 48V mild hybrid – a first for the model – and a 2.0-litre with either 205 or 265hp. The range also includes not one but two diesels, with 150hp and 193hp to choose from. All-wheel drive is included as standard for the top versions.

As with its VW Passat sibling, the Superb also includes a latest-generation plug-in hybrid, available solely with the estate and delivering 204hp plus with an all-electric range of more than 62 miles (100km) on the WLTP cycle, thanks to a larger 25.7kWh battery. It’s front-wheel drive and married up with a six-speed DSG.

The Superb PHEV can be charged at up to 11kW at domestic wallboxes and AC charging points, giving a zero to 100% charge in 2.5 hours. Charging at public DC fast charging stations can take just 25 minutes to replenish the battery from 10 to 80%, thanks to a maximum charging rate of 50kW. The Superb will also support Plug & Charge in the future.

All powertrains come with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission as standard while a new DCC Plus generation of Dynamic Chassis Control is an option, offering faster responses and a wider range of suspension settings.

New assistance systems also debut, including turn assist, crossroad assist, emergency steering assist and exit warning, while previous systems – such as travel assist, side assist and front assist – have been significantly improved. In the event of an accident, Crew Protect Assist and up to ten airbags keep occupants safe.

The new intelligent park assist can automatically park the Superb in end-on and parallel parking spaces. It now also controls the vehicle’s speed in addition to the steering, and stops automatically if the system detects an obstacle, including at the rear thanks to new automated emergency braking, which adds images from the improved rear-view camera to better detect pedestrians and children.

Prices are expected to be announced at the end of this year ahead of deliveries from around mid-2024.