New Škoda Superb Estate to deliver more space, technology and efficiency
Škoda has released further details of its all-new Superb Estate due later this year, complete with a longer-range plug-in hybrid and new technology.
Arriving alongside the new Mk4 hatchback version, the estate also gains more space and comfort, while delivering enhanced safety and connectivity features.
Underpinned by VWG’s MQB Evo platform and built alongside the new Passat estate, the new-generation Superb is longer and higher than before, giving extra headroom in the rear. Luggage space for the estate version now starts sat 690 litres – 30 litres more than before – and rises to 1,920 litres.
Design changes deliver a new bolder look that includes a latest grille design and LED Matrix beam headlights featuring the brand’s hallmark crystalline elements, which also adorn the newly slimmed-down LED tail-lights.
It’s also the most aerodynamic Škoda Estate car ever, thanks to ‘fine-tuning’ that delivers a more steeply raked windscreen and streamlined roofline, an elongated roof spoiler with side finlets and redesigned exterior mirrors. The result is a drag coefficient lowered by 15% to cd 0.25.
Engine line-up spans six powertrains and includes a new-generation plug-in hybrid, also seen in the Passat and Tiguan. Solely available in the Superb estate, the PHEV delivers 204hp 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 battery can be charged from 10 to 80% in roughly 2.5 hours, with a maximum charging rate of up to 11 kW at domestic wallboxes and AC charging points. For DC charging, the maximum charging rate is up to 50kW, giving a 10-80% recharge in around 25 minutes. The PHEV’s fuel tank for the petrol engine has a capacity of 45 litres.
The new-gen Superb Estate also gains its first mild hybrid engine in the form of the 150hp 1.5-litre TSI, while the rest of the engine line-up is made up of a 2.0-litre petrol with either 205 or 265hp and two diesels, with 150hp and 193hp to choose from. All models come with DSG and all‑wheel drive is standard on the top diesel and petrol models. The improved DCC Plus adaptive chassis control now provides extra comfort and enhanced driving dynamics.
The interior features new sustainable materials that include eco-friendly tanned leather and textiles made of recycled materials. It also comes with the brand’s ‘Design Selections’ as part of a new range structure.
Reworked ergonomics deliver a new ‘tidy’ centre console, with the gear selector lever moved to the steering column, plus a free-standing 13-inch infotainment display and head-up display, available for the first time in the Superb. Škoda Smart Dials and the Laura voice assistant control vehicle and infotainment functions will be complemented by the debut of the ChatGPT AI-based chatbot, as per the Volkswagen Group announcement at CES 2024.
New arrivals also include wireless fast-charging and simultaneous ventilating of a smartphone, as well as ‘back-friendly’ Ergo seats with 10 pneumatically controlled massage cushions.
Škoda has also grown the list of Simply Clever features, adding an electrically operated load cover, marking a first for the brand, and also throwing in a display cleaner in the Jumbo Box tray and a sliding rear centre armrest. Classics such as the ice scraper and the umbrella in the driver’s door are now made of sustainable materials. Up to 28 intelligent features are available in total.
The latest estate also delivers new assistance systems, debuting turn assist, crossroad assist and collision avoidance assist functions as part of the enhanced front assist, while the travel assist, side assist and trailer assist have all been significantly enhanced.
New Park Assist technology means the Superb Estate can park automatically in perpendicular and parallel parking spaces. The function now controls not just the steering but the speed as well. The vehicle also stops on its own if the system recognises an obstacle. Further functions will be added at a later date.
The Škoda Superb gained its first estate in Mk2 guise in 2009 and it’s proved a highly popular part of the line-up. For the third-gen model, the 2016 estate accounted for 54% of the 860,000 vehicles produced.
Prices and full equipment details will be announced closer to launch.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.
