The fourth-generation Skoda Superb will be larger but sleeker than the current model
- Fourth-generation Skoda Superb will arrive in 2023
- Petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains
- Larger than current model
The new Skoda Superb is set to arrive later in 2023, and the Czech firm has just released its latest teaser images for the car in hatchback and estate forms. The new car will sit on an evolution of the same platform as the current one, but with a substantial redesign and wider range of mild and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
The new Superb will be longer than the current car, bringing even more space to the car’s already cavernous interior, and widening the gap between it and the smaller Octavia in the lineup. Despite its improved practicality and redesign, the new Superb looks to retain a similar silhouette to the outgoing hatchback and estate models.
Skoda will not be releasing a fully electric version of the upcoming Superb. Instead, Skoda is intending to stick with the combustion engine – likely for the last time – fitting the Superb with its newest and most fuel-efficient range of diesel and mild-hybrid petrol engines. Although a plug-in hybrid is likely to become an attractive option for company car buyers and those with short daily commutes.
2023 Skoda Superb: design and dimensions
Overall, we’d expect the new Superb’s design to take an evolutionary step forwards, albeit taking cues from the brand’s more recent models, such as thinner headlights utilising the latest LED technology, and a wider octagonal grille. Spy shots also suggest a generous rear overhang for the upcoming Superb to maximise boot space, plus a sharper crease along its sides. Skoda’s teaser image also confirms a C-shaped rear light signature similar to that of the latest Fabia.
Underpinning the new Skoda Superb will be a refreshed version of the MQB chassis that the current model is built on, named MQB Evo. Some mild changes in the way the car rides and handles will likely be noticeable, but more importantly, it will allow for extra space inside.
Powertrains
For the first time, the upcoming Skoda Superb will be offered with a mild-hybrid powertrain. This will consist of a 1.5-litre electrically-assisted TSI petrol engine with 148bhp. Further petrol-powered engines will include a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit with two power outputs: 204bhp and 265bhp. Diesel options will still make an appearance in the upcoming Superb in the form of two 2.0-litre engines with either 148bhp or 192bhp.
The new car’s plug-in hybrid system will get a 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine with a 26kWh battery (twice the size of that of the outgoing PHEV) and an electric motor, for a combined system output of 204bhp, available on the Estate version only. The electric range for the new car is upped to over 62 miles, versus the outgoing car’s 44 miles. The PHEV will especially suit company-car drivers, thanks to their low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rating.
Interior and technology
A substantial redesign of the Superb’s interior is expected, heavily influenced by the interiors of the latest all-electric Skoda range. Other recent Volkswagen Group interiors have come under criticism in recent times due to the implementation of hard-to-use touch-sensitive controls, but former Skoda CEO Thomas Schafer (now CEO of Volkswagen) has hinted that the Superb may use a mix of traditional controls and the same 13-inch touchscreen as seen in the Skoda Enyaq iV.
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“We’ll see some elements from Enyaq iV, but we need to do more of the traditional controls, not only playing with the biggest display in the industry, but also having elements that make sense for our brand. If there’s one brand that should be functional, clear and easy to use, it’s us.”
Previous announcements confirming that software will be shared across brands in the VW Group, mean the interface will likely operate similarly to the latest Volkswagen Golf. The software will still have some unique features to individual brands, including different graphics, and owners can expect an increased number of connected services along with over-the-air software updates.
Skoda Superb estate prototype review – Alastair Crooks
We were given an exclusive chance to drive a late-stage prototype of the upcoming Skoda Superb in estate form, still heavily adorned in camouflage to keep the final design a surprise. The interior was also covered in plastic awaiting a full reveal, but we can share that critics of the virtual-control-laden interiors of Volkswagen Group cars of late will be pleased to find plenty of traditional physical controls dotted about the cabin.
There’s also a new 12.9-inch central touchscreen, and the car’s gear selector will sit on the steering column instead of on the centre console, increasing space in this area. Speaking of practicality, the upcoming Superb Estate’s boot has now increased in size from the outgoing car’s 660 litres to a massive 690 litres.
On the road, the new Superb doesn’t feel like it’s reinventing the wheel too much – that’s mostly a good thing though, with the brand keen to keep the familiarity of the old car. Our test mule was fitted with a 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine with a DSG automatic gearbox, and it felt pretty polished – that’s to be expected though given it’s much the same as the powertrain used in the outgoing car.
If we were to criticise it for anything, the throttle could be a little more responsive – other than that the gearbox felt smooth and refined enough, and despite having just 148bhp in such a big car, this engine felt well suited to the Superb Estate.
The new car rides well and tackles bumps in the road smoothly and yet doesn’t feel wallowy. It remained controlled through the corners despite its size – if anything, we couldn’t help thinking Skoda could have made the suspension even softer and more comfortable without negatively impacting the handling too much. The steering felt well weighted, although it didn’t offer much in the way of feedback when we took the car on the motorway – this is likely something that will be improved by the time the production model arrives.
Skoda Super Estate prototype verdict
The new Skoda Superb is shaping up to be a success, and thanks to its extra practicality and new mild-hybrid powertrains, we expect it to be more versatile. The current car costs from £32,295, and we’d expect a price increase over this for the new model – if Skoda can keep the Superb Estate’s pricing under that of the upcoming Volkswagen Passat, it will be an impressive contender.
Keyword: New 2023 Skoda Superb design, details and prototype review